Internet Traffic From Mobile Browsers Exceeds Desktop Traffic for the First Time

In the month of October 2016, for the first time in history, traffic from mobile internet browsers surpassed traffic from desktop browsers, according to web analytics company StatCounter.

Various internet companies previously announced that mobile traffic surpassed desktop traffic, but those statistics also included traffic from mobile apps, which doesn't go through a browser. October 2016 was the first month on record when mobile browser traffic alone surpassed the one from desktops.

According to StatCounter telemetry data, mobile browsers accounted for 51.3% while desktop for the rest of 48.7%.

Mobile browser traffic spiked because of increased market share in countries with lower income, where not all users can afford a computer, but most can afford a smartphone and a mobile internet plan. For example, in India mobile browser traffic accounted for nearly 75% of traffic in the country.

Companies doing business in these countries are advised to provide mobile versions of their websites.

On the other hand, in mature internet markets such as Australia, the UK, and the US, desktop browsers still have a solid market position, but their numbers are on a descending trajectory.

"This should be a wake up call especially for small businesses, sole traders and professionals to make sure that their websites are mobile friendly. Many older websites are not," commented Aodhan Cullen, CEO, StatCounter.

Google has already noticed the trend

Google noticed this market shift a few years back when it began encouraging website owners to implement mobile versions of their sites, initially giving these sites a boost in its search engine rankings.

Last week, Google announced massive changes to its search engine, which from now on will be looking at a site's mobile version first, before looking at the desktop variant.

If you're in the market looking for a web design company, it's probably a good idea to select one that has expertise in building responsive websites.