The prediction is that the number of mobile users accessing social networks from their mobile devices will reach 607.5 million by 2013, representing 43% of global mobile Internet users. By 2013, the number of mobile social network users will have grown by over 400%.

As shown in the statistics below, mobile social network use is a significant driver of mobile Internet use.

Internet marketing analysts are seeing much opportunity in the two emerging channels – mobile and social.

The dominating US mobile social networks come as no surprise as they dominate the Internet and have the highest users.

“Location-based networks such as Loopt and foursquare have not yet reached critical mass, but are worth keeping an eye on as they work to link people, places and interests. In addition, location-based services can also be used in other contexts to help marketers target social network users with relevant information and offers.” The emergence of location-based networks and services are evidence that entrepreneurs are seeing opportunities with the growing number of mobile Internet users.

Markerters now have an avenue to engage their target audience more directly due to location-aware applications that include a social component.

There is no question that the two emerging channels – social and mobile, contain a large database that marketers could tap into, however, since the two channels combined are still in growth stages, advertising and marketing efforts are beginning as smaller scale programs.

Written By: Sam Kim
Information Provided By: www.emarketer.com