Ad Spending on Social Networks Doubles

Time spent on social network and blogging sites accounted for 17% of all the time Americans spent online in August 2009, nearly triple the percentage of time (6%) spent on the sector in August 2008, according to recently released data from Nielsen.

"This growth suggests a wholesale change in the way the Internet is used," said Jon Gibs, vice-president of media and agency insights for Nielsen's online division. "While video and text content remain central to the Web experience, the desire of online consumers to connect, communicate, and share is increasingly driving the medium's growth."

Online Display Ad Spending on Sector More Than Doubles YOY

Estimated online advertising spend on the top social network and blogging sites increased 119% year over year, from approximately $49 million in August 2008 to approximately $108 million in August 2009.

The share of estimated spending on these sites has also grown, increasing from a 7% share of total online ad spend in August 2008 to a 15% share in August 2009.

Although several industries decreased their total online ad spend from August 2008 to August 2009, spending on the top social network sites increased across the board.

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