Watching TV alone, together: Building virtual communities during pandemic

One of the things that people have missed the most during the Coronavirus pandemic is having a wholesome time watching television with friends and family who don’t share their household. In a pre-Covid world, people would get together with kith and kin to catch a film or watch an important episode of a favourite show on the television at home, but not anymore. 

Plot twist, passionate audiences are tuning in to Twitter 365 days, 24 hours a day, to connect and discuss noteworthy television moments such as shocking finales. Though it isn't new to live-Tweet, lately it has become a way to entertain and watch TV alone yet together by forming fandom communities on Twitter. People often have two screens going as they watch and regardless of geographic or cultural boundaries, these avid TV fans gather in real time on Twitter. In fact, they are all influencers on all things TV-related. 

If you too want to try it out, read on for ways and tips to do so:

Share your reactions to the episode while it’s airing

Join in the real-time conversations around your favourite shows, movies or episodes by Tweeting along as you watch the scheduled telecast, sharing your personal commentary as the show unfolds.

#TheFamilyManSeason2 #Familyman2
J.K rocks
legends save their friends phone number be like - pic.twitter.com/3vLbeq2HJ2

— UTKARSH KUMAR (@utkarshydv1) June 5, 2021

Pro-tip: Do tag (@) the TV channel and name of the show/movie to get eyeballs from everyone watching it or reading about it. 

Announce ahead of time that you will be live-Tweeting

Tweet to let your followers know that you’ll be active while the show is on, and encourage them to follow along with you. Updating ahead of time will build a sense of excitement, ensuring your followers tune in to catch the fun! 

Pro-tip: You can also create image templates and craft a few Tweets before the event for smooth sailing.

Use the correct hashtags

While posting commentary, use the appropriate hashtags for the show so other fans can discover your Tweets with ease. The hashtag is also usually featured within the show itself, you can use that too. 

Pro-tip: Keep an eye out for relevant and emerging hashtags that start gaining popularity. Use that to get into those conversations.

Brilliant as always @mohankapur bro #Hostages a must watch on #Hotstar @IAmSudhirMishra always excellent pic.twitter.com/H20KK4BHwE

— Avi Dandiya (@avidandiya) June 1, 2019

React to surprising or emotional points in the story

Share your thoughts and feelings during major plot twists. Reacting to surprising or emotional points in the story will help people connect better with the broadcast. You can also ask for their reactions and inputs on a particular scene or episode. This is a great way to create and maintain interest along with driving new followers. 

Pro-tip: Using emojis here can be a creative means to express yourself. 

Use a Retweet with a comment to respond to your community

Reply to questions or follower comments that catch your eye. Show your community you’re listening by Retweeting and/or liking great Tweets around the show/movie you’re watching.

So, what do you plan on watching next with your Twitter community?