Why Have Mobile Apps Become the Dominant Force in Entertainment

Mobile apps have become the dominant force in entertainment over the last ten years. Statista data shows that the total time spent using mobile apps increased by 46% between 2019 and 2022. Although the data also shows that app downloads slowed, with growth only hitting 1% between 2022 and 2023, the fact remains that apps are the go-to medium for most people seeking entertainment. According to Buildfire, the average smartphone user has 60 apps on their phone, while some people have over 90.

Apps Turn Small Screens into Big Experiences

A quick look at modern mobile apps gives us a clue as to why. If you play blackjack online at Paddy Power Games, you’ll see that it offers 30 different variants for desktop users. From digital games such as Cashback Blackjack to games that involve live streaming, like Power Blackjack, there’s a diverse range of options. In the early days of online casino gaming, these products were only accessible via a desktop computer. Today, customers can access them via Paddy Power’s iOS or Android app.

Research by the industry’s regulatory body, the UK Gambling Commission, found that the “most popular way to access online gambling” products is via a mobile phone. Although there are some nuances when age demographics are considered, more than 65% of people between 18 and 34 use their mobile phones to play casino games. That drops to 14% when you look at people over 65, so there’s a clear need for companies such as Paddy Power to maintain high-quality websites and apps.

What’s interesting about playing on mobile apps is they offer a more tactile experience, which, for casino players, adds a touch of authenticity to the experience. It’s not quite the same as riffling casino chips, but you’re more active with your hands than if you were clicking a mouse. Apps have the added benefit of mobile payment options, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. These methods streamline the payment process, so there’s minimal disruption to a player’s experience.

We also can’t ignore the fact that smartphones can now run sophisticated games and products. For example, the latest Apple iPhone 15 Pro can have up to 1 terabyte of storage. It has a 6.7-inch screen OLED display with a 2796×1290-pixel resolution at 460 ppi, and it’s powered by the A17 pro chip, which features a 6-core CPU, a 6-core GPU, and a 16-core neural engine. These components mean it can compete with desktop devices in various areas, including visuals and storage. Thus, you can enjoy just as much digital content on your phone as on your computer.
Better Devices Makes Accessible Apps More Appealing

The power of modern mobiles and the accessibility of apps (you’ve almost always got your phone to hand) are the reasons they dominate. Vice chairman of advertising firm Ogilvy UK, Rory Sutherland, argues in an article for the Spectator (How to watch YouTube on your TV – and why you should) that people should watch YouTube on their TV rather than a mobile device.

He’s made a similar point in several podcasts. In his view, people should watch YouTube content on a smart TV because the superior screen size makes the experience more entertaining. However, the data shows that most people watch via their smartphones. According to data cited by Social Shepherd, 40.9% of YouTube’s total watch time happens on mobile devices. Therefore, while Sutherland might have a point, it seems people still prefer the convenience of apps.

We’re willing to sacrifice screen size for accessibility. Of course, mobile technology has also improved and evolved in line with our preferences. So, while there might be value in watching YouTube on a TV, it’s better to do it via an app. Not all entertainment is better in app form, but a lot of the content we consume, from games to videos, now feels most natural in this medium. That’s why apps have become the dominant force in entertainment.