Mobile vs. Desktop: Where VPN Users Really Spend Their Time and Why It Matters for CicadaVPN!

Breaking Down VPN Usage by Age, Device, and Top Markets to Shape Our Strategy

In the fast-evolving world of VPN services, the devices our customers use are key to how we build and market our product. According to recent data, 74% of VPN users access services on desktop computers, while 67% use mobile devices (many users access VPN services on both types). With usage split relatively evenly between platforms, it’s crucial to understand how these users interact with VPNs and, more importantly, where CicadaVPN should focus its efforts.

However, beyond just knowing which devices are popular, we also need to consider why people are using VPNs and how that influences their device choice. In our case, we’re targeting users who are primarily looking to unblock content (think streaming shows, sports, and bypassing geo-restrictions). Privacy is a secondary but important benefit that we offer.

Desktop vs. Mobile: A Balanced Approach

74% Desktop Usage: Why Desktop Still Leads the Pack

Despite the dominance of smartphones in many aspects of our lives, desktop computers and laptops are still the go-to for the majority of VPN users. Here’s why:

• Work-related VPN use: Many professionals use VPNs to securely access their company’s internal networks or to work remotely. In these cases, a desktop or laptop is more practical for accessing documents, work systems, and collaboration tools.

• Streaming services: People who use VPNs to access geo-blocked content from streaming platforms often prefer the larger screens and better performance that desktops and laptops provide.

• Power users: More tech-savvy individuals who configure VPNs for torrenting or data-heavy use cases are more likely to use desktops for better control and performance.

67% Mobile Usage: The Rise of Smartphone VPNs

While desktops still dominate, mobile devices are quickly catching up:

• Ease of access: More people rely on their mobile phones for daily browsing, streaming, and social media, and having a VPN installed ensures that all internet activity on the go remains secure and unrestricted.

• On-the-go access: Travelers or users in countries with internet censorship are more likely to use mobile VPNs to quickly connect to different country servers and access restricted content or social media.

• Daily habits: Mobile devices are frequently used to watch videos, scroll through apps, or play games. Using a VPN on mobile ensures access to geo-blocked apps or sites like Netflix, YouTube, or BBC iPlayer.

Targeting VPN Users Who Want to Unblock Content

At CicadaVPN, our primary target is users who want to unblock content, whether it’s streaming their favorite shows while traveling or bypassing regional restrictions. We believe privacy is a significant added benefit, but it’s not our primary hook.

• Desktop users are likely to use VPNs to stream content, often with a focus on watching geo-restricted shows on platforms like Netflix, Disney+, or BBC iPlayer. With the bigger screen and better video performance, these users often value high-quality, uninterrupted streaming.

• Mobile users are more focused on quick access to content on the go. Whether it’s unblocking a news site while traveling or accessing geo-restricted apps, the ability to instantly connect to a VPN on mobile is key.

How We Split Investment of Resources

Given the balanced usage split between desktop and mobile, we can’t ignore either platform. But the key is in understanding where to focus within those platforms.

Where to Focus:

1. Desktop Development and Marketing: Given that 74% of users still access VPNs on desktops, we will maintain strong support for desktop features, particularly:

• Optimized streaming performance for users who want to unblock content.

• Stable, fast connections for work-from-home professionals using VPNs to access secure networks.

2. Mobile-first Approach in Developing Regions: In many emerging markets, mobile usage dominates due to smartphone affordability and network infrastructure favoring mobile access. We will:

• Prioritize a mobile-friendly interface.

• Ensure mobile apps are optimized for high-speed content unblocking.

• Localize marketing campaigns to attract users in mobile-heavy regions like Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

3. Multi-device Functionality: In developed markets, users often rely on both desktop and mobile devices, switching between them throughout the day. We will:

• Ensure seamless cross-device functionality so users can switch between mobile and desktop with no interruptions in service.

• Highlight the convenience of multi-device use in marketing, particularly for families or individuals with multiple devices.

Summary: Why Targeting Content Unblockers Leads Our Strategy

While privacy remains an important part of what we offer at CicadaVPN, our main focus is on customers who want to unblock content. By focusing on simple, effective tools for accessing region-restricted content on both desktop and mobile, we can capture a significant portion of VPN users.

• Desktop VPN usage (74%) still leads, particularly for streaming and professional use cases.

• Mobile VPN usage (67%) is growing rapidly, driven by on-the-go access needs and high smartphone penetration in developing regions.

By splitting our investment between mobile and desktop, and prioritizing mobile-first strategies in regions where it’s the dominant platform, we ensure that CicadaVPN remains a top choice for unblocking content while offering privacy as a bonus.

Obrigado (Português),

David Awatere

Founder of CicadaVPN