Google-owned video service YouTube now represents 36 percent of total video traffic on wireless networks worldwide according to mobile web platform provider Bytemobile’s second-quarter 2010 Mobile Minute Metrics report.

Earlier this month, Google reported YouTube consumption on mobile devices increased 160 percent in 2009 over the previous year, with mobile video playbacks now topping 100 million per day–roughly the same number of daily playbacks streamed via the YouTube.com website when Google acquired the startup for $1.65 billion in late 2006.

According to Bytemobile, four of the top 10 video domains across all geographies offer adult content, together generating 15 of total mobile video traffic, with long-tail content making up the remainder. High-definition video is virtually non-existent, accounting for just 0.07 percent of video-specific traffic volume. Bytemobile also reports that mobile video consumption peaks around 10:00 p.m., at which time networks experience a peak in congestion and users suffer increased video stalling–on average, every 60 seconds of video screened over a 3G network includes about 10 minutes of stalling. The firm adds that mobile users favor lower-quality videos to avoid stalling and enjoy a better media experience.

Bytemobile anonymously sources the aggregate data traffic in a global cross-section of its customers’ networks and provides insight into the current state of the mobile ecosystem.

Report Snapshot

  • Mobile video consumption peaks around 10:00 p.m., at which point networks experience the most congestion and users experience the most video stalling.
  • Stalling occurs on the fastest of networks, underscoring the probability that not even next-generation network technology will be sufficient to satisfy user demand for data services.
  • Mobile users opt for lower-quality videos to avoid stalling and enjoy a better media experience.
  • Optimization significantly reduces video stalling, thereby noticeably improving the user experience.
  • YouTube accounts for 36% of the total video traffic on wireless networks worldwide. Adult content and ‘long tail’ internet content account for the rest.

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