Vertical Viewing is on the rise. A recent report from MOV suggests that 94% of people hold their phones vertically and Mediabrix reported that over 90% of videos watched in a vertical format on phones have a higher completion rate compared to horizontal viewing. Since launching the innovative Vertical Viewing option for live streaming, Sky News Arabia has recorded a significant increase in the number of views on its digital platforms.
“Understating how viewers navigate the Sky News Arabia digital environment was a key driver behind this innovation,” said Wissam Ayoub, Director of Operations at Sky News Arabia. “Our editorial, digital content and overall digital-first strategy are guided by our audiences. The level of interaction and viewership on our digital platforms reflects the success of the Vertical Viewing innovation and demonstrates that mobile-friendly quality news viewing is the next big thing and the way forward in our industry.”
Ayoub added, “We are clearly reaping the rewards from being first movers in the news industry.”
Sky News Arabia became the first TV broadcaster in the region to introduce mobile-friendly 24×7 live streaming in 9:16 format as part of its digital transformation efforts and commitment to innovation. The user-friendly design layout aims to enhance viewer experience across all Sky News Arabia digital platforms. Users who still prefer watching in traditional horizontal 16:9, can do so by simply flipping their mobile devices.
Last month, Sky News Arabia revealed the new Vertical technology during a unique first-of-its-kind interactive live broadcast on Facebook. As part of the Live session, Sky News Arabia also highlighted its new progressive strategy, optimizing the use of modern technologies to offer a unique viewing experience that integrates content on digital and traditional media platforms.