The first quarter of 2017 marked the highest ever Q1 earnings for digital advertising in the U.S., hitting $19.6 billion, according to the latest IAB Internet Advertising Revenue Report released today by the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) and prepared by PwC US. Climbing 23 percent, or $3.7 billion, from the same period just a year ago, these earnings represent the second-highest quarter of all time, and follow on the heels the industry’s strongest quarter on record—Q4 2016 at $21.6 billion. In addition, Q1 2017 marks the seventh consecutive first quarter to have double-digit, year-over-year growth.
“These figures reflect marketers’ ongoing commitment to invest in digital,” said Chris Kuist, Senior Vice President, Research and Impact, IAB. “This steady growth is a direct result of interactive advertising’s power to reach consumers where they are spending more and more of their time—on connected screens.”
“The first quarter of 2017 represents the strongest beginning to any year yet in digital ad spend,” said David Silverman, a partner at PwC US. “It’s a testament to interactive’s ability to attract audiences and the marketing dollars that follow.”
The Q1 and Q3 revenue estimates are based upon a survey of the largest companies, which are then projected to the overall market based upon recent historical revenue market share. The estimates are updated, if necessary, when we prepare the more detailed analysis in the half year and full year reports.
The following chart highlights quarterly ad revenue since IAB began measuring it in 1996; dollar figures are rounded.
IAB sponsors the IAB Internet Advertising Revenue Report, which is conducted independently by PwC US. The data is compiled directly from information supplied by companies selling advertising on the internet. The survey includes data concerning online advertising revenues from web sites, commercial online services, free e-mail 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.
To view previous reports, please go to iab.com/adrevenuereport.
About IAB
The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) empowers the media and marketing industries to thrive in the digital economy. It is comprised of more than 650 leading media and technology companies that are responsible for selling, delivering, and optimizing digital advertising or marketing campaigns. Together, they account for 86 percent of online advertising in the United States. Working with its member companies, the IAB develops technical standards and best practices and fields critical research on interactive advertising, while also educating brands, agencies, and the wider business community on the importance of digital marketing. The organization is committed to professional development and elevating the knowledge, skills, expertise, and diversity of the workforce across the industry. Through the work of its public policy office in Washington, D.C., the IAB advocates for its members and promotes the value of the interactive advertising industry to legislators and policymakers. Founded in 1996, the IAB is headquartered in New York City and has a West Coast office in San Francisco.
About PwC US
At PwC US, our purpose is to build trust in society and solve important problems: “We’re a network of firms in 157 countries with more than 208,000 people who are committed to delivering quality in assurance, advisory, and tax services.” Find out more and tell us what matters to you by visiting us at http://www.pwc.com/us.
© 2017 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership. All rights reserved. PwC refers to the US member firm, and may sometimes refer to the PwC network. Each member firm is a separate legal entity.
