US internet ad revenues up 18% to an all-time high, led by massive 145% surge in mobile

Advertising revenue in the US was up 18% year-on-year during the first-half of 2013, led by explosive growth in mobile and digital video advertising.

The PricewaterhouseCoopers US and Interactive Advertising Bureau figures show total first half ad revenues hit $US20.1 billion, up from $US17 billion a year earlier.

The biggest growth came in mobile advertising, which surged an astounding 145% to $US3 billion, up from $US1.2 billion a year earlier.

There was also strong growth in online video advertising, which grew by 24% year-on-year, from $US1.1 billion to $US1.3 billion.

There was also strong, steady growth in the more established display and search advertising market, with search revenues for the half up 7% to $US8.7 billion.

Meanwhile display advertising, including video, grew by 9% from $US5.6 billion to $US6.1 billion.