opinion

Mobile vs. Web Access: Digital Dividing Line

Technology is combining with changing consumer behaviors to drive an increase in the use of mobile devices for Internet access. From checking Facebook to bank accounts, watching videos to engaging in social media, and even live interactive sex cams, mobile devices are commonly employed throughout the day by today’s active audiences.

Regional variances skew the percentages, but worldwide, mobile devices account for more than 10 percent of Internet access. Asia is pushing 18 percent, while growth rates are skyrocketing across the developing world, changing the face of Internet usage today.

Younger users, as well as more casual users, are also eschewing traditional desktops and embracing the mobile web.

Younger users, as well as more casual users, are also eschewing traditional desktops and embracing the mobile web — with search and media viewing being primary uses.

Despite the increasing popularity of using mobile devices for Internet access, all is not smooth sailing; with a range of customer satisfaction issues that adult digital media marketers need to be aware of.

One move that causes frustration for many mobile device users is being automatically (and unwillingly) redirected to a site’s “mobile” version. While it is comforting that some websites offer a mobile version, the super capabilities of modern Smartphones and tablets are wasted on watered-down websites designed for less-capable feature phones.

This doesn’t mean, however, that all users of advanced devices want the most robust presentations possible, since many will be paying a significant premium for data charges, as well as enduring questionable carrier connections — a special problem in rural areas.

Having a user-selectable gateway, or at the very least, a link at the bottom of the page allowing a choice of full or mobile versions of a site, would be welcome by many users — as might a third choice of site offering: mobile for WAP / feature phones, mobile+ for up-market devices such as iPad, and full — although taking this strategy further, desktop as well as smart television/set-top box versions should also be developed — a substantial investment in comparison to the cost of deploying an oldschool “one size fits all” site.

Even if the mobile user obtains acceptable access to a website meeting his standards, there are other unnecessary hindrances that are often placed in the way.

For example, some websites that are otherwise open to all users might require mobile users to register an account. Other websites may take advantage of the marketability and profitability of advertising to (and selling ad space targeting) higher-end users.

For example, popular mainstream video site Hulu offers free access to desktop users, supported by advertising.

Fans may hope that the monthly Hulu+ subscription strips ads, but there is still “limited commercial interruption,” which is not a deal killer at $7.99/mo. — a fee, says the company, that is required in order to keep the monthly price this low.

But if you hit the site with an iPad, a Hulu+ membership is not optional, it is required.

Once again, this is not necessarily a problem — as the low cost, the variety of content and the quality of the iPad App user experience, makes a Hulu+ membership worthwhile.

Other sites have gotten the message and are going out of their way to cater to users of next generation devices such as the new iPad Mini.

One such site on the adult front is BangYouLater.com, which according to its owner, has taken extensive measures to suit the advanced display capabilities of the iPad Mini, in a competitive attempt to out perform other sites in terms of video load time and usability.

“Due to the smaller size of the new iPad Mini, it was a challenge to deliver the best possible experience to our valued users,” notes the project’s lead developer. “We wanted to ensure that all the information that is on screen with the regular iPad was still available without being too small to use or too cluttered.”

This focus on how design changes impact the usability of emerging platforms cannot be based on complacency, but on proactive testing and pushing the limits of technology — or as BangYouLater’s owner explains, “in the extremely competitive adult mobile market, it is necessary for the site to grow, change and be compatible with any new cutting edge mobile technology.”

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More Articles

opinion

WIA Profile: Lainie Speiser

With her fiery red hair and a laugh that practically hugs you, Lainie Speiser is impossible to miss. Having repped some of adult’s biggest stars during her 30-plus years in the business, the veteran publicist is also a treasure trove of tales dating back to the days when print was king and social media not even a glimmer in the industry’s eye.

Women in Adult ·
opinion

Fighting Back Against AI-Fueled Fake Takedown Notices

The digital landscape is increasingly being shaped by artificial intelligence, and while AI offers immense potential, it’s also being weaponized. One disturbing trend that directly impacts adult businesses is AI-powered “DMCA takedown services” generating a flood of fraudulent Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) notices.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
opinion

Building Seamless Checkout Flows for High-Risk Merchants

For high-risk merchants such as adult businesses, crypto payments are no longer just a backup plan — they’re fast becoming a first choice. More and more businesses are embracing Bitcoin and other digital currencies for consumer transactions.

Jonathan Corona ·
opinion

What the New SCOTUS Ruling Means for AV Laws and Free Speech

On June 27, 2025, the United States Supreme Court handed down its landmark decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, upholding Texas’ age verification law in the face of a constitutional challenge and setting a new precedent that bolsters similar laws around the country.

Lawrence G. Walters ·
opinion

What You Need to Know Before Relocating Your Adult Business Abroad

Over the last several months, a noticeable trend has emerged: several of our U.S.-based merchants have decided to “pick up shop” and relocate to European countries. On the surface, this sounds idyllic. I imagine some of my favorite clients sipping coffee or wine at sidewalk cafés, embracing a slower pace of life.

Cathy Beardsley ·
profile

WIA Profile: Salima

When Salima first entered the adult space in her mid-20s, becoming a power player wasn’t even on her radar. She was simply looking to learn. Over the years, however, her instinct for strategy, trust in her teams and commitment to creator-first innovation led her from the trade show floor to the executive suite.

Women in Adult ·
opinion

How the Interstate Obscenity Definition Act Could Impact Adult Businesses

Congress is considering a bill that would change the well-settled definition of obscenity and create extensive new risks for the adult industry. The Interstate Obscenity Definition Act, introduced by Sen. Mike Lee, makes a mockery of the First Amendment and should be roundly rejected.

Lawrence G. Walters ·
opinion

What US Sites Need to Know About UK's Online Safety Act

In a high-risk space like the adult industry, overlooking or ignoring ever-changing rules and regulations can cost you dearly. In the United Kingdom, significant change has now arrived in the form of the Online Safety Act — and failure to comply with its requirements could cost merchants millions of dollars in fines.

Cathy Beardsley ·
opinion

Understanding the MATCH List and How to Avoid Getting Blacklisted

Business is booming, sales are steady and your customer base is growing. Everything seems to be running smoothly — until suddenly, Stripe pulls the plug. With one cold, automated email, your payment processing is shut down. No warning, no explanation.

Jonathan Corona ·
profile

WIA Profile: Leah Koons

If you’ve been to an industry event lately, odds are you’ve heard Leah Koons even before you’ve seen her. As Fansly’s director of marketing, Koons helps steer one of the fastest-growing creator platforms on the web.

Women in Adult ·
Show More