HAMPSHIRE, England – A new report from Juniper Research has found that by 2017, a quarter of a billion people will use their mobile or tablet devices to access adult content including videos, images and live cams. The figure represents an increase of more than 30 percent over current usage levels.

The report attributes the predicted increase to an emphasis on high-definition, niche-centric product, as well as the flourishing availability of mobile-optimized free content.

According to the report, ”Mobile Adult Content: Monetisation, Technologies & Legislation 2013-2018”, smartphones and tablets have become key distribution channels for adult service providers, with those at the forefront of the industry ensuring content is differentiated for and tailored to an increasingly mobile audience.

Furthermore, report author Siân Rowlands opines that usage on tablets will be fueled by a increasing trend toward tablets becoming personal, as opposed to shared household devices, thereby alleviating user concerns about other family members viewing inappropriate content.

“Whilst Juniper expects the total number of users of both desktop and mobile adult content to remain broadly consistent, we expect to see continued migration to smartphones and tablets, as more enhanced, tailored content makes its way onto these personal devices,” Rowlands noted.

Recently announced mandatory content blocks from leading UK internet service providers may restrict future growth in the UK by installing a speed bump of sorts between mobile distributors and casual adult content consumers, although those who are devoted to enjoying adult content likely will find ways around the filters. Mobile network operators throughout the European Union and the U.S. routinely impose blocks on adult content, but devoted consumers continue to access the material via Wi-Fi, where default content blocks are not in place.

The report also suggests subscription will continue to be the optimal mobile monetization model, primarily through sales of niche content. In addition, Juniper analysts expect the proportion of mobile adult revenues generated by video-chat services to grow substantially over the forecast period, at a combined annual growth rate of 25 percent.