How Twitter Can Impact TV Ratings

Over the past year, we’ve demonstrated that when harnessed correctly, Twitter can impact television ratings. We help our clients, both networks and production companies, move the ratings needle. We’ve successfully driven viewership and directed new demographics to shows.

I recently stumbled across the media section on Twitter and was pleasantly surprised at the extremely thorough guide for those working in the TV world. From engaging fans and followers to promoting content, Twitter reveals best practices and shares success stories. It is a must-read for anyone working in TV.

Here are some of the highlights that specifically relate to TV:

Impact of Tweeting With hashtags, photos, video, or quote
“Each Tweet represents an opportunity to show your voice and strengthen the relationship with your audience. To help give insight into what resonates most with followers in specific verticals, we analyzed the content of millions of Tweets sent by verified users in the U.S., looking at the numbers of Retweets that included specific hard features mentioned below.

• Photos
• #hashtags
• Links
• Videos
• Tweets containing a number

These are the results for TV, including actors, networks and the shows themselves.”

Real Time Engagement
“Tweets from producers and stars of a TV show — along with those from the network and official show accounts — are terrific ways to engage with viewers in real time as the show airs. Dropping tidbits about scenes that just aired, interacting with other stars in high-profile Twitter chats and responding to fans’ questions or comments can all help build your Twitter following, while creating more interest in the show.

When live-tweeting a new episode, pay special attention to East Coast followers, who are the first to see the show and will drive much of the critical early-stage buzz. Of course, you can continue live-tweeting throughout the show’s premiere in other time zones, but the East Coast market is crucial.

The cast and crew of Nashville (@Nashville_ABC) live-tweeted during their October 23 episode, communicating with fans and each other. They answered questions via the hashtag #AskNashville, provided trivia about the episode, and conversed and complimented each other.”

For more information how best to use Twitter to help drive viewership of your show, check out more best practices here.

If you’re like to set up a meeting to talk about how MtoM can help bump up the ratings on your show, please email us at info@mtomconsulting.com.

All photos courtesy media.twitter.com/tv