Channel 4's Fonejacker widget encourages consumers to upload a picture of their face, which is then integrated into a classic Fonejacker sketch
What are your first impressions?
The site works smoothly, is well branded and allows users to easily integrate themselves into the online video experience - a sort of UGC-lite experience.
Describe the consumer experience
The first time you use this app it is amusing, but that's its total shelf life. I can't see users coming back to it again and again, as there's not really the promise of new content you'd get with a more straightforward video service.
Is it a good branding tool?
To me it looks like a pretty short-term viral tool, rather than a long-term way of engaging Fonejacker fans.
What's the bottom line?
If Channel 4 had included a mechanism whereby people could upload their own Fonejacker sketches or offered some short-form clips of the show, I could see how it would add long-term value, but in its current form I think it looks like an expensive, short-lived toy.