Mobile Applications Eclipse Other Time Spent Online

As of last fall, 52 percent of the time consumers spend online was via mobile applications, according to new data from comScore Inc. 40 percent of time spent online was via web browsers on desktops or laptops and 8 percent spent via web browsers on smartphones or tablets.

The statistics show that most consumers prefer the richer experiences that can be created with mobile app development.

There are several factors that contribute to the growth in mobile application usage. These include the increased usage of devices with large screens, new technologies and, most importantly, according to Andrew Lipsman, vice president of marketing and insights at comScore, access to faster 4G wireless data connectivity.

“Prior to 4G, browsing the web or using apps on your smartphone was slow and clunky, and consumers generally used apps only when necessary; the average consumer was not sitting on their couch or on the go heavily using mobile apps,” Andrew Lipsman says. “In the last two years, though, smartphones have become the primary platform consumers use to consume content and shop, and 4G connectivity is a big part of this movement to mobile devices and apps.”

Beyond that the apps themselves have improved. Businesses are improving their mobile applications and giving users better experiences which is helping fuel the growth. Which along with a change in behavior where we see people actively shopping or social networking while watching TV or riding a subway to work makes mobile applications incredibly important to businesses.

It is imperative that your mobile application is giving your customers the positive experiences and not turning them away.