Zeebox and ShowCaster to launch unofficial X Factor second-screen show

by NMA Staff 05 October 2012 00:00 0 comments Print

Zeebox is to launch an unofficial second-screen show around The X Factor, following a tie-up with interactive TV platform ShowCaster.

The comedy show, called YappFactor, will feature comedian and broadcaster Jake Yapp (pictured), and will run exclusively within the Zeebox app during The X Factor on Saturday (6 September).

Viewers will be encouraged to interact with Jake in real time, while he provides commentary on the outcome of the reality show. They can take part in polls and competitions while tweeting comments with the preconfigured hashtag Yappfactor, all during the show.

The show will not be monetised, given Sky Media retains exclusive rights to sell ads around the Zeetags, but rather aims to tap into the some 10m viewers of the ITV show, providing additional engagement to those who want it. People who do provide comment via the app will be rewarded with their input fed back into the online TV show.

Yapp said, “Zeebox gives us the most awesome opportunity to share The X Factor experience in real time. I love that, as the show progresses, people watching can pitch in.”

The news comes as Zeebox secured further commercial and production support in the US from network giant Viacom, having already struck similar agreements with Comcast Cable and NBCU, each of which have invested a minority stake in the start-up. HBO & Cinemax are also backing Zeebox.

Viacom Media Networks’ chief operating officer Rich Eigendorff said, “We’re constantly striving to give our fans new ways to discover and connect with our content. Zeebox is a powerful new platform to create even richer and more interactive experiences around our programming, and build an even deeper connection between our brands and our fans.”

See below to view an episode of Jake Yapp’s The Poke on TV.