comScore has released their 2009 metrics. Display ad impressions grew by 21 percent as online advertising increased its share of media spending. comScore also reports that six out of seven US internet users view online video every month.

Digital community Econsultancy just published a study surveying that 66 percent of marketers plan to increase their digital budgets in 2010. Most of the budget will be shifted from more traditional marketing dollars. This is not terribly shocking news since we have seen the trend continue year after year. However, the fact that an overwhelming majority of companies are making the digital shift is important.

Large national brands such as Applebee’s are opening up more of their budgets to local dollars, primarily digital, and many of our VMIX partners are starting to realize these dollars. Particularly interesting is the propensity of brands to buy sponsorships of promotions in the user-generated areas of websites. More and more brands feel that consumer participation and involvement at a community/local level increases their ROI. Make sure you get your share!