U.S. Mobile User-Generated Content and Services: Empowering Wireless Consumers

This IDC study presents a competitive analysis of the user-generated content (UGC) services offered by the four major U.S. carriers as well as several regional carriers and MVNOs. Related services offered by media companies, search engine vendors, and handset manufacturers are also briefly discussed. How different types of UGC service are likely to grow in the next year based on current market dynamics is discussed. IDC also analyzes new mobile UGC services and concepts that are likely to emerge in the next few years. The key challenges related to mobile UGC are also covered.

"Although the U.S. mobile UGC market is still in its a formative stage, several U.S. carriers, MVNOs, and media companies already offer services that allow customers to create and sometimes sell their own ringtones, graphics/wallpapers, or upload their own content (video, pictures, audio, text, and so on) to their online blog or viral video site, directly from their cell phone" says Julien Blin, research analyst in IDC's Wireless and Mobile Communications program. "By 2008, new mobile UGC services and models are likely to emerge, allowing customers to make and monetize their own full track music, video, and perhaps even games and contests, and upload or broadcast live video from their phone to their personal blog. Several issues related to privacy, content filtering, and copyright protection will have to be solved before the U.S. mobile UGC services market can reach its full potential, however."