Gig Economy Companies – Etsy, Uber, Airbnb, Freelancer, Airtasker, Doordash, Lyft, Upwork, Instacart, Vrbo, Fiverr, Beijing Xiaoju Keji Co., Ltd are the Key Players

The gig economy refers to a labor market characterized by short-term contracts, freelance work, and temporary jobs instead of permanent positions. This flexible work arrangement has surged in popularity in recent years, driven by the rise of digital platforms that connect individuals and businesses across various sectors. In 2025, the global gig economy market is valued at approximately USD 468,000 million, reflecting an impressive growth trajectory fueled by increased digital transformation, remote work opportunities, and a growing preference for freelance jobs across the world.

The gig economy continues to reshape the global workforce, with key sectors including transportation, freelancing, hospitality, and food delivery. As of 2025, the market is expected to continue its upward trajectory, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.01% during the forecast period, reaching an estimated value of USD 919,000 million by 2028.

What is the Gig Economy?

The gig economy is driven by digital platforms that allow individuals to offer services on a short-term basis. Major industries under the gig economy umbrella include ride-sharing, freelancing, food delivery, and hospitality. According to recent reports, around 36% of the U.S. workforce participated in some form of gig work in 2024, reflecting the growing appeal of freelance and contract work. The increasing use of technology, along with shifting attitudes toward traditional employment, has made the gig economy a mainstay in global labor markets.

Worldwide, the gig economy has expanded by over 45% in the past five years. It is now seen as a vital component of economies, especially in countries like the U.S., India, Brazil, and China. As digital platforms like Uber, Fiverr, and Airbnb continue to grow, so does the number of people opting for gig work. The flexibility it offers, along with the increasing ability to work remotely, has contributed significantly to this growth.

USA Growing Gig Economy Market

The gig economy in the United States has seen exponential growth. In 2025, approximately 36% of the U.S. workforce is engaged in some form of gig work, whether through ride-sharing, freelancing, or short-term contract jobs. The gig economy in the U.S. was valued at USD 418,542.7 million in 2022 and is expected to continue expanding at a CAGR of 14.01%, reaching approximately USD 919,000 million by 2028. A significant factor behind this growth is the increasing demand for on-demand services, such as transportation and food delivery, driven by platforms like Uber, DoorDash, and Lyft.

In 2025, the share of gig workers in non-transportation sectors like freelancing has grown by 25%, with platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer seeing significant increases in freelance job postings and opportunities. Freelancing platforms have especially seen a surge in demand from industries like technology, marketing, and design.

Regional Insights in the Gig Economy Market

North America

North America remains the dominant region in the global gig economy, accounting for about 40% of the total market share in 2025. The United States, in particular, has seen remarkable growth, with platforms like Uber, Lyft, and Doordash continuing to lead the way in transportation and food delivery services. The number of gig workers in North America is expected to grow by 20% over the next few years, driven by continued demand for on-demand services and remote work opportunities.

The gig economy in Canada is also seeing a rise, with approximately 22% of the workforce participating in freelance work in 2025. The region’s gig economy is valued at over USD 130 billion in 2025, and platforms like Fiverr and Upwork are gaining traction as more individuals embrace freelance work in creative, tech, and service industries.

Europe

Europe is witnessing steady growth in its gig economy market, valued at around 25% of the global market in 2025. The European gig economy was valued at USD 104 billion in 2024, with countries like the United Kingdom, Germany, and France seeing the most significant growth in gig workers. The demand for services such as ride-sharing and home rentals continues to rise, particularly in cities like London and Paris.

The gig economy in Europe also benefits from favorable labor regulations that allow flexibility in contract work. In fact, gig workers in Europe account for nearly 10 million people, a number that is expected to continue growing as platforms like Airbnb, Uber, and Fiverr expand their operations.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific is one of the fastest-growing regions for the gig economy, contributing to 28% of the global market in 2025. In countries like India, China, and Southeast Asia, the gig economy is thriving, with millions of individuals engaging in freelance work or gig-based services. China’s gig economy, driven by platforms like Didi Chuxing (Beijing Xiaoju Keji Co., Ltd.), has grown at a rapid pace, with ride-hailing and food delivery services dominating the sector.

India’s gig economy is seeing an upward trajectory, with 28% year-on-year growth in freelance work in the tech and creative sectors. India is expected to become a major hub for freelance talent, contributing an additional USD 50 billion to the global gig economy by 2028.

Latin America

Latin America has witnessed a 22% growth in the gig economy, with countries like Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina becoming key players. Freelancing platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer are gaining popularity, especially among workers in digital marketing, IT services, and writing. The gig economy in Latin America is valued at USD 45 billion in 2025, with Argentina seeing a 20% increase in gig workers in 2024 alone.

Global Growth Insights unveils the top List Global Gig Economy Companies:

1. Etsy
• Headquarters: United States
• Overview: Etsy, the marketplace for handmade goods and crafts, remains one of the leading platforms for gig economy workers. Etsy allows millions of independent creators to monetize their skills and reach global markets.

