"According to the research, conducted among online U.K. consumers, while the early evening was the best time of day for all age groups, younger audiences are more likely to show an increase in attention to ads as they day progressed and were more likely to prefer entertaining ads, writes Marketing Charts. In contrast, older age groups had peaks in ad interest between 9-12 pm and 2-6 pm.
The survey also polled internet users about the circumstances under which they are most receptive to ad messages. It found users are most receptive to ads when searching for deals and researching products.
Respondents are least receptive when they are enjoying an activity that requires full attention, such as watching catch-up TV or movie clips.
Specific demographic findings:
In addition to various e-commerce activities, many respondents say they are likely to pay attention to online ads when engaged in a range of other pursuits, from using a search engine, to downloading entertainment files, reading the news, catching up on sports results and playing games online.
Social networking in particular has a high level of receptivity, IAB said."