There used to be a time when we had to rush home to get our entertainment fixed. If our bus was late or our car was stuck in a traffic jam, all hopes of catching the game or the latest episode of our favourite show were gone. But in recent years, mobile phones have irremediably changed the way we consume entertainment. Fun has gone mobile. And both audiences and businesses know it all too well. So, how has mobile technology fuelled the entertainment revolution? Let’s dive in.
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Mobile apps: an essential tool for entertainment businesses
Mobile phones have shifted the way consumers view content. Thus, the entertainment industry is now fully digitalised. Apps have made entertainment readily accessible to all at the mere cost of a little internet data. And the apps that keep us entertained have skyrocketed accordingly. But the rise in mobile usage across the globe has also provided ample opportunity for businesses to grow.
There are now more smartphones in circulation in the world than the total number of televisions and computers. Therefore, mobile apps have been the perfect vessel for entertainment brands to increase their visibility. Regular updates, notifications, and offers are just a click away, increasing the connection between brands and their target audiences to elicit more engagement. Mobile apps have also allowed businesses to keep a keen eye on the hottest trends and better understand their intended niche.
Social media: the reign of increasingly engaging content
Capitalising on TV’s shrinking audiences, streaming services like Hulu and Disney Plus are now the platforms of choice for viewers to grab some popcorn and watch movies and TV shows. While most viewers still prefer larger screens, mobile devices have allowed many more to enjoy their streaming experience on the go. In 2022, statistics released by Netflix showed that mobile users accounted for 30% of all streamers. Whether on the bus or in bed, streaming giants have had to cater to that changing environment.
Both TV channels and streaming giants have also jumped aboard the mobile train to make their content more interactive. According to TV metrics company Nielsen, nearly 88% of all American viewers were using a secondary device while watching TV in 2018. And many are actively using social media to voice their thoughts. Therefore, conversational platforms like Twitter grant producers access to instantaneous feedback so they can adjust their programming within minutes. Voting polls in real-time can push the engagement even further.
Content creators have also leveraged social media to drive views. Several shows have built a strong online presence, feeding their fans with everything from cast Q & As to behind-the-scene snapshots and exclusive emojis. Other shows have turned to social media to expand on their lore in ever-so-immersive fashion. Hit series like Amazon Prime’s The Boys have created Twitter accounts to post meta news and videos, allowing them to remain relevant in the public’s eye even with no new episode to air.
The mobile revolution in gaming
Gaming has long caught up with classic forms of entertainment like cinema and music. As of 2022, 3 billion people worldwide are playing video games. And mobile platforms have been driving this gaming boom, with over 82 billion mobile games downloaded in 2021. From vintage entries to smashing hits, most games are now accessible on mobile devices. Beyond hardcore gamers, gaming to-go appeals to new demographics across generations and genders thanks to mobile-optimised gameplay and easy-to-use interfaces.
Puzzle games, RPGs, and games of strategy are some of the most successful genres on mobile. Mobile casinos are just as popular, with the iGaming industry expanding its catalogue to mobile devices long ago. And whether on tablets or smartphones, gamers can now find the best real money slots online. Top casinos offer hundreds of slots for all tastes, including progressive slots where each player contributes to the jackpot before the winner takes it all. Committing real money allows players to aim for heftier rewards. A range of bonuses and offers also increases the chances of making bank.
Bottom line
Stretching from streaming apps to smartphone games, the entertainment industry has embraced the mobile revolution. And with more technological advances to hit mobile platforms, only time will tell which innovations will once again transform the landscape for entertainment.
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