The world has changed a lot in the past decade. The way we work, shop, and even socialize has been impacted by a variety of different factors, with some having been forced whereas others appear to have naturally taken place because of the demands on our daily lives.

This has had an impact on a number of businesses and industries over the years, too, with many having found that they needed to ensure that they were reactive to the changes that were being experienced. Thankfully, the internet across the US has allowed the nation to thrive, with many states having been able to benefit by providing online options. One such state being Michigan.

In this article, we will take a look at just some of the industries that have been able to use online services and tools that the internet has provided and suggest why places such as MI have been able to thrive over the last decade.

Which industries have benefited from moving online?

As we know, the internet is something that we all continue to use. According to data provided, approximately 76.3% of residents currently living in the state of Michigan have high-speed Internet service at home, with a wireless service available to 99.8% of the region’s people.

Given that so many are able to access the internet from their homes – while 99.1% of the state’s geographical area is coverable via mobile data – it perhaps does not come as a surprise to learn that the online market is continuing to thrive in the way that it is.

However, what are some of the industries to be taking full advantage of this situation and are benefiting from the shift to online services? Let’s take a look at three different industries that can help to highlight just how much improvement has been experienced by certain companies within each sector that has been identified.

1. Gaming

With people stuck at home, it is no surprise that the gaming industry has seen an uptick in business. Gaming companies like Nintendo and Sony have reported record sales for their consoles, with the Nintendo Switch selling over 68 million units since its release in 2017. In 2020 alone, Sony sold over 4.5 million PlayStation 5 consoles.

However, it is not just console sales that have increased; there has also been a boom in mobile gaming. According to App Annie, a data firm that tracks the app store economy, global revenue from mobile games increased by 15% in 2020 compared to 2019. Indeed, with a variety of different games to choose from across a format that is convenient, it is hardly a surprise.

Games that consist of gambling aspects have since become popular with the people of the state of Michigan recently, as they have been able to access them on their preferred devices, especially since the changing of the law.

Like the case of Caesars casino in Michigan, which has an online presence in the state, it is clear that these games have become extremely popular with players from the region, with a huge amount of money having already been spent on these games.

According to the figures released, it is believed almost $1.9 billion has been spent in the state since it was legalized, thus highlighting just how popular these types of games have become, especially as players have access to the internet wherever they travel in the region’s borders.

One of the most popular mobile games right now is Among Us, which was released in 2018 but did not start gaining popularity until 2020. The game allows players to assume the role of either an impostor or crewmate aboard a spaceship, with the impostor’s goal being to kill all of the crewmates before they can reach their destination.

2. Food Delivery Services

One industry that has exploded in popularity is food delivery. With so many people working from home and restaurants operating at limited capacity, delivery services like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub have stepped in to fill the gap. These companies have seen a surge in business, with Uber Eats reporting a huge increase in orders in 2020 compared to 2019.

Another company that has benefited from the boom in food delivery is Instacart. This grocery delivery service has seen an astronomical increase in business in the last couple of years because of various factors. With so many people finding it difficult to find the time to go to the grocery store, Instacart has been a lifesaver for many families. The company has also implemented new safety measures, such as contactless delivery, to make sure both shoppers and customers feel safe using their service.

3. Live Streaming Services

Another industry that has seen tremendous growth in recent years given the advancements that the internet and its technologies have experienced is live streaming. Live streaming services allow users to watch or listen to content in real time without having to download it first. Some of the most popular live streaming platforms are Twitch and YouTube Live.

Twitch is a live streaming platform focused on video games and esports. It has become extremely popular over the past few years, with 14% of American men aged 18-34 using it regularly as of 2020 (up from 10% in 2019). YouTube Live is another popular live streaming platform that allows users to stream live videos on any topic they want. YouTube Live saw a 70% increase in hours watched between Q1 and Q2 of 2020 compared to 2019.

Final Thoughts

There have been a number of industries that have managed to thrive thanks to changes in consumer behavior and the need to go online and provide their services from the internet. Food delivery services like Uber Eats and DoorDash have seen a huge uptick in business as more people are working from home and eating out less often. Gaming companies like Nintendo and Sony have also had record sales thanks to more people staying home and looking for ways to entertain themselves. Finally, live streaming services like Twitch and YouTube Live have seen significant growth as people seek out real-time content while staying at home.