Western Europe Stimulates Worldwide Growth In Mobile Porn

Juniper Research released a report today that claims that the global mobile market for adult content grew by around 36 percent, to an estimated $2.2 billion, in 2008. Juniper also estimated that the market will be worth $4.9 billion by 2013, largely dominated by increased demand for video-chat services. Demand for mobile adult content seems to growing at a fast pace since the research company’s 2007 report estimated revenue to reach $3.5 billion by 2010. With 2008 revenue already past the $2 billion mark, the forecasts could become a definite reality.

But this growth is not happening in the United States. Western Europe remains the largest market for the adult mobile services, especially video-based applications, mainly due to the increased adoption of 3G mobile phones in European markets. Western Europe’s share of the revenue was 42 percent in 2008, whereas North America accounted for only 2 percent of revenue in 2008. The lack of widespread availability of 3G phones is not the only reason the U.S. and Canadian market is not catching on to adult mobile services. The report indicates that the US market is constrained by carrier reluctance to introduce age verification systems. Other markets, such as Indonesia and Switzerland, have even tightened the laws governing the access of mobile adult content.

But with the potential revenue stream in the billions, will U.S. carriers re-think the opportunity in this area? Playboy and adult entertainment company Private Media Group have both expanded their mobile operations in the past year and focused on international ventures. Perhaps its only a matter of time before more flesh will be seen on U.S. iPhones. Just don’t expect Apple to lead the way.