Technology market research company eMarketer has said that tablet devices have the potential to generate revenue for content publishers.
The reached at the conclusion from a survey by the Online Publishers Association (OPA).
The survey, conducted by Frank N. Magid Associates, found that nearly 80% of all tablet owners have purchased an app. And that paid content accounts for more than a 25% of all apps downloaded.
The study also found that spending levels are at a healthy starting point, with 43% of app downloaders spending more than $20 in the past year, and 23% spending more than $50.
The OPA found that over 50% of tablet users would be interested in purchasing established media content such as newspapers, magazines or TV shows.
However, there is no single preferred payment model for users.
The research also found that advertisement-supported tablet content is also well received by users.
Respondents who regularly used newspaper or magazine apps on their tablet had more positive associations with ads than negative, as 46% felt that ads were relevant, unique and interesting, while 28% felt they were annoying.
Nearly 50% of the respondents said they would prefer to pay for content with limited or no advertising.
OPA President Pam Horan said 79% of app downloaders paid for content in the last year, which provides a great opportunity for publishers to generate new revenue streams.
Horan added, "The tablet also provides a rich platform for advertisers, with 46% [of downloaders] indicating that they found tablet advertising within newspaper and magazine apps to be relevant, unique and interesting."
