Second screen apps

Definition

Second screen apps are mobile or tablet applications that enhance the viewing experience of a primary screen, typically a television. These apps allow viewers to engage interactively with content while watching a show or movie, providing additional information, social media integration, and interactive features that deepen viewer engagement.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Second screen apps can provide real-time updates and interactive content related to the program being watched, such as trivia, polls, and live social media feeds.
2. These apps often enhance viewer engagement by allowing users to participate in discussions, share opinions on social media, or vote on outcomes related to reality shows or competitions.
3. Many second screen apps are designed to work in conjunction with specific television shows or networks, creating a unique experience tailored to that content.
4. Viewers who use second screen apps are reported to have higher levels of satisfaction with their viewing experience due to the added interactivity and connection to other viewers.
5. The growth of second screen apps reflects a shift in how audiences consume media, moving towards a more participatory and connected viewing experience.

Review Questions

• How do second screen apps change the way viewers interact with television content?
  • Second screen apps fundamentally change viewer interaction by providing additional layers of engagement that go beyond passive watching. They allow viewers to access real-time information, engage in discussions, and participate in interactive elements like polls or trivia while watching. This enhanced interaction fosters a sense of community among viewers and transforms traditional TV consumption into a more dynamic experience.
• Evaluate the impact of second screen apps on traditional television ratings and viewer behavior.
  • Second screen apps can significantly impact traditional television ratings and viewer behavior by creating a more engaging viewing experience. When viewers are actively involved through interactive features and social media integration, they are likely to spend more time watching the show. However, this engagement can also lead to divided attention, as viewers may shift focus between the app and the primary screen. Consequently, networks must adapt their strategies to incorporate these technologies effectively.
• Assess how second screen apps influence transmedia storytelling and audience engagement strategies in modern television.
  • Second screen apps play a crucial role in enhancing transmedia storytelling by allowing narratives to expand across multiple platforms. This approach encourages deeper audience engagement as viewers can explore various aspects of a story through different media. By integrating second screen experiences with main content, creators can build richer narratives that captivate audiences' attention. This strategy not only fosters loyalty but also opens up new revenue streams through app-related content and merchandise.

Related terms

synchronicity: The coordination of timing between the primary screen content and the second screen app, ensuring that interactions feel timely and relevant.

transmedia storytelling: A narrative technique that tells a single story or story experiences across multiple platforms and formats, utilizing second screen apps as one of the ways to expand the narrative.

augmented reality: A technology that superimposes digital information onto the real world, often used in conjunction with second screen apps to create more immersive experiences.