Dive Brief:
- NASCAR and DeskSite jointly announced in a press release the launch of an interactive and personalized video app that offers viewers high definition, free content in time for NASCAR’s signature Daytona 500 event.
- The app was described in the press release as a “DVR for the internet” and includes content from NASCAR.com such as interviews with drivers, post-race recaps and breaking news. It automates downloads and stores videos locally on users’ devices based on preferences making the content available when users are on and offline.
- The NASCAR DeskSite app is available on Windows and Mac computers and Windows tablets.
Dive Insight:
The NASCAR app is interesting in that it is geared more toward desktop viewing rather than a more mobile experience, but for fans the draw will likely come more from the auto download and media storage capabilities, essentially bringing the latest NASCAR content to their computers automatically ready to be watched on demand.
Although it sounds as though most of the content is coming from NASCAR’s main website, the app is a nod toward the user experience by pushing content on demand rather than requiring fans to visit the site. Consumers are becoming accustomed to a highly personalized and customizable online experience that requires minimal work on their end. NASCAR’s video app is an example of meeting those expectations.
The news reflects how sports leagues are beefing up their video offerings as more fans cut the cord with cable TV. While NASCAR claims to be the first league with a DeskSite, other sports leagues are making video content available across a number of digital platforms, including their own sites, social media sites and elsewhere.