Where Will Mobile Go in 2018?

One of the biggest changes from even just a few years ago is the assumption that everything can be done through a smartphone.

And, it’s not an illogical thing to think. From 2012 to 2019, Canada saw over 5 million more people take to mobile phones, which shows that the industry is booming. 2016 saw 58% of a consumer’s media time being consumed by mobile phone use. And millennials spend over 3 hours daily just watching videos on their phone. So the mobile market is definitely one that continues to grow, but does it have any ground left to conquer?

Case study: the mobile casino and investment industries

Mobile app revenue was forecast at $77 billion in 2017, with 197 billion app downloads over the year (2016 saw 149 billion). Indeed, industries that haven’t normally occupied space in the mobile market have seen greater increase, such as online casinos. The rise of mobile casino, such as Hippodrome Casino, which offers fans the chance to play slots, blackjack or roulette online, is merely emblematic of the flourishing of mobile as a medium. As these tips for Hippodrome Casino players show, the mobile experience mimics the web experience and allows players to either use a browser or download an app to play.
Like casino gaming, investment can even take place on mobile now, with trading in forex possible on a mobile platform. This takes advantage of the true benefits of the smartphone being fully mobile and allows quick decisions to be made on the move. With 2.8 million apps available in Google Play in 2017, there’s no surprise that fintech companies are branching out into the space, especially as use on the mobile helps demonstrate the business.

Marketing and Social Media to Go Fully Mobile

Even casino, investment, and many other types of marketing rely on mobile to inform consumers, who are expected to be viewing webpages on their phones to an even greater degree. Indeed by 2019, 72% of all digital ad spending will target mobile phones, which is where business leaders expect consumers to be spending most of their time. With Canada coming in at 62% of a consumer’s digital minutes on a mobile phone, businesses should target both in-app advertising and offer their propositions as apps and as a downloadable asset.

No mobile market conversation can take place without mentioning social media and what might be next for it in 2018. With 330 million monthly active Twitter users, it looks as though the major platform isn’t stopping as its services are primarily (80%) used on mobile. It is reported that 67% of adults get their news from social media, which shows that social media has changed from being a way to keep up with friends to a way to keep up with the world, and most major events, from sports contests to international gambling conferences are tweeted about before officially reported on.

Branching out into sectors that one wouldn’t expect to be on mobile, and maintaining the mobile’s space as an information amplifier, there looks to be no cooling down for the mobile market. As different generations become primary users, the way mobile is used may differ, whether for gambling, socializing or working, but right now it looks to be at the top of the digital spectrum.

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