ITV launches Facebook app for ITV Player

ITV is to launch a Facebook application that enables users to catch up on content through the ITV Player service, recommend their favourites to friends, be recommended programmes directly via the app, and discover how compatible their likes and dislikes are.

The broadcaster has appointed TV Genius to power the personalised recommendation feature of the new ITV Player app for Facebook, which will be available in time for Christmas.

The app will promote Christmas and New Year scheduling, as well as listings into 2010, through recommendations of content available via the ITV Player online catch-up service, as well as reminding users of relevant upcoming shows.

It also allows them to share recommendations with friends and compare preferred programmes to see how compatible their TV viewing habits are. ITV claims this is the first time it has built a social media app specifically to enhance the TV content discovery experience.

Stuart Roberts, head of site at ITV.com, says: “The launch of the ITV Player Facebook app provides an ideal way for viewers to ensure they don’t miss their favourite shows, as well as share recommendations with friends. We’re excited about the app and are pleased to have worked with TV Genius to deliver ITV content to viewers via Facebook.”