When the data and the dollars for 2018 Internet advertising are finally tabulated, it looks like 2018 will turn out to be a whopping good year. According to a recent announcement by the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB), U.S. digital advertising revenues rose to $26.2 billion in last year’s third quarter, an increase of 20.6 percent compared with the same period of 2017. This “solidifies 2018’s claim as the highest-spending first three quarters on record,” IAB said, citing the IAB Internet Advertising Revenue Report prepared by PwC US.

In total, marketers spent $75.8 billion during 2018’s first three quarters, or 22 percent more than they had spent during the same period a year ago, according to the announcement.

“2018 was a landmark year for U.S. digital advertising,” IAB senior vice president, research and measurement, Sue Hogan said in the announcement. “Brands continued their record-breaking investment in the marketplace in the third quarter. Last year saw significant growth in the OTT (over-the-top content) marketplace and in the direct-to-consumer brand ecosystem—contributing factors in digital’s successful Q3.”

David Silverman, a PwC US partner, said the data show that digital advertising has shown “year after year that it continues to draw and engage audiences.” He added, “It’s no surprise that advertisers are following their target customers to whatever screen they are on, and that screen is more likely to be a digital one.”

IAB noted in its announcement that the Q3 revenue are estimates based upon a survey of the largest companies, which are then projected to the overall market based upon recent historical revenue market share. IAB sponsors the revenue report, which is conducted independently by PwC US.

To view previous reports, please go to www.iab.com/adrevenuereport. The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) empowers the media and marketing industries to thrive in the digital economy. Its membership is comprised of more than 650 leading media and technology companies.