2nd screen engagement is a growing trend, a trend that sees consumers using their smartphones, Tablets & computers to interact with whichever program they’re watching on TV.
The Nilesen report puts these numbers at just under 50% of the entire TV audience at present. Applications which ease this process has become increasingly popular as well, with users interacting in increasing numbers annually, while they watch their TV screens with a digital device in hand.
It is this phenomenon which has led to a New York based company Applicaster to create a platform called Zapp that facilitates the development of these types of applications. Applicaster’s software eases the production, development & delivery of interactive media applications for businesses wanting to take advantage of this burgeoning market.
Applicaster’s market position, which enhances the opportunity for businesses, has made it an attractive investment candidate. So much so that several players in the industry, including Viola Growth, 83 North, Pitango, Saban Ventures, & Planven Investments, have seen fit to offer Applicaster $20 million to push & fund growth.
The company will use these funds to diversify their products, & introduce them to a wider global audience.
At present, Applicaster, uses OTT services, or modules to configure functionality into apps, their SaaS based Platform, offers all the tools necessary for the delivery of direct-to-consumer media applications.
Currently, Applicaster operates in New York, San Jose, Miami, London & Tel Aviv. Headed by CEO Jonathan Laor, the company is poised to broaden the horizons of TV audiences, who might say want to find out more information about a program they’re watching, chat with friends about it, rate it or, most importantly (for business that is), buy the products on the TV screen.
With clients like ProSiebenSat.1, Televisa, DirecTV, Fox TV stations, Time Warner, Mediaset, Kwese, Viacom, Baby First & Dog TV, & previous funding rounds which drew in $10.5 million (series B in 2015), the company is already growing their business at a clipping rate.
With these key changes in place we’re bound to see a bunch of innovative ideas & product for businesses & developers wanting to tap into the 2nd screen growth trend.
Image Credit: Applicaster
