Sky launches Twitter programming controls

UK pay TV operator Sky has started to trial #WatchOnSky, a new Twitter tool that lets Sky customers watch or record TV shows by clicking on icons contained within a tweet.

Tweets from Sky that contain the WatchOnSky hashtag will now link to Sky’s mobile TV service Sky Go so that viewers can immediately tune into a show. A Sky+ ‘R’ button will also let them remotely set their Sky+HD box to record.

Sky said the new service gives its customers more control of their TV viewing and marks the first time that a British broadcaster has let users access live TV and set recordings via their Twitter timeline.

“It’s all part of our commitment to make it even easier for our customers to discover great TV and make sure they never miss those virtual water cooler moments,” said Luke Bradley-Jones, brand director, TV products, Sky. “#WatchOnSky is another brilliantly simple way for our customers to find and watch the shows everyone is talking about.”

Twitter UK’s head of broadcast, Dan Biddle, added: “#WatchOnSky is a really exciting development that will make it even easier than ever for Twitter users to spot social buzz about a show, and tune in or record it for later. We’re delighted to see Sky innovating with this service and look forward to seeing Twitter users enjoy this functionality.”