Millennials and smartphones

Like it or not, our world has become one where smartphones are used more and more every day, particularly by Millennials. According to Experian Marketing Services, Millennial smartphone owners spend 14.5 hours a week on their phones, which equates to over two hours per day. Their use of mobile actually accounts for 41% of the total time that Americans spend using their phones even though they only make up 29% of the adult population. This is far more than any generation. According to a report from Simmons NCS, the usage of email, texting and good old-fashioned voice functionality is similar for all four generations Millennials (age 18 to 34), Generation X (35 to 49), Baby Boomers (50 to 69), and the Silent Generation (70+).

What puts Millennial’s over the top is that they use their smartphones for social networking, watching video, instant messaging, shopping, booking travel and mobile GPS. Other generations may not be apt to do so and, if they do, it’s certainly not for the same amount of time. Millenials are also more likely to use mobile travel apps, Skype, sports apps, and classifieds such as Craigslist and Yelp. Additionally, they tend to book travel, dining, and recreational activities via mobile. So, if you’re trying to reach this group, mobile should be your focus — especially if you’re in tourism, hospitality, or technology.

Millennials tend to use their phone more than their computers; so when targeting this group, an app or mobile friendly website is your best chance at reaching them.