Mobile commerce, or m-commerce, is steadily emerging as the future of online shopping or shopping.
It’s changing the way we browse, select, and purchase products. With sales projected to hit a staggering $2.52 trillion in 2024, it’s clear that this digital revolution is not just a passing trend but a seismic shift in consumer behavior.
But what’s driving this incredible growth? From the convenience of shopping on the go to the rise of shopping apps and social media influence, numerous factors are at play.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 global mobile commerce statistics for 2024 that highlight the soaring growth, technological advancements, and changing consumer preferences shaping the mobile commerce market.
1. Soaring Growth in Mobile Commerce: A Look at the Future
Mobile commerce, or m-commerce, is rapidly rising, with sales expected to hit a staggering $2.52 trillion in 2024.
This marks a 16.3% increase from the $2.16 trillion recorded in 2023.
And the growth doesn’t stop here. Statistics predict that mobile commerce sales will soar even higher by 2027, reaching an impressive $3.44 trillion.
Mobile commerce growth statistics (Source)
One can attribute several factors to this upward growth.
For one, mobile devices make shopping more convenient than any other device. Then, you see the increasing number of smartphone users and the advancements in mobile payment. All of these factors together are contributing significantly to this surge.
As mobile shopping becomes more user-friendly and secure, more consumers are turning to their phones for their purchasing needs.
Naturally, people are looking for quick, easy ways to shop, and mobile devices offer just that.
For businesses, this means that having a solid mobile presence is no longer optional—it’s essential. To stay ahead of the curve, companies need to focus on optimizing their mobile shopping experiences and mobile commerce to drive sales and growth.
2. Exploring the Surge in Global Mobile Usage: A Catalyst for Mobile Commerce Expansion
Mobile commerce is going through a considerable transformation, with a steady increase in mobile phone users.
According to the latest data from GSMA Intelligence, there are now 5.61 billion unique mobile phone users globally. This marks an impressive growth of 138 million new users over the past year.
Global mobile usage statistics (Source)
Unique mobile users are at a current growth rate of 2.5 percent per year. This boost is not just in numbers—it’s also about the shift in technology.
A massive number of mobile users are transitioning from basic feature phones to relatively more advanced smartphones. This transition paves the way for multiple opportunities for mobile commerce.
Smartphones offer a richer, more interactive experience compared to feature phones. Smartphones also come with better internet connectivity, larger screens, and more powerful processors, making them more suitable for mobile shopping.
The result? An increase in mobile commerce activities as people find it more convenient to shop, make payments, and access services on the go.
3. The Convenience of Mobile Shopping
For shoppers today, convenience is king, and mobile shopping is leading the charge.
According to research by Dynamic Yield, 76% of shoppers use their mobile devices to make purchases because it saves them time.
Mobile shopping data (Source)
This trend clearly indicates how integral smartphones are to our daily lives, not just for communication but as a tool for efficient and hassle-free shopping.
So, what’s the appeal? The biggest reason is that smartphones take just a few taps, allowing you to find what you want, buy it, and get on with your day.
Plus, with all the cool shopping apps and social media, finding and buying stuff has never been easier. It’s no wonder mobile shopping is on the rise now.
4. The Rise of Shopping Apps in Mobile Commerce
Shopping apps are taking over the mobile commerce world.
According to statistics, shopping apps are growing faster than any other type of app, with people using them 48% more than the average app.
Mobile shopping app data (Source)
What’s the reason behind this massive rise? The biggest reason is that they make shopping super easy and personal. You get alerts about deals, can pay quickly, and even get suggestions based on what you like.
Since COVID-19, even more folks are shopping on their phones, pushing businesses to step up their app game. So, if a business wants to keep up, they need a great shopping app that makes the buying experience a breeze.
5. Impact of Social Media on Mobile Commerce Purchase Decisions
According to the latest Future of Mobile Commerce report, 55% of users have made a purchase after discovering a product on social media.
This shows how important social media is when it comes to influencing consumer behavior and purchasing decisions.
Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter are especially popular and have now become indispensable for brands, making it essential to promote and display their products, engage with their audience, and drive sales.
What makes social media so popular and a big driving force for online consumers?
The visual and interactive nature of social media allows users to discover new products easily. Now, consumers can make purchasing decisions based on what they see and the recommendations they receive from their network and favorite social media influencers.
6. Boost in Sales from Social Media Presence
The same study suggests that stores with a social media presence witnessed a 32% increase in sales compared to those relying solely on traditional methods.
This highlights the importance of having an active and engaging social media strategy for businesses.
Maintaining a stellar social media presence can help you:
- Reach a wider audience,
- Build brand awareness,
- Create a sense of community around your products.
The increased visibility and engagement can directly translate into higher sales as consumers are more likely to purchase from brands they feel connected to and trust.
7. The Rise of Mobile Wallets in Global E-Commerce
Studies predict that by 2026, mobile wallets will account for over 54% of online payment transactions worldwide.
In 2022, mobile wallets became the go-to method for online shopping, making up about half of all global e-commerce payment transactions.
That’s a big deal! It means that when people shop online, they choose to use digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Wallet, and others more than any other payment method.
What is fueling this sudden rise in mobile wallets?
They’re super convenient, for one. Instead of typing in your card details every time you shop, you can use your phone to pay quickly and securely.
Plus, with more and more people using smartphones, it’s easier than ever to use a mobile wallet.
8. Consumer Preference for AR Experiences
61% of consumers say they prefer retailers that offer augmented reality (AR) experiences while shopping.
This hints at the growing interest in interactive and immersive shopping experiences.
And why not? AR technology allows customers to visualize products in their own space or see how they might look wearing certain items, making online shopping more engaging and personalized.
As AR becomes more mainstream, consumers are increasingly seeking out retailers that provide these innovative experiences.
