GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Digital Ad Industry Statistics

The digital ad industry is expected to continue growing rapidly, with global digital ad spending projected to exceed traditional ad spending by a significant margin in the near future.

Highlights: Digital Ad Industry Statistics

  • In 2020, the digital advertising industry revenue amounted to $378.16 billion globally.
  • It has been projected that by 2024, digital advertising expenditure will reach $526 billion.
  • In 2019, the largest slice of digital ad revenue went to retail at 21.9%.
  • 67.0% of digital ad spend will go towards mobile ads in the US in 2023.
  • 92% of marketers consider digital and mobile advertising to be important for successful business.
  • Google & Facebook accounted for 57.7% of all US digital ad revenue in 2020.
  • Approximately 80% of businesses report that they increased their digital ad spend in 2020.
  • In 2020, the global mobile advertising market was valued at 231.79 billion U.S. dollars.
  • Video advertising spending accounted for 46.7% of all digital display ad spending in the US in 2020.
  • 93% of marketers use Facebook advertising regularly.
  • It's estimated that 70% of all digital advertising in 2020 was accounted for by search and social media investments.
  • The average clickthrough rate (CTR) in Google Ads across all industries is 3.17% on the search network.
  • Programmatic advertising will account for 86.5% of all digital display spending by 2022.
  • Approximately 56% of Gen Z uses smartphones for over 5 hours a day, making mobile advertising crucial.
  • Consumer reactions to online ads showed that 34% clicked on the ad because it was interesting or eye-catching.
  • In 2021, approximately 50% of total US advertising spend is expected to be on digital platforms.
  • Instagram will generate $12.32 billion in ad revenue in 2021.
  • Approximately 70% of marketers are planning to use more social media ads in the future.
  • The average cost per action (CPA) in the Software industry on Google Ads is $45.27.
  • By 2023, total spend for outdoor digital advertising is projected to reach $50.7 billion.

Table of Contents

The Latest Digital Ad Industry Statistics Explained

In 2020, the digital advertising industry revenue amounted to $378.16 billion globally.

The statistic states that the global digital advertising industry revenue reached $378.16 billion in 2020. This figure illustrates the significant scale and economic impact of digital advertising on a global level during that year. The growth of digital advertising reflects the increasing shift towards online platforms for marketing and advertising purposes by businesses worldwide. This statistic serves as a key indicator of the growing importance of digital marketing strategies in the modern economy, highlighting the continued evolution of the advertising industry towards digital channels.

It has been projected that by 2024, digital advertising expenditure will reach $526 billion.

The statistic indicates a forecasted increase in digital advertising expenditure, with a projected amount of $526 billion by the year 2024. This suggests a growing investment in digital advertising campaigns by businesses and marketers globally. The trend towards digital advertising reflects the increasing reliance on online platforms and technologies for reaching target audiences and promoting products or services. Factors contributing to this growth may include the widespread use of social media, advancements in data analytics for targeted advertising, and the shift in consumer behavior towards online shopping and digital interaction. This statistic highlights the significance of digital advertising in the modern marketing landscape and underscores the continued evolution of advertising strategies to align with the digital age.

In 2019, the largest slice of digital ad revenue went to retail at 21.9%.

In 2019, the digital ad revenue distribution among different industries indicated that the retail sector received the largest share, accounting for 21.9% of the total revenue generated through digital advertising. This statistic suggests that retailers invested significantly in digital advertising to promote their products and services and attract online consumers. The substantial allocation of digital ad revenue to the retail industry highlights the importance of online marketing strategies in the highly competitive retail landscape and emphasizes the industry’s recognition of the potential of digital platforms to drive sales and customer engagement.

67.0% of digital ad spend will go towards mobile ads in the US in 2023.

