Guess what? If you’re a marketer or an advertiser or even someone who wants to get some skin in the game. There is still time. According to Informa’s latest report entitled “Mobile Social Networking: Communities and Content on the Move,” the number of mobile social networking users exceeded 50 million. Which is roughly 2.3% of the worlds mobile user population on December 31st, 2007.
The research company argues that with only low investments from mobile network operators, the growth in users and community registrations will continue at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 30-50%, depending on the type of community and the region. So think about it, low-ball figures still put the CAGR at 30-50%
So in less than 4 years, there will be between 12.5% penetration of mobile social networks among mobile users globally in the most conservative scenario and approximately 23% in the high growth scenario.
In 2006, mobile social networks made more than US $1.5 billion and that amount more than doubled in 2007. Though revenue growth will accelerate in the next two years much depends on mobile network operators’ policies and the interests of users after that to determine whether the growth will be sustained, flatten out, or decline.
By 2012 revenues generated from all business models in this industry is forecast to reach US$28.9 billion in the most conservative scenario and $52 billion in the high growth scenario.
What is safe to say given the ramp up by all arms and legs of the Entertainment industry is that the biggest community segment revenues will be seen within this market. Look for entertainment to overtake all other industries in some regions by 2010, If they have not already.
Other community segments — like those focused on productivity, fame and social shopping — are beginning to emerge on mobile platforms, diversifying their offers and attracting different kind of users… Thus expanding the social awareness and acceptance of mobile social networks.
