Mobile Ad Users : metrics by Mobile Marketing Association

The Mobile Marketing Association has unveiled the first authoritative metrics on audience acceptance of mobile advertising. Results from a survey of more than 11,000 U.S.A mobile subscribers indicate that more than 41 percent of those who view or intend to view mobile video agreed they would watch advertisements in order to watch free mobile video. Additionally, 20 percent agree they would watch ads in order to watch mobile TV or video for a reduced fee. The research was conducted by research partner M:Metrics.

The report, commissioned by the MMA’s Mobile Video & Television Working Group committee, found that although only one percent of mobile subscribers currently access TV or video from a mobile phone, 23 percent of non-video users express some possibility of viewing video or television content on a mobile device within the next few months.

“The next six months are critical in the continued development of the mobile medium, and this study was instrumental in aligning marketers’ agendas with consumer expectations,” said Laura Marriott, executive director of the MMA. “The high level of consumer interest and enthusiasm on the part of advertisers, agencies and carriers suggests a promising role for advertising in mobile video and television. The MMA continues to lead the industry globally in establishing the guidelines, best practices and research to ensure a sustainable mobile marketing and advertising ecosystem.”

“This research shows that a sizable number of consumers, particularly those who are already consumers of mobile video, or express an interest in doing so, will accept advertising as part of the mobile video experience,” said Mark Donovan, senior vice president and senior analyst, M:Metrics. “Furthermore, the consumers most predisposed to advertising are younger, big-spending mobile users, creating an attractive target market for advertisers.”

The research found that 60 percent of current or prospective mobile video watchers expressed either willingness or ambivalence about sharing personal information to receive relevant offers, and those subscribers who spend more on mobile services per month are more likely to share personal information. Also, the firm found that males are more drawn to the notion of ad targeting than are females.