The statistic states that 67.0% of the total digital advertising expenditure in the United States in 2023 will be allocated towards mobile advertisements. This implies that a significant majority of the advertising budget will be directed towards mobile platforms, such as smartphones and tablets, as opposed to other digital ad channels like desktop or connected TVs. The increasing popularity of mobile devices and the growing number of users engaging with content on these platforms have led advertisers to pivot their strategies towards mobile advertising to effectively reach and engage with their target audiences. This statistic underscores the importance of investing in mobile marketing strategies to effectively capitalize on consumer behavior trends and maximize advertising ROI.

92% of marketers consider digital and mobile advertising to be important for successful business.

The statistic that 92% of marketers view digital and mobile advertising as crucial for business success indicates a widespread recognition within the marketing industry of the significance of online and mobile platforms in reaching and engaging target audiences. This high percentage suggests that the majority of marketers acknowledge the shifting landscape of consumer behavior towards digital channels and the increasing reliance on smartphones for information and shopping. Emphasizing the importance of digital and mobile advertising signals a strategic imperative for businesses to invest resources and efforts in leveraging these platforms to effectively connect with their customers, drive brand awareness, and ultimately achieve marketing goals.

Google & Facebook accounted for 57.7% of all US digital ad revenue in 2020.

The statistic indicates that in 2020, Google and Facebook together captured nearly 58% of the total digital advertising revenue in the United States. This dominance exemplifies the significant market power held by these two tech giants in the advertising industry. Their ability to attract a majority share of ad revenue highlights their appeal to advertisers seeking to reach a large and diverse online audience. This concentration of revenue also underscores the competitive advantage that Google and Facebook have established over other digital advertising platforms, shaping the landscape of the industry and potentially influencing pricing and advertising strategies for businesses looking to promote their products or services online.

Approximately 80% of businesses report that they increased their digital ad spend in 2020.

The statistic that approximately 80% of businesses report increasing their digital ad spend in 2020 suggests a significant trend towards investing more in online advertising among organizations. This can be attributed to the shift in consumer behavior towards digital channels, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced businesses to adapt and capitalize on online opportunities. The increase in digital ad spend indicates a recognition among businesses of the importance of maintaining a strong online presence to reach and engage with their target audiences effectively. It also reflects the growing competition in the digital advertising space and the need for businesses to stay competitive by leveraging digital marketing strategies. Overall, this statistic highlights the evolving landscape of advertising towards digital platforms and the strategic response of businesses to this trend.

In 2020, the global mobile advertising market was valued at 231.79 billion U.S. dollars.

The statistic “In 2020, the global mobile advertising market was valued at 231.79 billion U.S. dollars” represents the total monetary value generated by the mobile advertising industry worldwide during the year 2020. This figure encompasses the revenue generated from various forms of advertising through mobile devices, including display ads, in-app ads, video ads, and other mobile-specific ad formats. The value of 231.79 billion U.S. dollars signifies the significant growth and importance of mobile advertising as a key marketing channel for businesses looking to reach their target audience in an increasingly digital and mobile-centric world. This statistic provides valuable insights into the scale and economic impact of mobile advertising on the global economy in 2020.

Video advertising spending accounted for 46.7% of all digital display ad spending in the US in 2020.

The statistic “Video advertising spending accounted for 46.7% of all digital display ad spending in the US in 2020” indicates that nearly half of the total digital display advertising budget in the US was allocated towards video advertising specifically in 2020. This points to the significance and popularity of video advertising as a preferred medium for reaching target audiences online. The data suggests that advertisers recognize the effectiveness and impact of video ads in engaging consumers and driving conversions within the digital advertising landscape. This high proportion of spending on video ads highlights the shift towards more dynamic and visually engaging content formats to capture the attention of consumers in an increasingly digital world.

93% of marketers use Facebook advertising regularly.

