Our use of mobile devices has exploded over the last ten years and is now the predominant way we access the internet. In 2020, just over half of all internet traffic is generated on mobile, whether that be on a cellphone, tablet, laptop, or increasingly, wearables (e.g. smartwatches).
The mobile internet is revolutionizing how (and where) we access websites and web services and the trend shows no signs of slowing. As we continue to connect more and more devices online (think cars, smart headsets and the like), our use of data on the move will only increase.
Here are just a few intriguing internet usage stats that have started to change how websites and web services are designed and developed.
2019 saw the switch between static internet access and mobile
In 2019 mobile internet access eclipsed traditional, tethered desktop machines for the first time. If the trends continue as they are, many experts predict we could soon only be using desktop access at work. Mobile is by far the preferred access method for most people. Indeed, a whopping 77% of all minutes spent online by users in the US is done over mobile.
70% of YouTube video views are made on mobile
YouTube estimates around one billion video views are made on mobile every day, accounting for around 70% of all visits. YouTube also happens to be the world’s second most popular search engine, just behind its owner, Google.
Mobile internet access continues to grow
Only ten years ago, internet access via mobile devices accounted for a measly 0.7% of all traffic. Today, that figure is closer to 50%. As more and more of us go online on mobile, we will continue to see the range of mobile-friendly services and websites grow. Most experts explain the rise in mobile access being down to our increased use of social media.
Mobile commerce is growing quickly
It used to be that the majority of our online purchases were made on desktop; however, there is considerable evidence suggesting users are moving increasingly to mobile to complete transactions. As web designers and developers continue to streamline their sites for use on mobile, these numbers will only continue to grow.
If you own or run a website, you must act quickly to avoid missing out on potential visits from mobile users. All signs are saying that mobile internet will continue to grow, and having a site optimized for use on cellphone or tablet is becoming increasingly important. Indeed, Google punishes sites that aren’t viewable on mobile. Contact a specialized design company like the ALT Agency for advice on transferring your site to a mobile-friendly layout to ensure you don’t lose traffic.
Smartphones are encouraging more people to use banks
Following the introduction of mobile banking and apps, increasingly more people are using banking services than in the pre-mobile age.
Most Facebook visits are made on mobile
Did you know that 95% of all Facebook visits are made via mobile? Social networks are cited as the major reason people go online with mobile devices. Checking our friends’ page activity and posts is one of the most addictive reasons driving people to check their phones. Ever wonder why your desktop version of the popular social apps has started to look different? It’s primarily because the companies behind them realize the majority of their traffic is being generated on mobile, so they’re prioritizing their layouts appropriately to reduce the workload and improve user experience.
The unstoppable growth of messaging/video calling apps
Websites and social accounts aren’t the only things we access on mobile. It seems we’re also hopelessly addicted to our message and video calling apps. In March 2020, messaging app WhatsApp recorded a staggering two billion users, with an equally ridiculous 41.7 million messages sent per minute.
Smartphone addiction is real
Fact: we are addicted to our smartphones. Smartphone addiction has even been identified as a major cause of relationship break-ups, and, in some cases, depression. However, our love of our cellphones shows little sign of abating.
In a recent study, more than 100 of 355 US citizens confirmed they’d rather give up sex for a week than relinquish using their smartphone for a similar time. Cellphone addiction is a real and growing problem.
In the US, researchers have estimated that people spend an average of five hours per day on their phones, and globally, figures suggest around 5.1 billion people own a smartphone.
As well as browsing websites, the typical user can spend as much as two hours per day on social platforms while half of all video streaming happens on mobile.
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