2014 World Cup: A Global Mobile Perspective

Smartphone-owning soccer fans across the globe expect their mobile devices to take on a pivotal role when it comes to their FIFA World Cup 2014 experience, according to “2014 World Cup: A Global Mobile Perspective,” a landmark international study from IAB. Querying sports enthusiasts from 11 markets – Australia, Brazil, China, Colombia, France, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico and the United Kingdom, as well as the United States – who have smartphones and plan to follow the tournament, the survey reveals that 48 percent overall plan to use their phones to follow the World Cup, second only to TV (63%) when it comes to media channels for keeping up with the game.

Spotlighting a strong opportunity to reach these soccer/football fans through mobile marketing, the research shows that 37 percent are already positively interacting with mobile ads on a daily basis. Moreover, respondents that self-identify as a “football fanatic” – saying that they watch or follow as much soccer as possible, no matter the team, league or country – are even more likely to click on or engage with mobile ads at least once a day (50%).

Signs point to mobile video being a major driver of mobile use, and a potential revenue stream as well, with more than two-thirds (68%) willing to pay for video of game-related content on their phones. In addition, 66 percent expect to share their excitement surrounding the tournament via social media through their smartphones.

The study also demonstrates the importance of dual-screening on television and mobile devices, with 35 percent of fans surveyed anticipating that they will be turning to their mobile phones for game-related activities throughout watching the game on TV.

Download the full report here

Source: IAB