UKTV preps face recognition Facebook app

UKTV has launched a Facebook app that uses facial recognition technology to perform a personalised magic trip to promote its forthcoming series Dynamo: Magician Impossible.

Dynamo 460

The app utilises user data, such as profile pictures, friends and a list of things they have Liked on the site to deliver a video starring the street magician that is personalised to them.

It can also – with permission – tap into the user’s webcam in a bid to make the video app appear more “live”.

Simon Michaelides, UKTV’s director of marketing, says one of the key challenges in launching the second series of the show has been to continue to embody the innovative nature of the programme in the broadcaster’s marketing activity.

It is hoped the app, created by Red Bee Media, will encourage Dynamo’s 500,000 Facebook fans to become advocates for the Watch channel’s programme who will in turn share it with friends. The new series will also be supported by other above the line marketing activity.

Michaelides says: “The app demonstrates our continued appetite to pioneer the use of social media and technology in our marketing campaigns in unique ways.”

UKTV recently launched its first ebook for factual channel Eden, as it looked to position it as a “credible” home of popular science programming.

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