9. Retailers’ Preparedness for AR Integration
On the flip side, 52% of retailers admit they are unprepared or unwilling to integrate AR into their retail operations.
This gap between consumer demand and retailer readiness presents a challenge for businesses.
Many retailers may lack the technical expertise, infrastructure, or financial resources to implement AR solutions. As a result, there’s a pressing need for retailers to invest in AR technology and training to meet consumer expectations and stay competitive in the digital marketplace.
10. Voice Search: A Growing Trend in Mobile Commerce
Voice search is becoming increasingly popular in mobile commerce. In fact, 27% of searches on mobile devices are now voice-based.
This trend is driven by the convenience and ease of use that voice search offers. Instead of typing out a query, users can simply speak into their device and receive instant results.
This shift towards voice search also changes how businesses approach SEO and online marketing. To stay competitive, you’ll need to optimize your content for voice search, focusing on natural language and question-based queries.
11. Voice Shopping: A $40 Billion Milestone in Mobile Commerce
By 2022, voice shopping sales soared to $40 billion—a remarkable milestone in mobile commerce.
This significant growth highlights the increasing popularity of using voice commands for shopping through smartphones and smart speakers like Amazon Echo or Google Home.
As technology evolves, we can expect voice shopping to become an even more integral part of consumer’s shopping habits, making it easier and more convenient for everyone.
This makes it more important than ever to optimize your mobile commerce assets for voice search.
12. In-Store Mobile Shopping Habits
A recent global survey revealed that 56% of in-store shoppers use their smartphones to research items or even shop while they are in a store.
This shows that even when people shop in stores, they still rely on mobile devices as a shopping tool.
The convenience of smartphones allows shoppers to compare prices, read reviews, and check for online deals while standing in the aisles.
This behavior has significant implications for retailers, as it blurs the lines between online and offline shopping experiences. This also makes it necessary for businesses to work on their online presence and pricing strategies with equal care as they do with their offline presence, knowing that customers have instant access to a wealth of information right at their fingertips.
13. Desktop vs. Mobile: The Conversion Rate Divide in Global Mobile Commerce
When it comes to online shopping, desktops are still ahead of the game with a 3% conversion rate, meaning more folks who browse on their computers are likely to hit that “buy” button compared to those on mobile devices, which have a 2% conversion rate. (Source)
The conversion rate of online shoppers on different devices (Source)
Despite the convenience of shopping on the go, this difference shows that there’s still a special something about shopping on a bigger screen that gets people to commit.
14. Fastest-Growing E-commerce Categories in Global Mobile Commerce
Fastest-growing ecommerce categories include:
- Auto and parts (with 30.1% year-on-year growth)
- Food and beverage (20.7% year-on-year growth)
- Apparel and accessories (15.4% year-on-year growth)
- Health, personal care, and beauty (15.1% YoY growth)
These trends highlight the evolving consumer preferences and the increasing reliance on mobile devices for shopping across various categories.
15. Age Trends in Mobile Commerce Usage
Mobile commerce isn’t just for the younger crowd. In fact, a surprising trend emerges when we look at the age demographics of m-commerce users in the United States.
The generation aged 30 to 49 is at the forefront, with 92% of them using their mobile devices for shopping. This is a bit higher than the 87% of users aged 18 to 29 who are also embracing m-commerce. (Source)
This shift could be due to a variety of factors. For one, the 30 to 49 age group is often in a more stable financial position, with more disposable income to spend on online shopping.
They’re also more likely to have families, which can increase the need for the convenience that mobile shopping offers. Plus, this age group is tech-savvy enough to navigate mobile commerce platforms with ease.
16. The Rise of Augmented Reality in Mobile Commerce
Augmented reality (AR) technology is making considerable strides in the mobile commerce industry.
Back in 2016, the revenue generated from consumer standalone and embedded AR mobile apps worldwide was a notable $725.4 million—which has been on an upward trajectory since then. (Source)
This figure was just the beginning of an upward trend that has continued to revolutionize the way we interact with mobile commerce.
17. Mobile Commerce Dominates the APAC E-Commerce Landscape
In the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, mobile commerce isn’t just a trend; it’s become the norm. In 2022, more than half of all e-commerce transactions were made on mobile devices across almost all countries in the region.
The only exception was Japan, where mobile commerce accounted for 39% of e-commerce sales. But even in Japan, the convenience of shopping on smartphones and tablets is catching on fast.
Mobile Commerce Trends in APAC by Country, 2022-2026 (Source)
This growth of mobile commerce in the APAC region will likely continue.
South Korea, in particular, is leading the charge. By 2026, it’s predicted that 77% of e-commerce sales in South Korea will be made through mobile devices.
For businesses operating in the APAC region, these statistics highlight the importance of optimizing their online presence for mobile devices.
18. Dominance of Mobile in Paid Search Advertising
In the second quarter of 2021, mobile devices accounted for over two-thirds of total paid search ad clicks across major U.S. search properties like Google and Microsoft. (Source)
This statistic reveals the growing dominance of mobile in the online advertising ecosystem.
Advertisers are shifting their focus to these platforms as people increasingly turn to their smartphones and tablets for browsing and shopping.
The Future of Shopping: Embracing the Global Mobile Commerce Surge
These global mobile commerce trends and statistics underscore that m-commerce isn’t just growing—it’s booming. With sales projected to reach trillions by 2024 and mobile devices becoming an integral part of our shopping habits, it’s clear that the future of commerce is in the palm of our hands.
From the convenience of shopping apps to the influence of social media, the ecommerce and retail sectors are changing right before our eyes.
The rise of mobile wallets, augmented reality, and voice shopping are just a few examples of how the shopping experience is becoming more accessible and personalized.
