The other day we reported that video on cell phones is gaining popularity. (Hardly news, we admit.) eMarketer has released additional data that supports our view that this channel is going to be increasingly important to affiliate marketers.

Once dismissed as “too small” for anything but text, the small screen is growing as a source of premium video service revenue… and the ads that often accompany them. eMarketer found that six of 44.5 million users pay for premium video services and watch them on their mobile.

A large percentage of technology and Internet users are away from the computer for much of the day. Traveling sales personnel, conference attendees, executives on business trips, and others. They use their cell phones for email, (local or regular) search, and (more and more) for making purchases.

As you adapt to the changes in technology and consumer habits, don’t overlook an opportunity to follow them with your message. Others are.

Audio and video podcasts both will make their way into this medium before long, along with text. New tools allow advertisers to easily make voice and video recordings, and make them available to subscribers.

Increase your income by expanding your focus to include the consumer on the go, not just the one sitting in front of a monitor.

Internet Ad Sales reports that just acquired JupiterResearch “has found that 41% of mobile phone users are interested in some form of video service on their mobile phone.”

Though currently a small market, revenues for video are expected to be in the $500 million range by 2010.

Couple those facts with a couple more. (1) Local Search continues to expand in various ways. (2) Ad spending in the UK increased 66% in 2005. (3) Google’s market share in the UK is 75% and their lead in the US continues to grow. (4) Luxury items continue to dominate Internet spending (in certain respects).

Picture this. Busy stock broker Jane in The City in London stops on the street because she just has to buy an anniversary present for her mate on her lunch hour.

Local Search on her cell phone shows her your ad and she watches a short video from your merchant. Your merchant has just what she needs: a stunning new watch. A few presses on the keypad and the item is delivered to her door just as she arrives home with flowers. Happy ending for all.

I know where I’m putting my bet for future affiliate marketing income growth. Eh, wot?

(To get info and advice about doing business in the UK market, see our February, 2006 issue of Affiliate Classroom magazine. You’ll find reviews of UK networks, advice about payments, etc.)