Why Coloring Books Are a Profitable Business

Did you know that the global adult coloring book market was valued at more than $1.5 billion in 2024? Discover why starting a profitable coloring book business is an opportunity you shouldn’t miss and how you can take advantage of this growing trend.

The explosion of the coloring book market

What began as a niche trend in 2015 has become a multi-billion dollar global industry. According to updated data from Grand View Research (2024), the global coloring book market was valued at more than $3.2 billion in 2023, with projected sustained growth of approximately 9.8% annually until 2028.

This phenomenon is no coincidence. Several factors have converged to create the perfect storm:

• Search for digital disconnection activities: In a hyperconnected world, coloring offers a tactile and relaxing experience.
• Increased interest in mindfulness practices: Coloring has positioned itself as an accessible form of meditation.
• Changes in post-pandemic consumption habits: Greater interest in home activities and mental wellness.
• Ease of digital publishing and distribution: Platforms like Amazon KDP have democratized publishing.

“The digital coloring book market has grown 156% in the last two years, with more than 250,000 new monthly global searches on Google” – Digital Market Study, 2024

Psychological benefits driving demand

These scientifically proven benefits create a strong foundation for a profitable coloring book business. Consumers experience real results, leading to repeat purchases and recommendations that continuously expand the market potential.

Scientific studies supporting this:

• Measurable stress reduction: A study from the University of Otago (2022) showed that 20 minutes of coloring reduces cortisol levels (stress hormone) by an average of 27%.
• Effects similar to meditation: Harvard University researchers found similar brain activity between people who color and those who practice mindfulness meditation.
• Improved sleep: A study published in the Journal of Sleep Research linked coloring activity before bedtime with a 34% improvement in sleep quality.
• Documented therapeutic benefits: More than 80% of surveyed therapists report recommending coloring books as part of anxiety treatments.

These benefits create a virtuous cycle: consumers experience positive results, which generates repurchases and recommendations, constantly expanding the market.

The rise of digital coloring books

The evolution toward digital has revolutionized this market, creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs:

• On-demand production: No physical inventory or high initial costs.
• Instant global distribution: Immediate access to international markets.
• Superior margins: Up to 70% profit margin vs. 30–40% in traditional physical format.
• Low barriers to entry: No editorial knowledge or printing contracts required.

Sales statistics on platforms like Amazon KDP show that coloring books consistently appear among the most profitable low-content product categories, with search volumes exceeding 250,000 monthly queries in the United States alone.

Five profitable niches with growing demand

Based on trend analysis and updated search volumes for 2024–2025, we present the niches that currently show the greatest potential:

1. Coloring books with positive affirmations: Combine coloring with motivational phrases, uniting two wellness trends.
   • Popular keywords: “coloring books with affirmations”, “positive mindset coloring”
   • Search volume: 20,000–25,000 monthly globally according to SEMrush (2024)
2. Mandalas with progressive complexity: Series of mandalas that increase in difficulty, creating value for repeat purchases.
   • Popular keywords: “mandala coloring book for adults”, “advanced mandala patterns”
   • Search volume: 85,000–100,000 monthly according to Google Keyword Planner (2024)
3. Themed books by professions: Specific designs for stressful professions (nurses, teachers, etc.)
   • Popular keywords: “nurse coloring book”, “teacher stress relief coloring”
   • Search volume: More than 30,000 monthly combining all professions according to Publisher Rocket
4. Educational coloring books for children: Combine learning with fun.
   • Popular keywords: “educational coloring books”, “learning while coloring”
   • Search volume: 75,000–90,000 monthly according to Ahrefs data
5. Seasonal coloring books: Focused on specific holidays and seasons.
   • Popular keywords: “halloween coloring book”, “christmas coloring pages”
   • Search volume: Varies by season, reaching peaks of 120,000–150,000 monthly

It’s important to highlight that these are just 5 examples of more than 200 identifiable niches and sub-niches in the coloring book market.

According to recent Book Industry Study Group analysis, there are at least 50 main categories with significant commercial potential, each with multiple sub-niches and specialties.

A critical advantage of this market is its visual and universal nature: unlike other editorial products, coloring books transcend language barriers. The same design can be marketed in multiple markets without the need for translation, greatly expanding the potential global audience.

“The universal visual format of coloring books represents a unique opportunity for global reach without the typical entry barriers associated with text-based products.” – Digital Publishing Trends Report, 2024

How to start your coloring book business without being a designer

Starting a profitable coloring book business no longer requires artistic skills. With AI tools like Color In AI, entrepreneurs can now generate professional designs, create complete books quickly, and customize content to specific niches—all with minimal technical knowledge.

The AI revolution in content creation: With tools like Color In AI, now anyone can:

• Generate professional designs: Without technical knowledge or drawing skills.
• Create complete books quickly: Reducing production time from weeks to hours.
• Customize to specific niches: Adapting content to particular audiences.
• Test concepts with minimal investment: Validating ideas before scaling.

The simplified process means you can go from idea to publication in approximately 48 hours, unlike the traditional process that could take months.

Success stories

María L. – From teacher to digital entrepreneur

María, an elementary school teacher, began creating educational coloring books using AI. In her first month, she generated $350 in passive sales. Six months later, her monthly income exceeded $2,800 with a collection of 12 different books.

“I never thought I could create something that looked so professional. My design knowledge was non-existent, but with AI help I was able to transform my educational ideas into real products that now generate income while I sleep.”

Carlos R. – Side hustle that surpassed his main salary

Carlos, a marketing professional, dedicated 5 hours weekly to creating and publishing themed coloring books. After 8 months, his catalog of 25 books consistently generated between $3,500–$4,200 monthly, exceeding his income from his traditional job.

“The fascinating thing about this business is the scalability. Each new book adds to my portfolio of products that generate passive income, and thanks to AI, I can create new titles in a fraction of the time it would take me to make them manually.”

Why start your profitable coloring book business now?

The coloring book market combines three key factors for a successful business:

• Sustained demand based on real benefits
• Increasingly lower entry barriers thanks to technology
• High profit margins and passive income potential.

The convergence of the popularity of coloring books with new AI technologies has created an extraordinary window of opportunity for entrepreneurs who want to enter this market.

With tools like Color In AI, you can overcome technical limitations and focus on niche strategy and marketing, positioning yourself to capitalize on this growing trend.

Want to start your own coloring book business? Try Color In AI for free and create your first design in minutes.