App Annie just released their 2020 State of Mobile report, detailing current statistics and trends in the mobile world. With an overall growth of 45% in the past three years, mobile app download numbers continue to trend upward, with newly emerging markets in Brazil, India, and Indonesia making up the bulk of new downloads. Mature markets, like the US, Japan and Korea may have seen their download growth level off, but users are still actively seeking new apps. In 2019, downloads in these three regions totaled 16.8 billion, combined.
It’s estimated that over 5 billion people have mobile devices, and with people spending an average of 3 hours and 40 minutes every day on their phones, mobile has become one of the fastest and easiest ways for brands to connect with their consumers. We took a look at revenue being generated via mobile apps in an earlier blog, and App Annie’s report just confirms what we already know: mobile apps are big business. With consumer spending hitting $120 billion in 2019, up 2.1 times from 2016, it’s estimated that by 2023 the mobile industry will contribute roughly $4.8 trillion to the global economy.
Capturing consumer’s attention means advertising, and tech-savvy businesses are putting their dollars behind mobile ads, with spending estimated to reach $380 billion in 2020. Loyalty programs also have a lot to do with the growth of mobile shopping, with 80% of consumers reporting that they would be more likely to participate in a branded loyalty program if it was available via an app.
Brands looking to connect with consumers via mobile apps need to ensure that they are protecting the user experience and that their apps are safe, secure and reliable. That means ensuring that your brand protection plan includes a mobile component and ensuring that it aligns with your mobile strategy. For more information on how to plan an effective enforcement program, we’ve published an informative guide you can download for free.