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Top 3 Social TV Trends Emerge from CES News Announcements [Video]
Thursday, January 12th, 2012
CES, the Consumer Electronics Show, happening this week in Vegas, is a sure bet for the inside track on the latest innovations in social TV and the convergence of traditional television and the exploding world of online video. As I explain in TheTVNews video commentary below, three CES news stories stand out for me as big-picture trend indicators. This blog post also provides links to the stories themselves so you can get more details.
Bottom line, the difference between being online and watching TV is blurring as a hybrid experience of the multi-screen experience and social TV comes to the forefront. Contextualized advertising, watching TV with friends who aren’t actually in the room and integrated TV/web browsing are just a few of the changes I expect to shake up the way we think about watching television as well as the TV industry itself.
1. Google TV Isn’t Going Away
Despite its slow start, Google TV is re-emerging as its Android platform is being integrated into more and more Internet-enabled TV sets. Thus, Google is re-entering the TV market via at least four TV manufacturers: Sony, Samsung, LG and Visio. All four will be including Google TV into their internet-enabled televisions.
2. Social TV is Already Attracting Significant Investments
The social media and mobile Internet revolutions (and I don’t use the term “revolution” lightly) have led to the rapid growth of people using mobile devices to interact while watching TV. This has resulted in an assortment of “second-screen,” social TV solutions, which allows users to hang out on the “virtual couch” with their friends while watching TV. The fact that one of these apps, Zeebox, has just received at eight-figure investment from the News Corp-controlled pay-TV firm BSkyB shows how serious this new media playground is becoming. Neat Zeebox promo video and more details here. (Meanwhile, Forbes magazine thinks GetGlue has taken the social TV lead.)
3. TV Advertising Gains New Power
I think this is great news for small businesses. Google AdWords has already fueled Google’s approach to becoming a $40 billion/year company. Now its TV Ads product is expanding its reach through a new deal with a major cable system operator (MSO). Google TV Ads has signed a new deal with Cox Media, the ad sales extension of the big cable operator Cox Communications.
We can only hope that our ever-splintering attention level will serve as motivation for content-creators to offer deeper meaning, connection and context, within whatever social platform we happen to be sharing, at any particular moment.
If you’d rather watch than read, my video report starts at about 20 seconds into this clip:
Stay tuned.
Tags: ces, social media, TV
Posted in Google, online video, television, youtube | No Comments »
Luscious Links: Free Resources for Effective Facebook Marketing
Friday, May 27th, 2011
Facebook marketing may well be the next “big thing” for marketers. Sure, mobile is huge, and Google still dominates search and pay-per-click advertising. But Facebook has more registered users than anyone, currently in the range of 600 million. And, more importantly, most of these registered Facebook users provide valuable details in their personal profiles— this is very accessible and relevant information (like “job title” for example) that savvy marketers can use to make their marketing particularly well-targeted.
Thus, (in what we hope will become a weekly style of blog post) this week in “Lucious Links” we offer three FREE resources that we found useful in improving our understanding of effective marketing via Facebook, as well as some “bonus” links below:
New From Hubspot: ”The Facebook Marketing Update – Spring 2011“
If you are interested in do-it-yourself Facebook marketing, this is an excellent, up-to-date primer (it’s free, but registration is required.)
The 8 Success Criteria For Facebook Page Marketing
This is a solid strategic primer on Facebook Page Marketing; and it’s a free download without registration.
Facebook Publishes Guide to Social Marketing Best Practices
You could do a lot worse than this overview straight from the Facebook “horse’s mouth.” Solid, free advice. You can’t go wrong with the five core principles featured in this well-produced, 14-page PDF (direct download link above).
If you don’t believe that Facebook is important for marketing, how about these numbers showing dramatic increases in website traffic just from adding Facebook “Like” buttons?
And in other news…
Comcast Threatened To Pull Nonprofit Funding Over Tweet
This is a classic demonstration of what NOT to do via a real bonehead corporate move that backfired big time thanks to the Twitterverse and social media. Marketing Pilgrim covered it well.
