Social TV
Also known as: Second Screen, Social Television
The integration of social media with television viewing, enabling real-time audience engagement and second-screen experiences.
Social TV describes the convergence of television viewing and social media participation, where audiences engage with programming through real-time commentary and interaction.
Key Elements
- Live tweeting: Real-time commentary during broadcasts
- Hashtag campaigns: Unified audience conversations
- Second screen apps: Companion experiences
- Social metrics: Measuring engagement beyond ratings
Historical Context
The phenomenon emerged in the early 2010s as Twitter usage during live TV events exploded. Companies like Trendrr pioneered measurement of social TV activity.
Industry Impact
- Networks began integrating hashtags into broadcasts
- Social engagement became a factor in programming decisions
- Advertisers valued real-time audience attention
- Sports and live events gained renewed importance
Evolution
As viewing habits shifted to streaming and on-demand, the real-time social element diminished. The phenomenon now primarily applies to live sports and major cultural events.