Second screen use grows but experience still poor, says survey

Over 86% of UK viewers with smart devices have used a second-screen device while watching TV, but only 19% rate their ability to engage with shows positively, according to research carried out for infrastructure provider Red Bee Media.

Some 78% of those surveyed thought that smart devices were a better way to interact with TV shows than existing methods such as the red button or telephone call-ins. However, only one in five had used an app that was synchronised with broadcast content.

Some 52% of the survey sample had used a second screen to find out more about a TV programme, while one in three said they were more likely to watch a show live rather than on-demand if there was a significant social media buzz around that programme.

Some 29% of respondents said they would look to a TV channel or platform to provide synchronous apps for TV shows, while 21% would search for apps individually.

Digital media consultancy Decipher polled over 2,000 smart device owners for Red Bee.