Speaking of Comcast, I did a video commentary / review recently on TheTVNews.tv of the Comcast Xfinity iPad app as well as the HBO Go iPad app with what I viewed as an inevitable comparison to what I consider the state-of-the-art, the Netflix iPad app.
Enjoy and please comment. Do you like this kind of link aggregation? Did you find this post useful? Thanks!
Posted in e-marketing, facebook, iPad, PR, social media marketing, television, youtube | 1 Comment »
Follow the Data | How Netflix, Amazon & Warner Bros Are Pointing the Way
Tuesday, May 24th, 2011
As I was preparing this week’s New Media / New Marketing report for TheTVNews.tv, my good friend, Nick DeMartino sent me a very timely reference with his post, Can Data Save the (Hollywood) Studios in the Age of Social Media?
As I produced that segment (embedded below) and continued following the news, an immediate theme emerged: The power of data mining as perhaps THE major way big websites like Amazon and Netflix (and now Warner Brothers) gain leverage, and how it motivates major initiatives—including the casting of major TV series. Of course, this same power of customer data is also in the background of the major battle between Google and Facebook! Certainly at the top of the market, user data is the ultimate weapon and differentiator. Here are a few very current examples.
First, Nick’s post led me to recognize Warner Brothers as a new Hollywood studio leader in social media marketing. As you can see in the video which is embedded at the bottom of this post, I not only connect Warner—who is the producer of “Two and a Half Men”—with the casting of Ashton Kutcher, but with their recent Flixster acquisition (see Nick’s post) and with Warner’s innovative move renting movies via Facebook.(Flixster, btw, is my favorite iPhone/iPad movie app. I’ve even posted reviews there.)
Then, in today’s news came the announcement of a major new move by Amazon.com. The power of data mining, their extensive knowledge of customer data, and their knowledge of customer behavior is clearly a big part of the leverage that has motivated Amazon to join the “big leagues” of book publishing.
Finally, my favorite example of using the power of customer data is the Netflix recommendation engine, which certainly is part of what motivated them to license their first original TV production via their House of Cards deal. Along those lines, I think everyone can benefit from listening to Netflix CEO Reed Hastings on Charlie Rose to learn more about how they think.
Below is my new video analyzing Twitter’s impact on the casting of Ashton Kutcher a.k.a. @aplusk in his new role on “Two And A Half Men,” including those Warner Bros tie-ins mentioned above.
As always, I will be very grateful for any “likes” of this video and/or any comments on this blog or on YouTube. I look forward to your feedback. And, whatever you do, be sure to Follow the Data (and if you need help doing that via your own website analytics or Internet marketing campaign, please don’t hesitate to ask). 
Posted in apple, ebooks, facebook, film, Google, internet marketing, iphone, television, TV Industry, twitter, youtube | No Comments »
My Personal CES TV & ‘Video Web’ Wrap Up
Monday, January 10th, 2011
No, I did not go. But, I launched a CES-related website in 5 days, just for the occasion of CES 2011 (Consumer Electronics Show). And, I watched the media pretty closely.
Here are some of the video-related stories that I found to be most of interest and also mentioned in my video report on the Tuesday, January 11th, 2011 edition of TheTVNews.tv… (along with some related stories):
CBS Makes Exclusive TV Program Sales Deal with Internet-Connected TV Platform,
Boxee (via GigaOm) In fact, Boxee made a bunch of announcements. More in this Beet.tv interview
Intel Enters the Movie Distribution Game (Intel blog) This announcement lays the foundation for a bigger event which will be WiDi. This will enable movies streaming to your PC to be player on your HD TV.
MSNBC.com Finding New Audiences for Video News via Mobile (Beet.tv interview) The president of MSNBC Digital Networks has a lot to say about the benefits of distributing their TV cable network’s content via mobile devices. This is perhaps the fastest growing form of video distribution; and, as he says, mobile video is more engaging and reaching new audiences that the cable network frequently misses. (Video clip is embedded below.)
RingGuides’ New Website (new ComBridges design & production) This is a start-up with an innovative interface for accessing the new worlds of streaming video—both TV & online video—with a strong social component for distribution. The ComBridges team crafted this website, including a strong writing contribution, including complete design and production of the website in less than five days!
