Get the Goss – With Fox8’s Gossip Girl Facebook Application

Ever since Facebook flung opened its doors to developers, the social networking portal has added over 7,000 applications. Introducing the latest kid on the Facebook Application Platform – The Gossip Girl Facebook Application.

Developed exclusively by Wiliam for Fox8 – an entertainment channel on the Murdoch owned Foxtel Cable Network – has been launched as a viral marketing campaign to coincide with the shows release in Australia on December 4th.

The teenage drama, produced by the people behind the O.C., revolves around the privileged lives of a group of teenagers living on Manhattan's Upper East Side who are all about designer clothes, martinis, and of course sex.

The Gossip Girl Facebook Application allows users to tap into a comical social network, by having the ability create a mock magazine cover containing photos of friends with outrageous headlines. The choice to approve or deny the magazine cover is in the hands of the targets featured on the cover.

Fox8’s application provides a valuable opportunity for the popular network and fans alike. Not only will the Gossip Girl Facebook Application allow Fox8 to track and tap into their target demographic, but it provides a unique, fun and effective way to promote and publicise the shows launch.

Using Facebook Applications to promote today’s traditional media

Online statistics show that social networking sites account for approximately seven percent of all internet traffic. While overall demographic statistics suggests a predominately Generation Y membership base, it’s apparent that in order to effectively drive media in a Web 2.0 world, organisations can’t ignore the demand for Facebook Applications – and must create branded applications to tap into their market segment. 

By creating custom Facebook Applications, Wiliam has enabled Fox8 to generate a significantly effective PR campaign, by stirring interest and potentially drawing viewers interested in the TV series.

Furthermore, the application has now been exposed virally to other users within the Facebook community and has drummed up quite significant anticipation around the show. With a media branded Facebook Application, Fox8 is able to connect viewers, old and new with similar interests, but also use the application to cross promote other TV shows.

In a Web 2.0 world today, users crave to get up close and personal – the more involved they become with the TV show, the greater their never-ending exposure and brand recognition becomes.

Facebook Applications provide innovative, autonomous and peer-driven advertising for media organizations, by taking advantage of offshoots within the social network.

For more information about the development of Facebook Applications, click here.