U.S. internet ad revenues have reached a record-breaking $15.9 billion in the first quarter of 2016, surpassing last year’s Q1 high of $13.2 billion, according to the Interactive Advertising Bureau.
The “IAB Internet Advertising Revenue Report,” which is conducted independently by PwC US, said the 21 percent year-over-year jump represented the sharpest spike in Q1 ad revenue in four years.
“These landmark revenues confirm the growing importance of interactive for brand marketers to reach consumers who are increasingly spending their time on digital screens,” said David Doty, executive VP and CMO for the IAB. “Last year the industry reached its highest level of investment at over $50 billion, and this first quarter lays the foundation for what could very well be the biggest year yet for digital ad spending.”
The report is comprised using online advertising revenue data from web sites, commercial online services, free e-mail providers and all other companies selling online advertising.
The following chart highlights quarterly ad revenue since 1996 (dollar figures are rounded):