Stay tuned. The worlds of online video delivery across every type of screen imaginable will, no doubt, continue to grow, evolve and morph faster than most of us can imagine.
Posted in cell phones, online video, television, TV Industry, video | 1 Comment »
Why Video is the Web’s New Mission Critical Next Level: Do Not Miss
Monday, October 25th, 2010
As many of you know, I’ve been writing and producing videos about “The Video Web” and the digital video revolution for many years. But, it’s another day; and, I’ve taken another step.
The video embedded below, “Why Online Video is a ‘Must Have’ for Internet Marketing” describes what I believe is the next mission critical level of Internet communications as the importance of video has emerged in broad new ways.
And while you’re while you’re visiting this blog post, please don’t miss the second video embedded below from TED’s curator, Chris Anderson about the global implications of this trend (scroll down).
By way of text summary, the five reasons why video is a “must have” that are illuminated in the short four-minute video above are:
- The Medium of the Web is Morphing Dramatically and Rapidly
- Video is Now the Web’s Leading Media Type
(even though in some ways “The Web is Dead”)
- Video Has Become a Viable & Powerful SEO Strategy
- Business is Basically About Relationship Building and
What Better Way to Build Relationships Online Than Via Video?
- Video is the Web’s Future. (“Be in it to win it.”)
In addition, if I had my way, I would love to make this second video, from TED conference curator Chris Anderson, “How Web Video Powers Global Innovation” required viewing for anyone who wants to make a difference in the world.
That’s how important I think video is becoming as a communication medium. Anderson explains dramatic increases in the power, reach and accessibility of online video from a higher level perspective, even comparing online video to the paradigm shift in communications that happened when Gutenberg invented the printing press!
Yes, Chris and I agree, The Coming of The Video Web is THAT important.
Bottom line, there has never been a more powerful or mobile way to communicate either your ideas or the benefits of your products or services. This is combined, of course, with the convergence of broadband internet connection speeds and the proliferation of digital cameras and mobile phones with video capabilities. The cost of doing video has become radically more affordable and accessible.
Call it “The Age of YouTube” if you like. But, more importantly in my opinion, it is time for everybody to recognize that video is now a ‘must have.’ It is no longer an option.
Mission Critical Data Points
If you’re not convinced, you may also want to consider the following:
- One-Third of US Adults Skip Live TV: Report
56 million Americans have begun skipping live TV in favor of time-shifted viewing and online content. Traditional TV advertising is rapidly losing any remaining effectiveness, thus undermining whatever financial stability still exists in everything but the biggest ticket broadcasts. Much more to come! - Netflix CEO: We’re a Streaming Company
66% of Netflix subscribers are using their streaming services vs only 41% a year ago. Even premium entertainment is finding massive acceptance via non-cable, non-broadcast, non-satellite distribution. This ‘toothpaste’ is out of the tube. There’s no putting it back. This trend will only accelerate. Broadcasters beware. Online video producers rev your engines… Stay tuned.
Tags: internet marketing, internet video, marketing, netflix, online video, video, web video, youtube
Posted in internet marketing, online video, search engine optimization, television, video, Video Web, youtube | 2 Comments »
New Wonderful Web E-Newsletter Covers WordPress, Video & Groovie Links
Friday, August 27th, 2010
Our latest “It’s a Wonderful Web” e-newletter is out and available for your perusal. It includes:
- An overview of our latest learning experiences regarding WordPress security and how you can protect your WordPress website
- Our latest video production success, a “book trailer” for an important new client book, “Dry Run: Preventing the Next Urban Water Crisis”
- Linky goodness called “ComBridges Connections” with an assortment of valuable links, insights and my latest video commentary on the “cord-cutting” that is making major waves and big changes to the cable TV industry, thanks to online video’s continued explosion.
Please click here to read the latest edition of “It’s a Wonderful Web: News & Views You Can Use.”
Are you a subscriber? If you’d like to be one, the subscription box is in the right column of this page –>>
Or, to read and/or sample past issues, you can access our e-newsletter archive by clicking here.