2024 Update: Etsy reported a 15% increase in revenue in 2023, with over 90 million active buyers globally. The platform continues to expand its offerings, focusing on sustainable products and international sellers.

1. Uber
• Headquarters: United States
• Overview: Uber is one of the largest platforms in the gig economy, providing on-demand ride-sharing and delivery services worldwide.

2024 Update: In 2023, Uber’s ride-sharing service expanded to over 700 cities worldwide. With the increasing demand for Uber Eats, Uber has seen a 10% growth in its overall revenue and a 5% increase in active drivers globally.

1. Airbnb
• Headquarters: United States
• Overview: Airbnb has become a leader in the short-term rental market, allowing homeowners and renters to monetize their property.

2024 Update: Airbnb’s revenue saw a 25% increase in 2023. It currently operates in over 100,000 cities and has expanded its presence in emerging markets like Southeast Asia and Latin America.

1. Freelancer
• Headquarters: Australia
• Overview: Freelancer is a leading platform for freelancers in various industries, including web development, graphic design, and writing.

2024 Update: Freelancer saw a 12% increase in revenue in 2023, with more than 50 million users across the globe. The platform continues to focus on expanding its reach into emerging markets.

1. Airtasker
• Headquarters: Australia
• Overview: Airtasker connects people with local service providers for various tasks, from cleaning to IT assistance.

2024 Update: Airtasker’s revenue grew by 18% in 2023. The company has expanded its services to the United Kingdom and plans to increase its international market share in 2024.

1. DoorDash
• Headquarters: United States
• Overview: DoorDash is a major player in the gig economy, providing food delivery services through its extensive network of drivers.

2024 Update: In 2023, DoorDash saw a 25% increase in revenue, and its delivery service now covers over 4,000 cities. The company plans to introduce new product categories, such as grocery delivery, to further drive its growth.

1. Lyft
• Headquarters: United States
• Overview: Lyft competes with Uber as a leading ride-sharing platform, offering gig work opportunities for drivers.

2024 Update: Lyft saw a 12% increase in active drivers in 2023. The company is expanding its fleet to include electric vehicles, with plans to increase its EV share to 40% by 2025.

1. Upwork
• Headquarters: United States
• Overview: Upwork is one of the largest freelancing platforms, connecting businesses with freelance talent across industries like tech, marketing, and design.

2024 Update: Upwork’s revenue grew by 16% in 2023. The platform’s user base has increased by 20%, particularly in the tech and creative industries, as businesses increasingly seek remote work solutions.

1. Instacart
• Headquarters: United States
• Overview: Instacart connects customers with personal shoppers for grocery deliveries. It has rapidly grown in the gig economy sector.

2024 Update: Instacart’s revenue grew by 14% in 2023, and the company has expanded its service offerings to include pharmacy deliveries.

1. Vrbo
• Headquarters: United States
• Overview: Vrbo is a vacation rental platform similar to Airbnb, connecting homeowners with travelers looking for short-term rental options.

2024 Update: Vrbo reported a 20% increase in bookings in 2023. The platform continues to grow in key markets, particularly in the U.S. and Europe.

1. Fiverr
• Headquarters: Israel
• Overview: Fiverr is a freelancing platform that allows businesses to hire freelancers for small projects in fields like writing, design, and programming.

2024 Update: Fiverr saw a 17% increase in revenue in 2023, with a 10% growth in the number of active buyers on the platform. The company is expanding its offerings to include additional business services.

1. Beijing Xiaoju Keji Co., Ltd (Didi Chuxing)
• Headquarters: China
• Overview: Didi Chuxing is China’s largest ride-hailing platform, offering gig work opportunities for drivers across the country.

2024 Update: Didi Chuxing saw a 10% increase in revenue in 2023 and plans to expand its service offerings to include long-distance travel and enhanced ride-sharing options in 2024.

Regional Market Share and Opportunities

• North America: Accounts for 40% of the global gig economy market share, with a steady increase in gig workers, particularly in transportation and freelancing.
• Europe: Holds 25% of the global market share, driven by demand for freelancing services, short-term rentals, and food delivery.
• Asia-Pacific: Contributes to 28% of the global gig economy, with rapid growth in countries like India, China, and Southeast Asia.
• Latin America: Experiences a 22% growth in the gig economy, with an increasing number of individuals engaging in freelance and gig work.
• Middle East & Africa: Holds 7% of the global market share, but with emerging potential, particularly in ride-sharing and freelancing.

Conclusion

The gig economy is projected to continue its robust growth in the coming years, driven by technological advancements and shifting work preferences. With platforms like Uber, Etsy, and Fiverr leading the charge, the gig economy is transforming industries across the globe. As more workers embrace freelance and flexible work arrangements, the market will continue to expand, creating new opportunities for workers and businesses alike. The gig economy’s future looks bright, with ongoing innovation and growth across all regions.