Former American Idol executive Robert Sillerman has jumped into the social game with Viggle, a new rewards-based loyalty program for television.
On Wednesday, Function(x), founded by former American Idol exec Robert F.X. Sillerman, launched Viggle, a rewards-based loyalty program for television that will at first be available as a free download in the iTunes App Store.
So what is Viggle?
According to the official release on Wednesday, Viggle “awards its users points for checking into TV shows. Points can be redeemed within the app for dozens of rewards from companies such as Burger King, Sephora, Fandango and the Hulu Plus subscription service or converted into charitable donations.”
Chris Stephenson, president of Function(x), revealed that Viggle is as simple as watching TV and getting rewarded for your efforts. “People love TV,” said Stephenson, “and, for the first time, they are getting rewarded not only for their loyalty, but also for checking out new shows. We think viewers will love it – as will networks and brands.”
Also according to the Viggle release, Viggle works with live, recorded and online TV content from more than 100 channels today and more are being added daily. Shows with check-in bonuses are featured in the “What’s On” section, where people are also able to set reminders and “like” shows. Viggle curates all of the Twitter discussions related to each television show, its cast and crew in the “Chatter” section. People are able to link Viggle to their Facebook and Twitter accounts, making it easy for users to post comments directly to these social networks. Vibrant, behind-the-scenes experiences and access to unique footage and bonus offers are all part of the Viggle experience.
The free Viggle app will soon be available in the U.S. for download through the iTunes App Store for all iOS devices. Special versions for iPad, Android and the Web will follow shortly.
Those interested can visit Viggle to be notified of availability.