Internet ad revenues above $12 billion in first half

The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) and PwC US’s IAB Internet Advertising Revenue Report says internet ad revenues in the U.S. were at $12.1 billion in that period, setting a new half-year record that represents an 11.3% increase over the first half of 2009. This is also the highest Q2 revenue on record, up 13.9% over the same period of 2009.

Display-related advertising—which includes banner ads, rich media, digital video and sponsorships—totaled more than $4.4 billion in the first six months of 2010, showing a significant increase of close to 16% over the same period in 2009. Digital video continues to experience record growth, this year achieving the highest half-year performance ever and up 31% over first half 2009. Search advertising remains the largest percentage of overall interactive spend at 47%, representing more than $5.7 billion for the first six months of 2010, up 11.6% from the same period in 2009.

“Consumers’ appetite for immersive online experiences is limitless as technological innovation and creativity give rise to new forms of entertainment and information in the digital age,” said Randall Rothenberg, President and CEO, IAB. “This report highlights marketers’ ongoing adoption of interactive media to build brands—and that’s only going to continue.”

The following data highlights key first six-month revenue data breakouts; dollar figures are rounded.
($ millions if not indicated):

Advertising Formats: Search and Display-related ads continue to be leading formats.

Industry Concentration: Percentages of revenues by the top 10, top 25 and top 50 have remained consistent.