Social Network TV

Analysis of Consumer Perceptions of Social Media on TV

The rise of consumer social networking over the past few years and its subsequent spread from the PC screen to the mobile has led some to wonder whether the social network would work on the big screen. Large web portal operators such as Yahoo have started to push their own widget platforms onto the TV screen through the widget channel initiative, and startups like Boxee have introduced social media platforms specifically targeted towards the TV screen.

At the same time, the largest existing TV-based social networks today are the game console online networks. Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony have what are the biggest living room social networks in the world, with in-network messaging, chat and other features as popular features. Sony recently opened up its Playstation Home service, a TV-based virtual world where consumers have their own virtual apartments and can interact with others online.

This Research Brief examines consumers’ interest in accessing social networking services on their TV screens. The report is based on a survey of more than 1000 consumers in the United States, conducted by ABI Research in October 2008.

Table of Contents

Executive Summary

Section 1.
OVERALL SOCIAL NETWORK USAGE

Section 2.
CONSUMER IMPRESSIONS OF TV-BASED SOCIAL NETWORKING
2.1. Caveats for New Applications of Technology
2.2. Social Media in Living Rooms: It Is All About the Context!
2.3. Interest in TV Social Networking
2.4. Interest in Social TV by Gamers
2.5. Use of Existing Social Networks or New TV-Based Social Networks

Section 3.
APPLICATIONS FOR TV SOCIAL NETWORKING
Executive Summary Chart: How Interested Are You in Accessing a Social Network on TV?



Charts
  • Social Networks by Platform
  • How Long Have You Been Using Social Networks?
  • Interest in Social Networking on a TV
  • Interest in TV Social Networks by Age Group
  • Interest in TV Social Networking by Device Ownership
  • Interest in Social TV by Gamers, by Console Type, and by Online Gaming Application
  • Use Existing Online Social Network or TV Service Provider Network?
  • TV Social Network Applications by Age