VANCOUVER — For much of the world, so-called “dumb phones” represent bygone technology. Given that, why would you target such dated technology? According to JuicyAds, the answer is because you can reach new users.

You might be surprised by how much of the world still uses flip phones and similar devices. In fact, usage of “feature phones” — mobile phones that incorporate some features like the ability to store and play music but lack the advanced functionality of smartphones — is actually growing in some markets.

A recent study from Counterpoint Research showed that smartphone shipments slowed by two percent globally in 2017, while the feature phone market grew five percent. The study also forecasted that close to 200 million 4G feature phones will potentially be sold in India over then next five years, making the “dumb phone” look a bit smarter than you’d initially think. What’s more, new capabilities will allow feature phone users the potential ability to interact with Facebook, Twitter, What’sApp and more via the emerging KaIOS browser.

JuicyAds has long focused on monetizing every click, and they found the following stats within their own network. As part of overall traffic, the estimated percentages of feature phone impressions are significant: China 36.9%, India 29.8%, Algeria 23.2%, Taiwan 16.1%, Brazil 14.1%, United States 13.4% and Korea 12.6%. That is a lot of people you may potentially miss if you’re only targeting smart phone users.

After thoroughly researching monetization of various hard-to-convert locations, JuicyAds has launched feature phone targeting for those wishing to cash in this market. They are also providing an opportunity for all other advertisers to increase their ROI by un-targeting these devices.

“This is mostly a backwards-facing targeting option,” explained Juicy Jay, CEO and Founder of JuicyAds.

“By allowing our clients to target feature phones because they have a specific offer for them, it allows them to get exactly what they need. More importantly, by allowing our advertisers to opt-out of this same traffic when they know these archaic phones don’t support them, that provides an immediate boost in ROI by getting rid of traffic you can’t profit from,” he added.

To get started with feature phone traffic at JuicyAds, contact your account manager or email sales@juicyads.com.