For the first time, Australians spent more time browsing content or interacting with apps on a tablet device than on a PC.
Smartphones still remain the preferred device overall though, with average time per person among the active internet population 1-plus+ spent either browsing content or on applications on a smartphone, at just under 35 hours per person.
The growth in mobile audiences and increases in time spent on a mobile screen, is resulting in a shift of focus for brands and advertisers. Companies have invested heavily in desktop, but as consumers increasingly turn to mobile devices to view and engage with content, companies have had to shift their focus and investment to this medium. This preview information is the first step in verifying their efforts and investments, and helps companies plan for the future.
Entertainment – Video Streaming
Smartphones are the dominant mobile device selected for viewing video/movie content, recording a unique audience of 8.6 million compared to 4.8 million on a tablet. However, once engaged, Australians 18+ spent just over two hours consuming video content on a tablet compared to just over one hour on a smartphone.
The video streaming category is dominated by YouTube, with Netflix leading from a video on demand perspective and Yahoo7 TV (PLUS7) leading the catch-up services on mobile devices. Video streaming services are spread across two entertainment subcategories –video / movies and broadcast media.
For comparison, if we take a look at the U.S. market, 78% of American smartphone users accessed a video site or application during September 2015, compared to 68% of Australians. Americans spent nearly double the amount of time per person than Australians.
More Financial Activity on Mobile Devices
In September 2015, close to eight million Australians 18-plus used their smartphone for their banking needs and three million Australians 18-plus did the same on tablet devices. In terms of the biggest unique audience, Commonwealth Bank is the leader in this category on both smartphone and tablet devices, followed by ANZ. Over 80 per cent of the active reach on smartphones for the top four banks – Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, NAB and Westpac – is generated by their respective applications.
Australian Smartphone Engagement Still Has Room to Grow
Australia is seeing impressive growth in smartphone and tablet usage, although we continue to trail other leading markets in relation to time spent browsing the web or using applications. If you look at content, there are real divides in categories that lead compared to the U.S. and others that have huge opportunity to grow. Some categories in particular have shown real leadership in providing consumers with a sophisticated yet simple and reliable mobile offering. Categories such as government and finance really lead compared to the U.S., whereas categories such as News, e-Commerce and Music will no doubt continue to grow their audience percentages to align with what people are seeing abroad.
The launch of Mobile Ratings data validates efforts and educates the industry even more about consumers’ mobile behaviours. The real growth in audience numbers with the confidence these industry metrics give companies to further invest in this space and appeal to the consumer experience.
News & Information Anytime, Anywhere
Moreover, News and Information content rankings for smartphone and tablet use are dominated by the same brands that have historically been strong in desktop rankings. News.com.au topped the news rankings on both smartphone and tablet devices for the largest unique audience in September, 2015. The News & Information category continues to see growth on mobile devices, so much so that Australians 18+ now prefer to consume their news and information content on their smartphones over any other digital device.