You finally decide to make a big purchase and discover the hype surrounding DVR. Then, social media comes along and alters your plans making you rethink that purchase. Although recording your favorite show to watch at a more convenient time can be helpful, you may be missing out on all the live conversations occurring during the show’s premiere. The integration of Facebook and Twitter within television is beginning to persuade viewers to tune in during the show’s scheduled time. According to the Nielsen reports, since 2009 about 60% of people watching TV are also regularly clicking around the Internet at the same time. These are the ways television and social have merged to appeal to this 60% of viewers.
Celebritweets
Famous celebs and television shows now have their own Twitter accounts, and are using them to converse live with their fans throughout each episode. Tweets often times cover behind the scenes information and interesting facts, even Retweets from the show’s celebs. Many, such as One Tree Hill have a separate account for the show. A majority of the cast is also using a personal account to discuss scenes in the episode and sometimes answer questions.
The cast of Glee is also filled with avid Tweeters. Throughout the show’s airdate they are each acutely aware of how fans are reacting, and quick to share the excitement. Before the episode’s end, a key word from that episode is typically trending. Now that the season is over, the conversation continues as the cast brings followers along for their tour Glee! Live! this summer. Through video posts, live updates, even pictures of the cast goofing off backstage, they each maintain a connection with all of their devoted fans.
Mobile Apps
Viewers are constantly trying to multitask while watching their favorite shows; rarely will they sit on a couch, solely focused on the TV. In order for shows to ensure their viewers are paying the utmost attention to the television screen, mobile apps have emerged encouraging viewers to engage. Dancing with the Stars made an iPhone app that allows fans to vote for couples, view photos of the dancers, videos, and see instant updates. Good Morning America also has an iPhone app that gives individuals the power to decide which polls they would like to see featured on the program, while easily viewing how others voted.
Check-in
Check-in applications such as IntoNow for iPhone and GetGlue for SmartPhones are helping television viewers become more social when they check-in to whatever show they are watching. This can then be posted on Facebook and Twitter, continuing a conversation and alerting others. However, with IntoNow the is no need to tell your phone what is being viewed, because by letting IntoNow access your TV’s audio it will automatically update your check-in status. Now you will be able to share what you are watching, see who else is watching, and what is the most popular.
TV Music
How many times have you watched a commercial featuring a catchy song and wondered what it was? You have the tune stuck in your head for what seems like an eternity, but cannot seem to remember any of the lyrics. Shazam is an app available to download onto SmartPhones that will read exactly what song is playing in a matter of seconds. Many commercials are now flashing the Shazam logo, reminding viewers to pull out their phone and discover a new song. Shazam will then tell you the track name, artist, how to purchase it, a video, lyrics and the ability to share it with your friends.
Next time you turn on the television, grab your SmartPhone, log into Twitter and Facebook, follow your favorite show, download Shazam and GetGlue then get ready to have an exciting and engaging social experience with thousands of people just like you.
