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Many modern consumers are avid social media users, connecting with others in new ways every day. Viewers can easily access and share content while watching a programme. The real-time engagement with communities of fans, or even with the programme writers and producers, is highly appealing.
Since social media has been integrated into smart TVs, how television is perceived and used has been changing. While TV used to be about watching broadcasts, modern times have made it possible for every viewer to personalise their watching experience.
Interactive Television
The first communication between Twitter hashtags and TV programmes was during Comedy Central’s 2011 ‘roast’ of Donald Trump. The hashtag #TrumpRoast appeared at the bottom of the screen, and the most-watched Tuesday show ever resulted in the hashtag #trumproast being used over 27,000 times alongside the broadcast.
Since this, companies use social media to engage with audiences and encourage viewers to voice their thoughts and feelings about shows whilst watching. So if they wonder what their fans across the globe think, all they have to do is hashtag it and publish it on social media websites.
Voice Assistants
As voice control makes its way into our technology, it is no surprise that both TV and social media are adopting this concept. With developments in pairing voice search with social media networks and social media giants such as Facebook having already rolled out voice messaging options on Messenger, it was only a matter of time before TV added this feature.
Some of the latest OLED TVs offer a built-in Alexa voice search which means that viewers can play content using just their voice and even control other smart home devices via this feature. So soon, there may even be no need for the television remote!
Smart TVs and Social Media Apps
Some TVs now also give you the option of multi-tasking while watching TV. Research has shown that 40% of TV viewers use multiple devices while watching television to engage on social media, highlighting that social media integration with TV is a growing trend.
Your most comfortable seat in the house is most likely in the living room in front of your TV and browsing Facebook on a large TV is quite the experience. The wide variety of social media apps will quickly and easily allow you to post updates and participate in ongoing conversations.
If your loved one lives far from you, you can also use video chatting apps such as Skype on your TV for a better conversation call. A computer’s screen isn’t that big, and a TV screen will help close the distance between you. And watching your favourite TV show episodes together has never been easier!
The most recent development in the combining of smart TVs with social media apps comes from TikTok. Towards the end of 2020, Samsung Electronics Ltd and TikTok announced a new partnership that brought TikTok’s trending content into the home. The app was designed specifically for viewing on a TV screen and allows viewers to scroll through content just as they would on a phone. This feature is available on devices including all Samsung 4K TVs made from 2018 onwards.
How Has Social Media Affected TV Advertising?
Social media has enhanced the effectiveness of television advertisements as advertisers can now use their social media campaigns and television advertisements in sync to improve brand awareness. When viewers now see an advert on their screens, they take to social media to talk about it, share it amongst friends, and see what others are thinking. With the additional posting of adverts to social media, you don’t even have to be watching TV to see any of the newest ads as they are now available at your fingertips.
One of the major dominators of trending TV adverts is John Lewis. Every year when the long-awaited Christmas advert is released, hashtags surrounding the new ad begin to trend almost immediately. We have seen trends from the famous #MontyThePenguin to this years’ #unexpectedguest. The hashtags create a straightforward way for the brand to advertise as once trending, the number of people clicking on the hashtags increases hugely. It is a strategy that more and more advertisers are adopting to get their name out there and maybe even go viral!
So if you’re looking for a shiny, new cheap TV for your home so you can start enjoying all of the social media perks, you can contact us by giving us a call on 0121 769 2623. Our friendly team is always more than happy to answer any query you might have to help you find your perfect TV.
