“I can’t wait for the commercial break!”  Said no one, ever.

Until recently, television engagement has been limited, allowing the data collection of a commercial’s reach to be very hard to track compared to other media such as digital or print.  That was until Shazam came along. Using the song identification app, Shazam, specific commercials can take users a special offer by the advertiser or to any third party site. The app was traditionally used to look up an artist or name of a song as it is playing.  With this new application, Shazam will have access to valuable information from consumers and answer the question, “Who is actually watching this commercial?”

Shazam essentially uses the same process as a QR code, only replaces the image capturing of the code with the sound capturing of the commercial.  The possibilities for Shazam in television are endless, and the UK based company hasn’t stopped at commercial breaks. Now, some television programs allow you to Shazam during the show, encouraging further interaction. Shazam first made its big TV break out at the Super Bowl this year, but it is becoming more and more common on daily programming.

While it might not make viewers excited for a commercial break during their favorite TV show, it may make them more entertaining, and who knows, you might be able to snag a few deals!