Another day, another social media platform. The latest service to find itself thrust into the public eye is Ticckle (www.ticckle.com), a video microblogging platform that is founded upon the vision of creating a troll-free positive podium for debate. Will Ticckle be the latest social media fad, or does it have the potential to grow at exponential rates as we have seen Tumblr, Pinterest and Instagram do in recent years?
What does Ticckle offer that other platforms don’t?
The realm of social media is constantly evolving and platforms such as Facebook have developed so dynamically to allow users to do more, see more and engage more. So, what does Ticckle offer that the platforms already being used by millions every day do not?
Ticckle is all about making idols out of the ‘right’ people; passionate people who otherwise do not have a stage to have their views heard. Think of Ticckle has an online speakers corner. Although on other networks your view has a potentially infinite audience, the chances of these being seen by many other than your friends and direct connections is limited (unless you have something very worthwhile to say and know exactly how to say it). Videos are the most engaging content on social media (videos are shared 12x more than links and texts posts combined), suggesting that Ticckle has the opportunity to build a community, rather than simply a vast array of idle users.
Perfect timing
Short, concise and emotional. Three key elements to warrant an affluent video. Ticckle limits users to uploading videos just 30 seconds in length. Such a brief time frame ensures that the audience is not only likely to watch the video, but watch it all the way through, too. When justifying a point and reasoning a case, you should always get your argument across instantly advocating 30 seconds is not a restricting factor of the platform. Think of the reason you use social media, or why it is so impactful… it is the defining immediacy of social media that makes it work. The best communicators are those who can make their point, and make their point quickly.
What does this mean for sports fans?
The main aspect and selling point of Ticckle is the arena it provides for genuine discussion. Forget Swindon fans starting rumours that they are signing Ronaldinho, this new pedestal will allow fans with an educated view to have authentic and thought-provoking discussions with another person – not an avatar. This is an arena for debate, not unruly outbursts as have dispersed into other platforms. Of course, disagreement is inevitable (and in fact welcomed), but Ticckle is making it fun, not exasperating.
With sports teams expanding globally and placing particular emphasis on otherwise unexplored markets, Ticckle seems to be the perfect platform. With a potential collaboration with Babelverse (www.babelverse.com), software that provides on-demand speech translation, Ticckle would permit worldwide debates with no language barrier. Imagine watching a sports fixture or event and having a genuine discussion in real-time as the drama unfolds with others who have their own opinions on players, clubs, technology, the sport, referees. Others who do not even have to speak the same language as you. Ticckle has the potential to enhance your viewing experience.
Will it work?
Social media is an unpredictable environment. It is impossible to predict what will succeed, what won’t and what will be the next phenomenon to take off. Ticckle certainly has the potential, particularly considering the celebrity endorsement it has received from the likes of Stephen Fry. A fast-paced, diverse and engaging platform, it will be interesting to see how brands can utilise Ticckle to access their fans, absorb their fans and perhaps utilise Ambassadors. Of course, if this is a place for controversy, brands might be reluctant to get involved in fear of getting associated with scandalous topics.
It certainly has the chance to Ticckle your fancy, but whether this latest sensation becomes a true success is going to require some patience.
