Consumers to spend $143 billion on apps in 2020

2020 accelerated mobile adoption as consumers used their mobile devices to connect, work, learn, play and escape, though Covid-19 limited their lifestyles. Consumers spent $143 billion on mobile apps in 2020, up 20 percent from 2019. The top markets that spent included China, the U.S., Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom.

Usage time of smartphones increased sharply

Android phone users and users were online for 4.2 hours a day, totaling more than 3.5 trillion hours, a 20 percent increase over 2019.

Mobile gaming unsurpassed

Mobile gaming is on track to crack the $120 billion mark for consumer spending in 2021 - that's one and a half times the combined revenue of all other gaming platforms.

Longer screen time transcends generations

In the U.S., Gen Z spent 16 percent more time in their most-used apps compared to the previous year, Millennials a full 18 percent, and Baby Boomers 30 percent. Germany recorded a minimally lower usage, but an increase across all generations can be seen there as well.

Social networks take center stage

The time spent by users on their favorite social media applications increased by up to 325 percent year-on-year. TikTok, for example, could reach the 1.2 billion active users mark in 2021. The perfect mix for all young consumers who want to be both digitally connected and entertained.

Mobile advertising drives advertising industry

Smartphones boosted the advertising industry in 2020 - digital ad spending increased 26 percent over 2019 to $240 billion.

Investment in apps strong as never before

73 billion was invested in mobile companies. The financial services, transportation and retail sectors led the pack.