Google is proud to say that Chromecast is a success. The company’s first Google Cast device has been used more than 1.5 billion times already since it was first introduced back in July 2013. This product is almost two years old but it’s still making a lot of people happy–me included. The idea of casting is not originally Google’s but we can say the Internet giant paved the way for its commercialization.
More consumers find the Chromecast more affordable, accessible, and easier to use. As more apps are adding support for Chromecast, we can expect demand to go up. While we’re waiting for the next generation Chromecast, developers are adding Google Cast functionality to their apps to allow more engagement, higher monetization, and get more visits.
Personally, I use Chromecast only for YouTube. I know I can do a lot with it but I only need a bigger display for watching YouTube. Some startups are already taking advantage of the technology to bring their products and services to more consumers. The likes of Comedy Central, Just Dance, Haystack TC, and Fitnet are successfully using Google Cast.
More than 50% of videos in Comedy Centeral are viewed by Chromecast users. The guys behind the app were actually surprised about this development because there were 1.5 time more visits from Chromecast compared to regular app users.
For those who like watching the news, there’s Haystack TV where headline news and videos can be browsed. Since the app was updated to include support for Chromecast, their users’ weekly average viewing time doubled. About a third of all Haystack TV users watch using Chromecast.
Ubisoft added Chromecast support to their popular Just Dance Now interactive game and monetization success has increased 2.5 times. Game still requires a controller but more people have catched on the craze even without a Wii or Xbox. About 30 percent of songs played in the US come from Chromecast.
It’s almost the same with Fitnet getting 35% more engagement from Chromecast users. The app that shows video workouts is being used more since support for Google Cast technology was added. It was somehow expected because viewing metrics on a bigger screen is better compared to staring on your phone’s smaller screen.
In the words of Fitnet founder and CEO Bob Summers:
“Integrating with Google Cast technology has been an excellent investment of our time and resources, and a key feature that has helped us to develop a unique, compelling experience for our users.”
I think developers of apps with Google Cast support can all say the same thing about how Chromecast has helped their businesses.
SOURCE: Google Developers Blog
