• by Jack Loechner , Staff Writer @mp_research, October 11, 2013

A new report from Juniper Research has found that by 2017, a quarter of a billion people will use their mobile or tablet device to access adult content, such as videos, images and live cams, up by more than 30% on current usage. The report highlighted that this is attributable to an emphasis on high-definition, niche-centric product, as well as the flourishing availability of mobile-optimized free content.

According to the report, Mobile Adult Content: Monetization, Technologies & Legislation 2013 – 2018, smartphones and tablets have become key distribution channels for adult service providers, with those at the forefront of the industry ensuring that content is differentiated for and tailored to the increasingly mobile audience.

In addition, the report suggests that usage on tablets would be fueled by the increasing trend towards tablets becoming personal, as opposed to shared household devices, thereby alleviating user concerns that other family members might view inappropriate content.

Siân Rowlands, report author, observed that “… the total number of users of both desktop and mobile adult content… remain broadly consistent… (with) continued migration to smartphones and tablets… tailored content makes its way onto these personal devices… “
However, says the report, recently announced mandatory content blocks from leading UK ISPs was likely to restrict future growth in this market, with a drop-off in access amongst casual users. Although network operators throughout the EU routinely impose locks on adult content when users are browsing the mobile web via their cellular network, most access currently occurs via Wi-Fi, where default content blocks are not in place. And:

• Subscription will continue to be the optimal mobile monetization model, primarily through sales of niche content.
• The proportion of mobile adult revenues from adult videochat will grow substantially over the forecast period, at a CAGR of 25%.

The whitepaper is available here to download from the Juniper website together with further details of the full report.