As the digital world expands, real world industries are shifting towards appification, or the process of providing applications (apps) to do the things that would otherwise be done manually. The increasing popularity of smartphones allows users to have everything they need at the touch of a button.
Before the creation of smart phones and apps you were required to watch movies in theaters, or TV shows on a TV set. Now however, there’s an app for that. Companies like Netflix, Hulu Plus and HBO all have mobile apps that allow users to watch content directly on their phones.
These apps create an interactive television experience which is propelling the mobile entertainment industry. They provide a new and fresh experience that is also expanding the mobile entertainment audience base.
Marketers use to believe that people spent more time watching TV than engaging in any other activity, but that is not the case anymore. Joshua Brustein, a journalist for Bloomberg, believes that time spent on mobile devices has surpassed the time spent staring at the TV. In the beginning, TV shows involving a talent competition like American Idol incorporated text messages sent by views to determine the contestants on the show. As technology and apps have evolved, users can log on to their mobile apps and have access to exclusive clips, sneak previews, and extended footage.
An article from Business Insider by Emily Adler suggests that mobile apps are very useful for the industry because they increase consumer interaction. These extras provide an interactive element that fans enjoy. Additionally, a higher connection or relationship can be built between the fans and entertainers. The fan experience is taken to a higher level through the important information shared across the mobile app.The growth of mobile TV apps is increasing the amount of time users view content on their smart phones. The entertainment industry is not only increasing fans bases and consumption rates but they are also understanding the cost effective benefits of mobile apps.
Do you prefer to watch television shows on a physical TV or would you rather watch a show on a mobile app? Feel free to comment below!
Screenshot Credit: Tara Holliday
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