What is digital transformation doing for the media industry?

Digital transformation is highly talked about in many businesses today. The questions of what is digital transformation, how can it help my business, is constantly tossed around. That said, digital transformation should be talked about – as most businesses are looking to take part in this shift.

For those of you who are unaware about digital transformation, it can be defined as the process of embracing changes towards a company by adapting or strategizing the use of digital technologies. One of the most common uses of digital transformation within an industry is the media sector. According to a 2015 survey by Digital Pulse, media ranks as first amongst industries that are most affected by digitalization at 72 percent. Many changing market trends and customer demands within the industry is making it hard to avoid digital transformation. People now receive their news and information from various platforms and methods – all involving the digital era. This is why it is important to understand some of the top influences of digital transformation towards the media.

Multi-channel experience

Many people today do not count on one media platform for their media and entertainment needs anymore. People access the media from their desktops, phones, TVs, and who knows what else. They also do not stop there, most media companies today are constantly active on social media. Main platforms like websites or TV channels may exist but access to their information is also greatly used through social media; in fact, some companies utilize this to engage the audience more in trying to get more interaction. So do not limit yourself to only one channel but utilize all your opportunities.

Customized content

Digital transformation and advancements have allowed the production of greater analytics and data. This has made the customization of content so much easier. Most news sites today have the ability to customize their content, where users are allowed to choose the ones they prefer and would like to see. More accurate analytics and customization have changed the way viewers receive their information intake.

Virtual and mixed reality

VR and AR are becoming a big trend in the media landscape today. Most businesses are starting to develop products and services along these lines – which is also the case for the media industry. Most media platforms today have the ability to view via 360 or even to take part in interactive sessions by virtual reality helmets. This is especially true within the gaming industry where many are looking to create a more life-like experience.

Rise of apps

In correlation with a multi-channel industry, most of our media viewing comes from mobile phones – which is why people are producing more and more apps. A research by Smart Insights suggested that 80 percent of internet users own smartphones. With the ability to access your mobile anytime anywhere, apps are much more convenient tools when wanting to access social media, news, YouTube, and more. If you are in the media industry then it would be smart to start thinking of a platform that is made for mobile phones.

So if you are in the media industry and still unsure on whether to adapt to digital transformation, then maybe it is just about time to brainstorm and go digital.