International sports broadcaster Eleven Sports has claimed a world first by teaming up with tech start-up Reactoo to launch a new product designed to drive engagement around sports viewing.
Watch Together will be rolled out in Eleven’s international OTT markets through a trial period expected to commence in the coming weeks. It will enable fans to watch live action together with friends and family in the same online space at the same time.
Eleven Sports subscribers will be able to create a ‘room’ and invite up to four fans to join them in watching a live sports event. Those in the room will be able to see, hear and chat while watching the live action. The person who sets up the room can invite others by sharing a link by text, WhatsApp, email or on social media.
For launch, Watch Together will be available through Chrome and Firefox internet browsers on PC and laptops. It will be rolled out across other browsers and devices in the near future. Eleven Sports subscribers will be able to watch all the action available in their market through Watch Together at no extra cost.
Tom Middleditch, global head of digital at Eleven Sports, said: “Watch Together will help to drive engagement in the live event by encouraging active, as opposed to passive viewing habits.
“Currently fans debate talking points on text or social media while watching a match or fight passively, but our inventive new product will enable in-person interaction while remaining fully immersed in the action.
“Together with our partners Reactoo, we have created an easy-to-use viewing experience. We are delighted to be the first to bring it to the sports market globally, harnessing the versatility of online streaming and fulfilling our commitment to introduce innovative ways for fans to watch, engage in and enjoy live sport.”