Types of Online Social Entertainment Services
A social entertainment service is an online service, platform or website which links back to social networking websites to help connect users and has begun to facilitate audience acquisition. While these websites may not yet be recognized as entertainment companies, they are leading the way in terms of adding value to the consumer experience of entertainment online. The majority of users polled in both the UK and US felt that social networking websites provide better value than music, gaming and television companies alone.[3] Due to this shift in audience interaction, traditional media companies are acquiring social components to stay competitive.[4]
The main types of services offering social entertainment are split into two categories, Live Platforms and Packaged Internet Platforms. The main differentiating factor between these categories is that one offers their experience through an exclusive real-time online experience and the latter has broadened the user experience by the inclusion of mobile platforms.
Live platforms
These services may also create an interactive experience that is fundamental to a dynamic online social environment. The level of audience interaction with a social networking service or social graphic continues to make an impact on the entertainment in which these audiences partake.[4] Some examples for this type of online social entertainment service isCisco Eos, Woo Media,[5] IMVU,[6] and Hi5.[7]
Packaged Internet platforms
A hallmark of social entertainment is that it can also be accessible across connected mobile device platforms. Social entertainment providers who prioritize development of mobile applications for a range operating systems (iOS and Android in particular) and display sizes will be best equipped to meet user expectations of anywhere, anytime access and to exceed expectations of a deep, rich content experience.[2] Examples of these packaged social entertainment platforms are MySpace[8] and Warner Bros..[9]
History
The evolution of the online social entertainment experience is ongoing, and the social networking service span a wide variety of content types and genres and a diverse array of social experiences.
As an evolution of social networks online, social entertainment websites have grown exponentially. In 2010, Edelman released a study revealing that seventy-three percent of 18-24 year olds in the US and 61 percent in the UK see social networks as a form of entertainment. Fifty percent (US) and 56 percent (UK) of respondents aged 35–49 also considersocial networking websites to be a main source of entertainment.[3]
See-also
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