Thanks!
Jon
Posted in blogging, online video, television, TV Industry, video, WordPress | No Comments »
Online Video Growth Spurt Marked By New Programs & Distribution Opportunities
Monday, August 9th, 2010
As discussed in my New Media / New Marketing segment on the Tuesday, August 10th edition of the TheTVNews.tv (see VIDEO embedded below), the convergence of TV and Internet forms of online video are jelling into a significant reality extremely quickly after years of promises.
Evidence of this growth spurt include rapid growth trends such as the year-over-year doubling of streaming movies and TV via NetFlix, 
a new “digital locker” platform from major entertainment players designed to combat the iTunes dominance, and the increasing viability of “branded entertainment” including an Ikea-sponsored Web-only video series that is garnering 1.5 million views month after month.
I will post or embed my video commentary as soon as it’s available, but meanwhile here are links to what I think is some worthwhile reading. These three links include additional insights and details on the “milestones” mentioned above and more:
- In Hollywood, Everybody’s a Digital Revolutionary (NYTimes)
Excellent “Scene Stealer” column by Brooks Barnes updates important stats on TV & video’s online growth while also giving a useful perspective on how LA is viewing the online video biz
- After Drought, Hope for Shows Made for Web (NYTimes)
Brian Stelter provides insights not only into the making of the Web-only TV-style Ikea-sponsored hit, “Easy to Assemble” but also illuminates the increasing interest in advertiser-sponsored Web video programming.Addendum re branded video programming: Schmear This: Web Video Series for Kraft Helped Boost Cream Cheese Sales by 6%, Ad Age (Beet.tv, includes video interview with branded campaign’s creator.)
- Digital Entertainment Content Ecosystem Unveils UltraViolet™ Brand (press release)
Major players from Best Buy to Sony to Comcast to Intel and quite a few others are aligning on a new kind of “digital locker” to help you watch whatever you want, whenever you want, on whatever kind of device you want… as long as you’ve paid for it! While this press release is just an announcement, I think this is both a needed kind of technology and an attempt to answer Apple’s dominance in digital media distribution. Expect to hear more, much more from the UltraViolet, UVVU brand.
As always, your thoughts, perspectives and comments are extremely welcome. Thanks.
Posted in apple, branding, film, online video, technology, television, TV Industry, video, Video Web, youtube | No Comments »
When Old Media Companies Don’t “Get It”
Tuesday, June 1st, 2010
U need 2 know about your digital rights
As illuminated in this Wednesday, June 2nd’s New Media New Marketing commentary (starting at 1:58) on TheTVNews.tv, the news article linked right below this paragraph makes me a bit crazy regarding the many broadcasters and entertainment companies that still “don’t get it” about engaged consumers, mash ups and extraordinary value of free, viral (word-of-mouth) promotions.
CNET: Yahoo, Facebook (and EBay) side with Google (YouTube) against Viacom
Of course, Yahoo and Facebook are normally rivals of Google/YouTube. Leave it to Viacom to use a $1 billion copyright lawsuit to give them all a reason to bond… leaving Viacom out in the virtual cold. Perhaps Viacom doesn’t think Google has deep enough pockets to defend itself? Right!
This reminds me of a rant that I wrote in Videography magazine almost 10 years ago when then CEO of Universal, Edgar Bronfman, Jr. (now CEO of the Warner Music Group) “declared war” on Napster. Old media company histrionics are repeating themselves.
Interestingly, according to Wikipedia, Bronfman has somewhat changed his tune. In fact, the Wikipedia entry says, “In 2008, The New York Times reported that Warner Music’s Atlantic Records became the first major record label to generate more than half of its music sales in the U.S. from digital products.”
If you have any interest whatsoever in the subject of digital rights, I want to HIGHLY RECOMMEND one of my favorite books on this subject, Free Culture: The Nature and Future of Creativity
Finally, if you are not familiar with my mention in TheTVNews commentary of the Hitler/Constantin Film (a German film production/distribution company) and their idiotic removal of the “Downfall” video clips with Hitler getting upset over mundane things like the leak of the new iPhone, here’s your historical reference via TechCrunch.
