Smartphone users are consuming and creating short-form videos at astonishingly high rates
Vodafone Group and Meta Platforms are deepening their network traffic optimization partnership by addressing the capacity needs of short-form video on 11 of the carrier’s European mobile networks.
Smartphone users are consuming and creating short-form videos at astonishingly high rates thanks to social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. In fact, according to research from the Charle Agency, the average number of videos uploaded to TikTok each day is estimated to be around 10 million as of 2023. And that’s just TikTok.
Further, Ericsson last month rated video as one of the most data-intensive applications, accounting for 73% of all mobile traffic at end-2023. “Video is the most significant traffic type generated by smartphone users,” the vendor stated, adding that smartphone data consumption, in general, is set to increase significantly in the coming years.
Recognizing the growing challenge around network capacity, Vodafone and Meta conducted a three-week test in the U.K. in April, which the pair said delivered a “meaningful reduction in network traffic” for those viewing Meta’s content. Those not streaming Meta’s content, they continued, will also benefit because the optimization trial also “freed up additional network resources” on some of Vodafone’s 4G and 5G sites.
Specifically, Vodafone claimed the optimization led to low double-digit reduction in Meta’s data traffic on its U.K. network, but noted that the results vary depending on loading and the devices involved.
“Meta’s willingness to optimise the delivery of video for its applications leads the way for a more efficient use of existing network resources,” said Alberto Ripepi, Vodafone’s chief network officer, adding that the pair “intend to continue collaborating to foster additional efficiencies.”
