Twitter seems to be the most popular platform fir IPL engagement. While Starsports.com is not leaving any stone unturned for attracting people to watch the matches online instead of TV, Sony Max the official broadcaster of Pepsi IPL, is also not far behind. Extraaa Innings T20, the flagship match analysis show for Pepsi IPL on Sony Max and Sony Six, has upped its ante with an innovative digital association with Twitter this year to drive viewership and engagement for the show. Even the official Twitter handle of Sony Max gives ball by ball update on the platform driving the user engagement manifold.
The channel has also come up with a mobile app for the Pepsi IPL League 2014. The ‘Cricket Ka Bulaava’ app has been made by WATConsult and offers an auto reminder service that sends users a push notification, email, Facebook and Twitter pings. With this feature, users can get reminders of their favourite team’s matches and also ensure that they do not miss out on viewing all the action, live on television. The app also has an extensive ‘Downloads’ section, which allows the users to download Pepsi IPL schedules, ringtones, wallpapers and photos of all the action from Pepsi IPL.
There is also the official IPL Fantasy League that is seeing unrivalled growth. While last year, being its debut year, it saw 500 thousand users, this year they are aiming to reach one million users. Talking to exchange4media, Ramesh Srivats, creator of IPL Fantasy League shared that when they launched it last year, they were aiming to reach 100 thousand users but ended up with five times the number. “IPL Fantasy League clicks with the users since it gives the whole feel of owning the team. India is a cricket crazy country and that’s what drives the game,” he added.
“IPL 2014 is perhaps a turning point for sports consumption. For the first time, online consumption of sports is becoming about video, video, and video. And, our investment in creating a world class backbone for video delivery is showing up as a significant improvement in the experience for sports fans, especially on a mobile screen,” said Ajit Mohan, EVP and Head, New Media, STAR India.
Starsports.com stands put due to its content and presentation. It provides several features like video scorecards, commentary, polls, stories, infographics and much more. All this is not available on TV while the match is on. So even if people are watching the matches on TV they are turning to online streaming for all the additional features and information.
Source: Exchange4media.com