The statistic ‘93% of marketers use Facebook advertising regularly’ indicates that the vast majority of marketing professionals incorporate Facebook advertising as a fundamental aspect of their marketing strategies. This high percentage suggests that Facebook advertising is a popular and effective tool within the marketing industry, highlighting the platform’s significance in reaching target audiences and driving business objectives. Marketers likely recognize the potential of Facebook as a powerful advertising channel for promoting products or services, engaging with customers, and increasing brand visibility. The statistic underscores the importance of leveraging social media platforms like Facebook in modern marketing practices to achieve desired outcomes and maximize reach to a wide audience.

It’s estimated that 70% of all digital advertising in 2020 was accounted for by search and social media investments.

This statistic indicates that the majority of digital advertising spending in 2020, around 70%, was allocated towards search and social media platforms. This suggests that companies and organizations heavily prioritized these channels to reach their target audience and drive their marketing efforts. Search advertising involves placing ads in search engine results pages, such as Google Ads, while social media advertising focuses on promoting products or services on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. The high percentage of investment in search and social media advertising underscores the importance and effectiveness of these channels in the digital advertising landscape and highlights the evolving marketing strategies adopted by businesses to engage with consumers in the digital age.

The average clickthrough rate (CTR) in Google Ads across all industries is 3.17% on the search network.

The average clickthrough rate (CTR) of 3.17% in Google Ads indicates the percentage of users who clicked on an ad after seeing it on the search network. This metric is essential for advertisers as it measures the effectiveness of their ads in generating clicks and driving traffic to their websites. A CTR of 3.17% across all industries is considered a benchmark for performance, with variations seen based on factors such as industry, ad quality, relevance, and targeting. Higher CTRs suggest that ads are resonating well with the target audience, leading to better visibility and potentially higher conversion rates. Advertisers aim to optimize their campaigns to improve CTR and overall ad performance.

Programmatic advertising will account for 86.5% of all digital display spending by 2022.

This statistic indicates that by the year 2022, the vast majority of spending on digital display advertising will be allocated to programmatic advertising, representing 86.5% of the total expenditure in this advertising medium. Programmatic advertising refers to the automated process of buying and selling ad inventory in real-time through technology platforms, allowing for targeted and efficient placement of ads across various digital channels. This shift towards programmatic advertising signifies a growing preference for data-driven and automated approaches in digital marketing, as advertisers seek to reach their target audiences more effectively and efficiently. The dominance of programmatic advertising in digital display spending reflects the industry’s increasing reliance on technology and data analytics to optimize advertising strategies and maximize ROI.

Approximately 56% of Gen Z uses smartphones for over 5 hours a day, making mobile advertising crucial.

The statistic that approximately 56% of Generation Z individuals use smartphones for over 5 hours a day highlights a significant trend in consumer behavior among this demographic. Using smartphones for extended periods indicates a high level of engagement with digital content and online activities, emphasizing the importance of mobile platforms in reaching and connecting with this tech-savvy generation. This statistic underscores the necessity for businesses and marketers to prioritize mobile advertising strategies to effectively target and engage with Gen Z consumers where they spend a significant amount of their time. Leveraging mobile advertising channels can provide a crucial opportunity for companies to reach this demographic, increase brand exposure, and drive conversions in a landscape where digital connectivity is increasingly vital for success.

Consumer reactions to online ads showed that 34% clicked on the ad because it was interesting or eye-catching.

The statistic indicates that of all the consumers who were exposed to online ads, 34% clicked on the ad specifically because they found it interesting or eye-catching. This suggests that the visual appeal or creativity of online ads plays a significant role in driving consumer engagement and interaction. When an ad captures the attention and interest of consumers, it is more likely to result in a click-through, potentially leading to further engagement or conversion. As a result, marketers and advertisers may benefit from focusing on creating visually appealing and attention-grabbing ads to improve their online advertising effectiveness and engagement rates.

In 2021, approximately 50% of total US advertising spend is expected to be on digital platforms.

