The Revolution … Will Be Mobilized: Why Mobile Apps Are a Must-Have for Media Brands
Mobile media consumption isn’t just rising—it’s dominating. Today, 91% of U.S. adults own a smartphone, up from just 35% in 2011 (Pew Research Center). This shift fundamentally changes how Americans consume news, entertainment, and live or on-demand content.
For broadcasters and media brands, the message is clear: Your audience lives on their phones. If your station’s not delivering content through a branded mobile app, you’re not meeting them where they are.
Mobile: The New Main Screen
Mobile now accounts for over half of all daily connected media time in the U.S., surpassing desktops, tablets, and even connected TVs (eMarketer). Whether it’s streaming audio, watching short-form videos, or catching up on breaking news, audiences overwhelmingly prefer the simple and straightforward access through apps over mobile browsers. Apps command 88% of mobile internet usage, thanks to a better user experience (BuildFire).
News, Radio, and Video Consumption Are Now Mobile-First
- 86% of U.S. adults get news on a smartphone, tablet, or computer at least occasionally, with 60% preferring digital platforms as their go-to for news—compared to just 27% who prefer TV and only 6% who choose radio (Pew Research Center).
- 75% of U.S. adults now watch short-form video content daily—mostly on mobile—for up to two hours per day (eMarketer).
- 214 million Americans, or 75% of the 12+ population, listened to online audio last month, with mobile apps as the key listening device (Edison Research).
Mobile isn’t the second screen anymore. It is the screen.
Media brands that invest in feature-rich, interactive mobile experiences with live and on-demand streaming, real-time lyrics, podcast integration, and mobile-friendly video are better positioned to grow their reach, brand loyalty, and revenue.
Broadcast-specific mobile app platforms like Futuri Mobile are built specifically for this shift. Designed for broadcasters, it provides a fully branded mobile experience that includes more ways for your audience to engage like voice note submission, podcast and replay integration, interactive polls and contests, and it seamlessly syncs with CarPlay and Android Auto. These capabilities transform passive listening or viewing into a participatory experience—and they’re now table stakes for media brands that want to compete for attention.
Why Apps Work: Real-World Behaviors, Real Revenue Impact
The Infinite Dial 2025 report from Edison Research reveals that 55% of Americans aged 12 and older are now monthly podcast consumers, marking a new high in podcast engagement. Furthermore, 73% have consumed a podcast in either audio or video format, highlighting the expanding reach of on-demand content (Edison Research).
Smart media brands are adapting by:
- Repurposing live content as on-demand
- Launching new digital-first shows
- Using mobile apps as a central hub for all formats
With built-in push notifications, integrated video players, and real-time content tools, Futuri Mobile helps brands maintain continuity with their audience across multiple time slots, formats, and platforms. The app’s real-time alerts and live lyrics deepen engagement, while its flexible monetization options—like sponsorship placements and dynamic ad insertions—support your revenue goals.
These mobile-first strategies offer more than convenience. They deliver first-party data, retention tools, and sponsorship-friendly environments that third-party platforms can’t replicate.
Meeting Expectations in the App Era
Today’s consumers want:
- Content on demand (not dictated by schedules)
- Interactivity (not one-way broadcasting)
- Customized experiences (not generic streams)
Mobile apps provide all three. A well-developed station app allows your audience to:
- Submit voice messages to show hosts
- Vote in polls and contests
- Stream live content or catch replays, including podcasts
- Access exclusive sponsor-supported content
Solutions like Futuri Mobile go further, offering stations a centralized space to deliver both live and on-demand audio, integrate with smart speaker and car systems, and engage users with interactive features—all within a custom-branded environment that the station fully controls.
Own Your Channel. Future-Proof Your Strategy.
Sustainable growth doesn’t come from rented audiences on third-party platforms. It starts with a mobile destination you own—where you control branding, content, and data.
A trusted mobile app partner should empower you with the tools you need to be agile and thrive in today’s hyper-competitive media landscape. You need a partner whose goal aligns with yours to:
- Expand digital listening/viewership
- Capture new revenue streams through dynamic ad insertion and sponsorships
- Own the direct relationship with your audience
Ready to Mobilize?
Don’t let legacy workflows or underperforming platforms hold you back. Find out more here and see how your brand can thrive in a mobile-first world.
