Online Ad Revenues Charge Past $3 Billion

David Utter
Staff Writer
Published: 2005-11-21


 The Internet Advertising Bureau said third quarter 2005 revenues hit $3.1 billion, about a third higher than the same period in 2004.

 Last year's revenue for online advertising reached $9.6 billion, a figure the IAB believes will end up at $12 billion for 2005. The third quarter of 2004 returned $2.3 billion in revenue to online ad firms.

The statement from IAB and PricewaterhouseCoopers noted the second quarter of 2005 saw ad revenue of $2.9 billion. If revenue does finish at $12 billion for the year, that would double the 2002 total.

"More and more marketers have embraced Interactive as an essential medium to reach and engage their consumers in more immersive brand experiences," Greg Stuart, President and CEO of IAB, said as he cited the cost effectiveness of interactive advertising.

"The high percentage growth in revenues is more significant given the larger revenue base," said Pete Petrusky, Director, Advisory Services, PwC. Another PwC partner said advertisers are "realizing the benefits" of moving more of their ad budgets into online ads.