UK online display ads up 34pc – comScore

Virgin Group

Virgin Group ranked as top UK display advertiser in Q3 2010

UK internet users viewed more than 221bn display ads during the third quarter of 2010, an increase of 34pc from the 164bn impressions in Q3 2009, according to new figures from comScore’s Ad Metrix service.

“Following the ad recession that occurred from late 2008 through most of 2009, we are now seeing a strong resurgence in the online display ad market,” said Mike Read, SVP and managing director, comScore Europe.

“A key driver of this growth is the retail sector, which increased over 300pc in terms of impressions delivered since last year. In the run up to Christmas with consumers searching for gifts, the growth in online advertising is likely to continue its ascent.”

The comScore figures reveal that Facebook.com carried more display ad impressions in the UK than any other online publisher during Q3 2010 with more than 68bn display ad impressions, representing 31pc market share. Microsoft Sites ranked second with nearly 14bn impressions (6.2pc), followed by eBay with 8.8bn impressions (4pc) and Google Sites with 8.2bn impressions (3.7pc).)

Virgin Group, primarily featuring ads for its media brands, was the top online display advertiser in Q3 2010 with 4.4bn impressions (2pc of UK display). Telefonica Europe held the second position with 2.9bn (1.3pc), followed by BSkyB with 2.6bn (1.2pc) and BT Group with 2.3bn (1.0pc).