Mind those digital rights, please! And if you’re working for a big media company, please play nice with the other kids. We live in a new era of cooperation. Your customers are your friends! Get it?
Posted in facebook, Google, television, TV Industry, youtube | 1 Comment »
Online Video is Rockin’ with Measurable Momentum, Increased Ad Spending & More
Tuesday, May 4th, 2010
This week’s New Media New Marketing TheTVNews.tv report (Wednesday, not Tuesday, due to technical issues) covers four recent research reports that underscore the powerful, measurable growth and increasing impact of online video.
First, the video report (I’m at the top of this show). Then, all four referenced pieces of research on online video are linked below.
1. Eighty Percent of Net Users Watch Video as Global Consumption Explodes, comScore
Beet.tv’s interview with Tania Yuki, comScore’s VP product manager for online video research products has lots of insights, including her perception that worldwide, 80% of Internet users are watching video. Wow, that’s huge. And as a researcher, her observation of double-digit growth in time spent viewing as well as viewers are also impressive. Part 1 of the interview can be viewed right here:
2. Online Video Goes Mainstream
eMarketer’s report puts 18 to 34 year olds at the forefront and underscores that 29% of Internet users under 25 say they watch all or most of their TV online. Clearly there is a gravitation of TV viewers to the online realm and this trend is certain to continue if not accelerate.
3. Ad Agencies Shift Spend to Video
Another eMarketer report reveals that most ad agencies already saw online video as a place they need to be a year ago, with 87% in Q1, 2009 saying that they plan to devote more budget to online video. But the trend is towards “pretty much everyone” with 94% of ad agencies saying the same thing during Q1 of this year.
4. Online Video Ads More Effective Than TV Among U.S. Viewers
At the end of the day, the bottom line is effectiveness. No wonder the momentum to online video is accelerating. When the research tells you that the same TV ad presented online delivers more recall, more brand linkage, more likeability and more, how could you not make it a priority?
Have you produced your online video today?
Watch for more to come on my YouTube channel, for sure!
Thanks for reading and, as always, I welcome your feedback, comments and YouTube ratings. Much appreciated.
Tags: internet advertising, internet video, online video, video
Posted in internet marketing, online video, television, video, Video Web | 3 Comments »
Twitter Tools & How to Build More Consumption of Your Media
Monday, April 19th, 2010
This Tuesday’s edition of TheTVNews.tv which is shown immediately below, features the links, tools and resources that can be found below the video. Enjoy!
- Comcast’s TV Everywhere Finds “Interactivity” Doubles Online Video Consumption
Beet.tv interview with Karin GIlford, Senior VP Fancast & Online Entertainment, Comcast - Twitter + Video = Magic! (And Engagement!)
from Marketing Pilgrim by Jordan McCollum
Report on research that specifically noted significantly increased video viewing times when visitors came from a more personal Twitter user’s recommendation vs from a search engine via SEO. Engagement rules! - Twitter Launches A New Guide For Media Organizations: http://Media.Twitter.com
This site’s launch included a TV-relevant story of how cable’s Oxygen network used Twitter (and other networks) to hold a “social viewing party” as an cable TV program episode was broadcast. The “social viewing party” helped boost ratings 92% over the previous year. (As a control the network only did this on the East Coast. The West Coast, which didn’t hold a “viewing party”, only saw a 14% increase). More details: http://media.twitter.com/90/oxygen-live
- Twitter Journalism: Where News & Tweets Converge
Featuring links by and about the journalist’s slice of the Twit-o-sphere
- Read Twitter as a Daily Newspaper
Check out my newspaper edition of Twitter. Through the magic of computer programming, this page is based on who I follow on Twitter and the content of my tweets:
http://paper.li/joncombridges
Make your own: http://www.paper.li
Tags: commentary, media, media consumption, social media, social media marketing, TV, TV Industry, twitter
Posted in search engine optimization, social commentary, social media marketing, television, TV Industry, twitter, user generated video | No Comments »
