'Entertainment Weekly' Launches New Alexa Skill, Personalizes "The Must List"

Following its “What to Watch” flash briefing, Entertainment Weekly launched a new Alexa skill that connects fans to an interactive version of the magazine’s popular “Must List” when they say: “Alexa, open Entertainment Weekly.”

Users gain instant access to expanded content, including interviews, fun facts and added insight about movies, TV, music and books that appear on the "Must List." They also get interactive elements, such as pop-culture trivia and a “Would You Rather” mini-game unlocked by listening.

Users can skip straight to the game, however, by saying: “Alexa, ask Entertainment Weekly for the Mini-Game.”

“Recommendations around content is core to what EW does in print and on social,” Shana Krochmal, EW’s head of digital, told Publishers Daily. “We took a close look at what the list was recommending each week, and realized it was an opportunity to create an interactive component.”

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Krochmal added the new platform offers ample opportunities to incorporate content around pop-culture phenomena. like the premiere of the final season of HBO's "Game of Thrones" this weekend. "Thrones" fans can try “Dragon Eggs,” what the themed Easter eggs are called, once the secret built-in pass-phrases are unlocked.

EW’s skill is the third created by a Meredith brand in collaboration with its Innovation Group — All Recipes and Health have also launched skills. Amazon reported selling 1 million Alexa-enabled devices in 2018.

The launch coincides with a new Instagram Stories version of the “Must List,” which will include a bid for “Fan’s Choice,” allowing followers to vote for items they felt were missing from the list that week. The winner will be announced on the platform the following week.

Krochmal added the Instagram adapted list will feature visual and audio extras; those with a screen-enabled Alexa device will have access to a special visual component. The Alexa and Instagram adapted “Must Lists” will remain active for the course of an issue’s newsstand life — generally one week, but two for special issues.

The new voice skill launched without sponsors attached, though Krochmal told Publishers Daily the new platform capabilities are being “shopped around for sponsorship.”

The new Alexa skill will be promoted across Twitter, Instagram, digital properties and in the print magazine, where Krochmal anticipates the prompt will appear for a while as part of the “Must List” layout.

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