IAB Reports Record Q3 2012 Internet Ad Revenue

Internet advertising revenues in the U.S. reached $9.26 billion for the third quarter of 2012, making the quarter the biggest on record, according to the latest IAB Internet Advertising Revenue Report figures released today by the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) and PwC US. These figures show an 18 percent climb year-over-year, in comparison to Q3 2011’s $7.8 billion. In addition, they mark a 6 percent increase over the Q2 2012 figures of $8.72 billion. "These historic investments in interactive point to the strong results that marketers are receiving from digital marketing," says IAB President and CEO Randall Rothenberg. "It is a highly effective medium for interacting and engaging consumers, who are no longer passive, but are active participants in contemporary media online, through social media, and on-the-go with mobile."

"Sustained growth in internet ad revenue despite economic head winds is a testament to the value marketers get from using digital media," says IAB SVP of Research, Analytics & Measurement Sherrill Mane. "This uptick goes beyond a significant year-over-year increase at 18 percent, and also shows a climb from last quarter as well,” said David Silverman, a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers. "Clearly, digital advertising is continuing its positive trajectory with incredible momentum as it heads into seasonally strong Q4."

"IAB sponsors the IAB Internet Advertising Revenue Report, which is conducted independently by the New Media Group of PwC. The results are considered the most accurate measurement of interactive advertising revenues because the data is compiled directly from information supplied by companies selling advertisements on the internet," according to IAB's news release. "The survey includes data concerning online advertising revenues from web sites, commercial online services, free email providers, and all other companies selling online advertising. The full report is issued twice yearly for full and half-year data, and top-line quarterly estimates are issued for the first and third quarters. PwC does not audit the information and provides no opinion or other form of assurance with respect to the information. The full report is issued twice yearly for full and half-year data, and top-line quarterly estimates are issued for the first and third quarters. Past reports are available at www.iab.net/AdRevenueReport."