Learning Management System Market Expected to Grow $10.5 Billion in Next 5 Years

The learning management system market is expected to grow from $5.22 billion in 2016 to $15.72 billion by 2021, according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets, an India-based market research firm. That increase represents a compound annual growth rate of 24.7 percent.

Some of the major driving factors for the growing LMS market are increasing adoption of digital learning among corporate organizations and academic institutions, as well as the bring your own device (BYOD) trend. Furthermore, the market is expected to be driven by new opportunities, such as the growing use of wearable e-learning devices and emerging technologies like gamification and virtual reality.

Learner management is expected to contribute the highest to the overall revenue generation of the market during the forecast period. Learner management includes keeping track of the learner’s usage of training materials, managing course access for learners, creating reports, managing course properties and other tasks, according to MarketsandMarkets.

The telecom and IT industries are expected to show significant growth in terms of LMS adoption, since these sectors have greater need to train employees as technological changes occur.

Also, the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is expected to witness significant growth in LMS adoption, owing to demand for cost effective and improved learning experiences. As many organizations have tight learning budgets, they prefer a technology-enabled learning approach, which is a cost-effective way of offering training and resources, the firm said.

Blackboard, Cornerstone OnDemand, Xerox, IBM, NetDimensions, SAP SE Saba Software, McGraw-Hill Companies, Pearson and D2L are identified as leaders in the LMS market, MarketsandMarkets said.

About the Author

Richard Chang is associate editor of THE Journal. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • laptop with AI symbol on screen

    Google Launches Lightweight Gemma 3n, Expanding Emphasis on Edge AI

    Google DeepMind has officially launched Gemma 3n, the latest version of its lightweight generative AI model designed specifically for mobile and edge devices — a move that reinforces the company's focus on on-device computing.

  • The AI Show

    Register for Free to Attend the World's Greatest Show for All Things AI in EDU

    The AI Show @ ASU+GSV, held April 5–7, 2025, at the San Diego Convention Center, is a free event designed to help educators, students, and parents navigate AI's role in education. Featuring hands-on workshops, AI-powered networking, live demos from 125+ EdTech exhibitors, and keynote speakers like Colin Kaepernick and Stevie Van Zandt, the event offers practical insights into AI-driven teaching, learning, and career opportunities. Attendees will gain actionable strategies to integrate AI into classrooms while exploring innovations that promote equity, accessibility, and student success.

  • abstract pattern of cybersecurity, ai and cloud imagery

    Report Identifies Malicious Use of AI in Cloud-Based Cyber Threats

    A recent report from OpenAI identifies the misuse of artificial intelligence in cybercrime, social engineering, and influence operations, particularly those targeting or operating through cloud infrastructure. In "Disrupting Malicious Uses of AI: June 2025," the company outlines how threat actors are weaponizing large language models for malicious ends — and how OpenAI is pushing back.

  • laptop on a desk with its screen displaying numerous colorful educational app icons

    Survey Finds Majority of Schools Using 10 to 15 Educational Apps

    A new report points to the fragmented digital landscape of educational apps in use at schools and districts across the country.