Real - Time In - Game Interaction (Twitter and Its Effect)

by Erecca Nacion
Twitter is significantly the most important social media tool when it comes to real – time in – game interaction. Each tweet gives any user the voice to strengthen the relationship with fans. They give insight to what resonates most with followers in specific verticals (Twitter, Sports: The Impact of Tweeting With Photos, Videos, Hastags and Links, 2014). Athletes, Teams and Leagues can provide both the play – by play of a game and the color commentary. Sports teams and clubs can live – tweet big off – the – field moments, like drafts, press conferences and the unveiling of new players. For instance, @RedSox  live – tweeted games throughout last year’s World Series run, providing statistics, photos, and videos in addition to standard play – by – play. In Twitter is it important for any user to increase the average amount of “retweets” on each tweet to increase the maximum amount of reach to your account, thus increasing your followers in the long run.

Hashtags are one of the most important aspects of Twitter. Since its success on Twitter, the hashtag is now seen on all social media platforms. Hashtags draw attention to the real – time tweeting events, but they are only successful when it is a dedicated hashtag as it allows user to search for the topic and join the conversation. For instance, when @kobebryant live – tweeted a re – air of his legendary  81 – point game, he employed the hashtag #countonkobe, which was mentioned more than 80,000 times that day. The hashtag is still even in use to this day, and is always seen with new results daily. (Twitter, Live - Tweet During Sporting Events, 2014)

However the most important feature with a tweet would be the photos posted. Verified sports users most – retweeted Tweets contain photos, which have nearly 50% more Retweets than they would expect to get anyway. Pictures add color and texture to Tweets. For instance tweeting a photo like the one below gives sport enthusiasts a taste of what it’s like to be courtside, providing more real – time in – game interaction.

If you are a sport enthusiast on Twitter, write in the comments below on your opinion of Twitter giving you an insight to your favorite games.

References:

Twitter. (2014). Live - Tweet During Sporting Events. Retrieved from Media : https://media.twitter.com/best-practice/live-tweet-during-sporting-events

Twitter. (2014). Sports: The Impact of Tweeting With Photos, Videos, Hastags and Links. Retrieved from Media: https://media.twitter.com/best-practice/sports-the-impact-of-tweeting-with-photos-videos-hashtags-and-links