In 2018, we saw a lot of advances in the mobile industry. This year we were introduced to IGTV, got more than familiar with GDPR, kept a close watch on social shopping, and explored countless other new rules, trends, and platforms that all helped to reshape the mobile ad world as we know it.

As we prepare to close the chapter on 2018, we’re also excited to look ahead at the new trends and opportunities that 2019 has in store.

So, before you pop the champagne and start the countdown to midnight, let’s take a look at some of the biggest mobile ad trends that will shake up the industry in 2019:

1. Mobile Will Win the Ad Spend Pie

In 2019, mobile ad spend is projected to reach over $93 billion — not million, billion. Let that sink in.

That’s over $20 billion more than projected TV ad spend. With all that competition, mobile advertisers should start deciding how and where they’ll divvy up their own ad spend to stand out above the noise.

2. Say Hello to the Foldable Phone

Mobile manufacturer Royole recently introduced a foldable phone to the market, eagerly beating Samsung to the punch.

While this new design is creating a pretty significant buzz, it’s still got a long way to go. For now, the phones can’t actually fold all the way, they remain an awkward shape and size, and the speed and functionality of apps are still a work in progress.

Nevertheless, advertisers will be wise to keep an eye on the new technology and how it improves over the next 12 months.

3. Influencer Marketing on the Rise

With 30% of internet users turning to ad blockers, many advertisers have been left scratching their heads. In 2019, that number is only predicted to increase – which is why influencer marketing will continue to thrive well into the new year.

Not only is influencer marketing a great workaround for ad blockers, but this form of content also genuinely resonates with consumers. According to Nielsen, some of the most trusted resources for brand and product insights are people that your audience already knows. This makes influencer recommendations and reviews a strong and authentic source for ad promotion in the post-ad block world of 2019.

4. Get Ready for More Live Video

We all know that mobile video on the rise, with more than half of all video views taking place on mobile devices. But, by 2021, live video specifically will come to account for 13% of all internet video traffic.

The good news is that live video can be scrappy, and it enables brands to directly engage with consumers in real time. The bad news is there’s always room for error when it comes to live content.

Any way you spin it, live video shows major opportunity for growth in the coming year, and now is a great time to start strategizing how you can leverage the platform to engage users in a fresh new way.

5. Ads Are Getting More Personal

As consumers become more savvy to spammy ads and irrelevant content, personalized ads are becoming more and more essential in building a strong advertiser/consumer relationship.

In 2019, this fact will only ring true with greater urgency. In the coming year, mobile advertisers risk falling behind if they don’t integrate personalization features based on factors like location, preferences, and shopping behaviors.

6. The Social Shopping Takeover

Throughout 2018, shopping on social media has been on the rise in a big way. In fact, 70% of Instagram userscurrently make purchases via their mobile devices.

With more cutting-edge features continuously being released to make shopping easier on social platforms, advertisers should be prepared to leverage these channels to their fullest in order to convert users in new and relevant ways.

As you look ahead to the new year, remember to turn to your trusted partners for support in exploring which trends and opportunities work for you, tracking your ROI, and improving your ad strategy for better reach, engagement, and sales… in 2019, and beyond!