How Marketers Can Capitalize On The Binge TV Phenomenon

Mixed Thoughts On Binge TV Watching

The word “binge” itself has a very negative connotation, and in regards to the recent binge TV phenomenon brought upon by the rise of online streaming TV services, some feel that the association is appropriate.

Interestingly, among that “some” is Mitch Lowe, cofounder of subscription video on demand (SVOD) early innovator, Netflix.

In an article with Bloomberg News, Lowe expressed that the new habit of consuming an entire season of a TV show in a night or two “fails on several points,” stating, for one, that it eliminates the anticipation created by traditional, serialized shows. 

The Changing TV Business Model

Additionally, due to the nature of SVODs and the fact that it’s likely that no two viewers are at the same point in the series, the storyline buzz is (usually) hushed to avoid possible spoiler alerts, the type of “water cooler talk” that builds the brand and loyal following of a show.

As a business model, binge watching fails according to Dick Parsons, former CEO of Time Warner. Though he admits that the traditional TV viewing model has evolved, with people wanting to consume their media when and where they want, habituating viewers is the goal to TV success. With TV moving towards a model more similar to movies, it is less profitable.

But the fact is, TV is changing and businesses that want to survive need to change with it.  The business model may not be absolutely ideal, but along with this shift, other positive changes are taking place as well.

Quality Streaming Programming

It’s no coincidence: Binge TV is good TV.  As discussed in a previous post, the quality of the video streaming shows and the star power of the talent have significantly increased.  Not only is the content changing, but viewer consumption style is changing as well.

The era of channel surfing – posting up on the couch and watching whatever good happens to be on – is no more.  Viewers are selecting what they want to watch, when they want to watch, and they are more attentive, critical, and engaged than ever before.  They are more passionate and loyal fans. Good TV draws contemplative viewers who expect high-level quality content, and demand it.

Everyone can agree that the landscape of media consumption is changing, and it is affecting the way we watch TV.  Business models may die, but others will grow and thrive as a result.

And in the mean time, either keep up or beware: Spoilers are everywhere.

So How Does This Effect Brands?

What does all this mean for entertainment marketing?  The streaming content watching enables brands - dependent on the distribution platform and whether or not they allow it - to embed themselves into content that is going to literally be engulfed and consumed with extremely targeted focus.  While the windows to hit a viewer is much smaller and concentrated, that content is going to be an excellent vehicle for a truly immersive brand experience with the right product placement or brand integration strategy in place.

More From Hollywood Branded

Are you interested in integrating your brand's product within content but simply don’t know where to start?  Download our paper that was featured in the Journal of Brand Strategy that discusses all the things you should be aware of when creating a product placement program. 

Sources: Home Median Magazine, Forbes