We all know Samsung is a market leader in home entertainment. This week, they announced a season-long partnership with the NFL as the official TV partner in the UK and Ireland. This exciting collaboration showcases Samsung’s dedication to enhancing the viewing experience for over 16.7 million NFL fans, through innovative large-screen TVs and activations spanning social media, promotions, and experiential events.
After reviewing their current social media presence, it’s clear that Samsung excels in highlighting their TVs’ technological capabilities. However, there’s room for more NFL-specific content that truly resonates with sports fans. By leveraging this partnership, Samsung has the potential to deepen fan engagement with interactive, NFL-themed content that showcases their TVs as the ultimate at-home viewing experience.
So… if I were the social media manager at Samsung, here are the strategies I’d propose:
Content Ideas:
- “8K Rewind” Highlights: Create social media snippets from “The 8K Rewind” series. These short, high-impact clips can be posted after every NFL game, capturing key plays in stunning detail. Fans can be encouraged to share their favourite plays, and these posts can drive traffic to the full highlights on Samsung’s platforms.
- “Ultimate Gameday Setup” Contest: Launch a contest where NFL fans showcase their Samsung home setup while watching NFL games. The best setups can win prizes like an upgraded sound system or NFL merchandise. This taps into user-generated content and highlights Samsung’s focus on the at-home experience.
- “In the Stadium, At Home” Series: Create side-by-side comparison videos that juxtapose the experience of being at a stadium vs. watching on a Samsung Neo QLED TV. Show how the advanced features make fans feel like they’re right in the game.
Engagement Tactics:
- Live Twitter Commentary: During NFL games, Samsung could run a real-time commentary thread where fans engage directly with the brand about game highlights, tech questions, or promotions. Offer exclusive discounts during key moments of the game, making the experience interactive and rewarding.
- Gamified Interactions: Use Instagram Stories or Reels to feature interactive polls and quizzes related to NFL trivia, gameday predictions, or Samsung TV features. Encourage participation by offering spot prizes, like NFL jerseys or exclusive Samsung deals, for correct answers or creative responses.
- Fan Ambassadors & Influencers: Collaborate with NFL fan influencers to showcase their experiences watching NFL games on Samsung TVs. These ambassadors could lead discussions around technology, NFL predictions, and promote the partnership via live streams, unboxing videos, and tech demos.
Platform-Specific Strategies:
Instagram:
- Stories: Feature the “Ultimate Gameday Setup” series, highlighting user submissions and running short polls about game predictions.
- Reels: Use dynamic content to showcase “The 8K Rewind” highlights, emphasising the clarity and performance of Samsung’s top TVs.
- Feed Posts: Feature product-focused posts showing off the Neo QLED TV, tying it into the NFL partnership by emphasising its AI features and immersive sound.
Twitter:
- #SamsungNFL campaign: Use this branded hashtag for real-time engagement during NFL games, encouraging fans to share their gameday setups, predictions, and reactions.
- Run polls around specific games, player performances, and TV features to keep the conversation flowing.
YouTube:
- Launch a behind-the-scenes series capturing the experiential activations at the NFL London Games, featuring fan interactions with Samsung TVs.
- Showcase fan testimonials and reactions to watching NFL games on Samsung’s 8K TVs, reinforcing the at-home experience messaging.
Facebook:
- Run a weekly Facebook Live session with NFL influencers or Samsung tech experts discussing NFL highlights and how Samsung’s technology enhances the viewing experience.
- Share long-form articles or videos highlighting both the NFL season and Samsung’s key product features.
TikTok:
- Short-Form Highlights & Challenges: Utilise TikTok to post quick, punchy game highlights from “The 8K Rewind” series. Incorporate fun, NFL-related challenges like “Best Gameday Setup” or “React to the Play” where users post their reactions or game-day experiences.
- Influencer Collaborations: Partner with sports influencers to create viral content, including behind-the-scenes NFL content, unboxing Samsung TVs, or tech demos.
- Creative Effects: Use TikTok’s AR features to create NFL-inspired filters or effects, encouraging fans to share their NFL game-watching experience.
Snapchat:
- AR Lenses: Develop custom NFL-themed Snapchat lenses or filters that users can apply during game days, integrating Samsung TV branding.
- Snap Ads & Stories: Utilise short Snap Ads that showcase the “ultimate at-home NFL experience” on Samsung TVs, with swipe-ups leading to more info about products or promotions.
- Live Stories: Feature behind-the-scenes content from Samsung’s experiential activations at the NFL London Games, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the action.
The goal would be to solidify Samsung’s brand as the go-to TV for sports enthusiasts, particularly NFL fans. By increasing social media engagement through campaigns like the “Ultimate Gameday Setup” and “8K Rewind,” we can drive both awareness and sales of Samsung’s large-screen TVs and soundbars. Key metrics to track would include engagement on “8K Rewind” highlights, participation in user-generated content, and the performance of platform-specific strategies. I’d also monitor follower growth among sports-focused demographics and track conversions from social media to Samsung product pages.
