Microsoft Media Fastest Growing U.S. Ad Network in 2009

Top 15 ad networks by U.S. reach, from comScore. AOL remains top network, but Google's is growing at the highest rate among the top three.

Microsoft Media Network was the fastest growing major ad network in the U.S. in 2009, according to data from comScore’s Media Metrix panel. The measurement firm estimates the network’s reach was 31 percent greater in December 2009 than it was during the same period in 2008.

Collective’s network was the second fastest growing among the top 15, increasing its audience by 22 percent year-over-year for the month of December, while behavioral targeting firm Audience Science came in third, with 16 percent growth.

Based on reach alone, however, AOL Advertising remained the top network, reaching 187 million U.S. users — or around 90 percent of the nation’s total online audience. Yahoo Network followed with just under 181 million users, and Google’s network reached 178 million in third position. Google’s growth outpaced that of its major rivals, at 13 percent year over year. AOL and Yahoo achieved 8 and 9 percent, respectively.

It’s worth noting, however, that comScore estimates the U.S. online audience itself grew by 8 percent between December 2008 and December 2009. That implies an 8 percent increase in audience reach is merely consistent with growth in overall Internet use. By that logic, networks with an 8 percent rate of growth are essentially standing still, while those achieving less than 8 percent — such as Adconion and Traffic Marketplace — are, in fact, losing out.

In addition, as comScore Senior Vice President Jeff Hackett points out, many networks are now focusing their efforts on improving targeting among their audiences, rather than simply increasing their volume. As a result, contracting or static audience size does not necessarily imply diminished value for advertisers, or lower CPMs for publishers.

Top 15 Ad Networks by U.S. Reach, December 2009 vs. December 2008
Total Unique Visitors (000)
December 2008 December 2009 Change (%)
Total Audience 190,650 205,709 8
AOL Advertising 173,804 187,023 8
Yahoo Network 165,879 180,909 9
Google Ad Network 157,131 178,134 13
ValueClick Networks 159,420 170,774 7
Microsoft Media Network U.S. 126,158 165,470 31
Specific Media 153,079 165,230 8
FOX Audience Network N/A 156,981 N/A
24/7 Real Media 142,448 155,856 9
Collective Network 126,294 153,905 22
interCLICK 137,076 148,989 9
Tribal Fusion 139,778 147,169 5
AudienceScience 126,261 146,428 16
Traffic Marketplace 147,024 144,115 -2
Adconion Media Group 142,133 141,235 -1
Turn, Inc 123,150 138,297 12
Source: comScore Media Metrix, 2009

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