The Generation Z Audience for In-App Advertising

Abstract Purpose: The audience for in-app mobile advertising is comparable in size and viewing rate to that for TV but divides its attention across a highly fragmented selection of apps, each competing for advertiser revenue. In market, the assumption is that this audience is deeply segmented, allowing individuals to be contextually targeted on the apps that define their interests and needs. But that assumption is not supported by the Laws of Double Jeopardy and Duplication of Viewing which closely predict usage in other mass media. Our purpose is to benchmark in-app audiences against these laws to better understand market structure. Method: We collected nearly three thousand hours of screen time data from a panel of Generation Z respondents and tested the predictive validity of two models against observed interactions with twenty-three popular apps in six categories over a week. Findings. Results show that contrary to industry assumptions, this audience for in-app advertising is not segmented. Engagement on individual apps and sharing rates between apps and app formats is predicted well. Originality/Value: Many authors have called for consistency in metrics to compare on and off-line media performance. This study bridges that gap, demonstrating how reach and frequency measures could inform digital scheduling for contextual targeting. Implications Optimising in-app advertising for short-term activation only limits its potential for brand-building. These findings encourage advertisers to schedule online campaigns for brand reach as well as sales lift, by advancing current understanding of audience behaviour.