Sharing & Gig Economy, Freelance Workers & On-Demand Delivery Market Research

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Sharing & Gig Economy, Freelance Workers & On-Demand Delivery OVERVIEW

The sharing and gig economy has grown into a major global industry, reshaping how services are delivered, how people work and how consumers access goods.  Enabled primarily by smartphones, cloud computing and digital platforms, the sector connects consumers directly with individuals who provide services such as transportation, food delivery, accommodation rentals and freelance work.  By 2025, the global sharing economy is estimated to reach $551.3 billion, reflecting its rapid expansion and influence across multiple industries.
1.    The expansion of gig and freelance work. Digital platforms such as Uber, Instacart and TaskRabbit have dramatically increased the number of people participating in short-term, contract-based work arrangements.  Many gig workers view themselves as independent entrepreneurs, choosing their schedules and often working across multiple platforms simultaneously.  The scale of this shift is significant: in the United States alone, the number of independent workers reached an estimated 72.9 million in 2025, including full-time, part-time and occasional workers.
2.    The rise of on-demand delivery and service platforms. Consumers increasingly expect fast, convenient access to goods and services delivered directly to their homes.  Grocery delivery services such as Instacart and Amazon Fresh, restaurant delivery platforms including DoorDash, Grubhub and Uber Eats, and personal service marketplaces like TaskRabbit illustrate how digital platforms can instantly connect demand with available workers.  Restaurants and retailers increasingly rely on these platforms to reach customers, although the commissions charged, often 15% to 30% per order, can significantly impact margins.
3.    The disruption of traditional industries.  Ride-hailing services such as Uber, Lyft and China’s Didi have significantly disrupted the taxi industry by allowing customers to request rides through smartphone apps, track their driver in real time and pay electronically.  Similarly, platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo have transformed the hospitality industry by enabling homeowners to rent rooms or entire properties directly to travelers, dramatically expanding accommodation options worldwide. 
4.    Autonomous vehicles and automation.  Ride-hailing companies and technology firms are investing heavily in self-driving technology, with billions of dollars dedicated to research and development.  Autonomous “robotaxis” could eventually reduce transportation costs significantly by eliminating the need for human drivers, potentially transforming the economics of ridesharing and on-demand transportation. 
5.    Regulatory and labor challenges.  Governments and courts around the world are debating whether gig workers should be classified as independent contractors or employees.  Some jurisdictions have introduced new protections for gig workers, including minimum pay guarantees, healthcare subsidies and limits on working hours.  These legal developments could reshape the business models of major gig platforms in the years ahead.
6.    The future of the sharing and gig economy.  These include expanding smartphone adoption, improved wireless networks such as 5G, ongoing venture capital investment and an aging workforce seeking flexible employment opportunities.  At the same time, consumers’ desire for convenience, speed and cost efficiency will continue to drive demand for on-demand services and digital platforms that connect workers with customers. 
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A complete market research report, including forecasts and market estimates, technologies analysis and developments at innovative firms within the Sharing & Gig Economy, Freelance Workers & On-Demand Delivery Industry. Gain vital insights that can help shape strategy for business development, product development and investments.

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  • Business trends analysis
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  • Technology trends analysis
  • Forecasts
  • Spending, investment, and consumption discussions
  • In-depth industry statistics and metrics
  • Industry employment numbers

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Profiles of industry-leading companies

  • U.S. and Global Firms
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  • Statistical Tables

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  • How is the industry evolving?
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This feature-rich report covers competitive intelligence, market research and business analysis—everything you need to know about the Sharing & Gig Economy, Freelance Workers & On-Demand Delivery Industry.

Plunkett Research Provides Unique Analysis of the Following Major Trends Affecting the Sharing & Gig Economy, Freelance Workers & On-Demand Delivery Industry

  1. Major Trends Shaping the Sharing & Gig Economy Industry

  2. Introduction to the Sharing & Gig Economy Industry

  3. The Sharing & Gig Economy’s Effect on Employment, Work Life and Careers

  4. Gig Workers’/Drivers’ Rights & Employment Status Evolve

  5. Repairs, Errand-Running, Pet Walking and Assembly-on-Demand Businesses Evolve

  6. Sharing Economy Gains Market Share in Travel with Online Sites Like Airbnb, Vrbo and Many Global Competitors

  7. Private Jet Sharing and Rentals Are Big Business/Semi-Private Airlines Compete

  8. Uber, Lyft and Didi Dominate the Car on Demand (Ride Hailing) Industry

  9. Self-Driving, Autonomous Cars Receive Massive Investments in Research and Development Worldwide

  10. Bicycle Sharing Is Well Established in Major Cities

  11. Demand for Home Grocery Delivery Service Such as Instacart and Amazon Fresh Soars

  12. Meal Kits from Firms like Blue Apron Make It Easy to Prepare Home-Cooked Meals

  13. Grubhub, DoorDash Deliver Restaurant Meals

  14. Fashion Rental Pioneered by Online Apparel Firm Rent the Runway

  15. Shared Spaces for Co-Living and Co-Working Face Challenges

  16. Gig Economy and Self-Driving Cars Pose Insurance Challenges and Underwriting Opportunities

  17. The Future of the Sharing Economy and Gig Workforce: Regulation, Benefits, Licensing and Soaring Growth

Plunkett Research Provides In-Depth Tables for the Following Sharing & Gig Economy Industry Statistics

  1. Sharing and Gig Economy Industry Statistics and Market Size Overview

  2. Global Digital, Network, Computer & Telecom Industries--Key Statistics & Market Size Overview

  3. Persons Not in the Labor Force and Multiple Jobholders by Sex, U.S.: 2025-2026

  4. Share of U.S. Adults Performing Gig Work: 2024

  5. Share of U.S. Adults Performing Gig Work by Demographic Characteristics: 2024

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This industry onlyPublication date: Mar 2026
ISBN-13: 978-1-64788-594-6
ISBN-13: 978-1-64788-102-3
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