FIFA's latest foray into social media could potentially change the game for sports organizations looking to tap into the influencer economy. In a bold move, the international governing body of football has partnered with TikTok, granting digital creators front-row seats at the upcoming World Cup.
This partnership promises to bring fans "closer to the action in ways they can't get anywhere else," according to James Stafford, global head of content for TikTok. As part of this deal, FIFA will give online personalities behind-the-scenes access, provide them with archive and highlights footage to use in their content, and request a significant number of posts that will make the World Cup an omnipresent force on the platform.
FIFA's decision to team up with TikTok comes as no surprise. The rise of social media influencers has become increasingly crucial for consumer businesses, including sports organizations. The NFL, for instance, has integrated creators into its coverage of the Super Bowl since the turn of the decade.
However, it is worth noting that the full potential of the creator economy is still being explored by sports organizations. Last summer, Dazn built a creator network for FIFA's Club World Cup, enlisting up to 50 digital creators to produce content around the tournament. This campaign yielded impressive results, with more than 500,000 fans signing up for the service and 90% of viewers taking "at least one off-platform action" after watching sports content on Dazn.
FIFA's creator platform is designed to achieve similar objectives, such as directing new viewers to its match coverage. However, the potential uses for this platform extend far beyond that. It could serve as a new revenue stream, with FIFA taking a cut from advertising revenue generated on TikTok. Alternatively, it might provide an opportunity for expanding sponsorship deals and establishing relationships with tech giants like TikTok.
The partnership also raises questions about the impact of creators in shaping the way the World Cup is discussed. By keeping sports organizers in the conversation, they can drum up enthusiasm and keep discussion away from potentially contentious topics. Creators offer a unique advantage in terms of efficiency and effectiveness, as they can reach audiences with a defined message.
While FranΓ§ois Godard of Enders Analysis notes that viewership of traditional TV among the 16-to-34 age group has collapsed over the past decade, sports remains an exception to this trend. Nevertheless, he is skeptical about whether creators alone can drive audience growth for sports.
As tensions over broadcast rights continue, it seems likely that FIFA's creator platform will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of sports media.
This partnership promises to bring fans "closer to the action in ways they can't get anywhere else," according to James Stafford, global head of content for TikTok. As part of this deal, FIFA will give online personalities behind-the-scenes access, provide them with archive and highlights footage to use in their content, and request a significant number of posts that will make the World Cup an omnipresent force on the platform.
FIFA's decision to team up with TikTok comes as no surprise. The rise of social media influencers has become increasingly crucial for consumer businesses, including sports organizations. The NFL, for instance, has integrated creators into its coverage of the Super Bowl since the turn of the decade.
However, it is worth noting that the full potential of the creator economy is still being explored by sports organizations. Last summer, Dazn built a creator network for FIFA's Club World Cup, enlisting up to 50 digital creators to produce content around the tournament. This campaign yielded impressive results, with more than 500,000 fans signing up for the service and 90% of viewers taking "at least one off-platform action" after watching sports content on Dazn.
FIFA's creator platform is designed to achieve similar objectives, such as directing new viewers to its match coverage. However, the potential uses for this platform extend far beyond that. It could serve as a new revenue stream, with FIFA taking a cut from advertising revenue generated on TikTok. Alternatively, it might provide an opportunity for expanding sponsorship deals and establishing relationships with tech giants like TikTok.
The partnership also raises questions about the impact of creators in shaping the way the World Cup is discussed. By keeping sports organizers in the conversation, they can drum up enthusiasm and keep discussion away from potentially contentious topics. Creators offer a unique advantage in terms of efficiency and effectiveness, as they can reach audiences with a defined message.
While FranΓ§ois Godard of Enders Analysis notes that viewership of traditional TV among the 16-to-34 age group has collapsed over the past decade, sports remains an exception to this trend. Nevertheless, he is skeptical about whether creators alone can drive audience growth for sports.
As tensions over broadcast rights continue, it seems likely that FIFA's creator platform will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of sports media.