If digital marketing apps were heroes of our time, than the app Zeebox would be Tiger Woods, Brad Pitt, Steve Jobs and J.K Rowling all rolled into one. This SUPER-APP is my hero! When it comes to broadening the electronic couch and allowing TV viewers to interact and connect to their favourite shows in ways never previously possible, nothing does it better than Zeebox.
So what is this Zeebox? Its not just the way a Russian would pronounce the words ‘The 
Box’, but it’s a tool to allow television viewers to ‘discover, connect, share and interact – all live as they watch’ (ten.com.au). But this ability to interact live with shows is all because of the rising levels of second screen viewing. Second screen viewing involves using a smart phone, tablet, laptop or other device that can connect to the Internet whilst watching TV. A study in the UK showed that more than 60% of web users watch TV with a second screen.
These figures would be somewhat similar in Australia and reveal an alarming conclusion for Australian TV networks. The public need more than just a good script and hot chicks to stay interested in a TV show, as with a second screen in front of them, it has never been easier to tune out of TV and start playing Angry Birds. 
The networks need to adapt to this new way of broadcasting and Channel Ten’s use of Zeebox is an excellent example of how to lead the charge.
Many of Network Ten’s more popular shows such as The Project, Master Chef and Offspring (see my recent post https://iloungeroom.wordpress.com/2013/08/13/spoiler-alert/) deliver extra value through the use of Zeebox. For example viewers can dig deeper into a show through the use of ‘Zeetags’. When these appear on screen the viewer can click on it on their second screen to get more information about what is going on. Similarly there are many behind the scenes videos and extra content that the viewer can access on their second screen.
Whilst doing this however, they can be sharing it with their friends, family and THE WORLD, as you can log onto Zeebox with Facebook and Twitter. This gives the audience the ability to comment on the shows (and in the case of The Project get the comments read out live), find out what their friends are watching and inform the world just how sad they are that PATRICK IS DEAD!!! (get over it! I already blogged about it a few weeks ago!). Also followers can create and become members of show specific ‘Rooms’ that discuss the show and I am sure to vent about certain plot twists and character developments.
Zeebox is the wonder drug that boosts all of TVs qualities to turn it into a value-delivering machine. It ticks the three eMarketing boxes:
- Delivers incentives to access it through Zeetags
- Allows users to comment and participate in the shows
- Brings together the community that are watching
It is for these reasons that Zeebox takes out the gold medal, blue ribbon, yellow jersey and black belt of the digital marketing world. If you are one of the above-mentioned people who is a second screen viewer (and if you’re reading this I’m sure you are) do yourself a favour and download Zeebox NOW!
And while you’re at it, leave a comment telling me what celebrity your favourite app would be if it was one.
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