The statistic states that in 2021, around half of the total advertising expenditure in the United States is projected to be allocated to digital platforms. This indicates a significant shift in the advertising landscape, with businesses increasingly recognizing the importance and effectiveness of reaching audiences through online channels such as social media, search engines, and websites. The data suggests that traditional advertising mediums like television, radio, and print are facing pressure from the digital realm, reflecting changing consumer behavior and market trends. The growing investment in digital advertising underscores the industry’s adaptation to evolving technologies and consumer preferences in a digitally connected world.

Instagram will generate $12.32 billion in ad revenue in 2021.

The statistic that Instagram will generate $12.32 billion in ad revenue in 2021 indicates the projected total revenue expected to be generated by Instagram through advertising within the year. This figure serves as a critical metric for evaluating the platform’s financial performance and its relevance in the digital advertising landscape. The substantial revenue forecast underscores Instagram’s popularity among advertisers and its ability to monetize user engagement effectively through targeted advertising strategies. This statistic also highlights the platform’s significant role in parent company Facebook’s overall revenue stream and underscores the ongoing trend of businesses investing in digital marketing platforms to connect with their target audiences effectively.

Approximately 70% of marketers are planning to use more social media ads in the future.

The statistic that approximately 70% of marketers are planning to use more social media ads in the future indicates a growing trend towards utilizing social media platforms as a key advertising channel. This suggests that a majority of marketers recognize the value and effectiveness of social media ads in reaching their target audience and achieving their marketing goals. The planned increase in social media ad usage reflects a strategic shift towards digital advertising and highlights the importance of leveraging social media platforms to connect with consumers, build brand awareness, and drive business growth. As technology and consumer behavior continue to evolve, marketers are adapting their strategies to effectively engage with their audience through social media advertising.

The average cost per action (CPA) in the Software industry on Google Ads is $45.27.

The statistic implies that within the Software industry on Google Ads, the average cost incurred by businesses for each desired action taken by a user, commonly known as Cost per Action (CPA), is $45.27. This figure serves as a crucial metric to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of advertising campaigns in this specific industry sector, indicating the financial investment required to prompt a user to perform a desired action, such as making a purchase, signing up for a service, or downloading an app. Understanding the average CPA helps businesses in the Software industry to optimize their advertising strategies, allocate budgets effectively, and measure the overall return on investment for their online advertising efforts on Google Ads.

By 2023, total spend for outdoor digital advertising is projected to reach $50.7 billion.

This statistic indicates that the total expenditure on outdoor digital advertising is projected to increase to $50.7 billion by the year 2023. This reflects a growing trend in the allocation of advertising budgets towards digital platforms that target audiences outside of traditional indoor environments. The rising popularity of outdoor digital advertising can be attributed to increased consumer exposure to outdoor spaces, advancements in technology that support dynamic and targeted messaging, and the effectiveness of reaching consumers in high-traffic areas. This projection suggests that advertisers are recognizing the potential of outdoor digital advertising in connecting with audiences in a more impactful and engaging manner, leading to a significant investment in this advertising medium.

Conclusion

Through analyzing the latest digital ad industry statistics, it is evident that the industry continues to rapidly evolve and grow. With increasing expenditures, shifting consumer behavior, and emerging technologies, it is crucial for advertisers and marketers to stay informed of these trends in order to create effective digital advertising strategies. By leveraging these statistics, businesses can make informed decisions to optimize their advertising efforts and achieve their marketing goals in today’s competitive digital landscape.

References

0. – https://www.www.statista.com

1. – https://www.www.wordstream.com

2. – https://www.www.emarketer.com

3. – https://www.www.pewinternet.org

4. – https://www.www.socialmediatoday.com

5. – https://www.digiday.com

6. – https://www.buffer.com

7. – https://www.www.marketingcharts.com

8. – https://www.www.pwc.com

9. – https://www.www.singlegrain.com

10. – https://www.www.iab.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

Table of Contents

... Before You Leave, Catch This! 🔥

Your next business insight is just a subscription away. Our newsletter The Week in Data delivers the freshest statistics and trends directly to you. Stay informed, stay ahead—subscribe now.

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!