A third of young adults in the UK regularly access Facebook and Twitter from their mobiles, according to a new report.
The study, published by mobile analysts CCS Insight, found that social networking is driving the growth of mobile internet.
Based on a survey of more than 1,000 UK adults between 16 and 35 years old, the study also found that men are twice as likely as women to access the internet through their mobile phone.
One third of respondents said they would like to see the BBC’s iPlayer available on their mobile phones.
Paolo Pescatore, report author and head of mobile content at CCS Insight, said: “The web is revolutionising the way people use mobile phones. Forget music downloads and video – social networking is what people want. Media owners and operators will have to find new ways to make money from their assets.
“And it’s clear from the report that the industry could do a better job marketing to women. Some networks and phone-makers have got it right. Their rivals are leaving money on the table.”
In April, Juniper Research forecast that direct and indirect revenues from mobile applications will hit $25 billion globally by 2014 (see Revenues from mobile applications expected to top $25bn by 2014).
Magna’s latest global advertising forecast predicted that US mobile advertising will grow by 36% this year, rising from $169 million in 2008 to $229 million during the course of 2009 (see US mobile advertising to grow by 36%).
