According to ABI Research, worldwide mobile views (tablets and smartphones) constituted over 20 per cent of the total online video viewing in 2013. Going forward, this share will continue to grow and expected to more than double by 2018.
The research firm states that the increase in mobile video consumption is despite the continued growth of online video viewing on connected CE devices and the growing popularity of platforms like Google?s Chromecast and new consoles from Microsoft and Sony. Going forward, the pay TV services will continue to serve as the primary video entertainment solution for a large number of consumers, but overall time spent watching online video is expected to pass 21 hours per month by 2019, up from 12.7 hours in 2013.
Computers, however, will remain relevant as many expect these devices to continue serving as the primary viewing device during the workday hours ? while tablets will continue to secure the higher views in the evening. Connected CE tends to see more traffic in the early evening when families often share viewing time; this viewing is replacing traditional linear or DVR TV viewing.
Further, the research firm states that mobile viewing also creates additional touch-points which can greatly increase the number of content plays per household ? be it multiple household members each watching on mobile screens or multitasking while sitting in front of the TV. In addition, as pay TV services continue to extend the reach of multiscreen services we expect more content, like live sporting events, to play an increasing role on mobile devices.
