Multimedia refers to the different forms of media used to communicate a message, idea, etc. For example, photos, videos, audio, and various forms of artwork like animation, illustrations, infographics, drawings, paintings, are forms of multimedia. These are the different ways in which we can create interactive/ communicative content. Transmedia, on the other hand, uses these forms of multimedia and transports them across different digital technologies/platforms like web blogs, video games, social media networks, and apps (mobile and other forms), to name a few.
We cannot talk about multimedia and transmedia without discussing the success of one company that has seriously taken over most of our lives, and may actually take over the world one day (Am I being dramatic? Maybe, but if this comes true… You're welcome for the heads up). Amazon is everywhere, reaching audiences all around the world through transmedia, and keeping their attention through exceptional use of multimedia.
When I was first introduced to Amazon, I thought it was another book-selling website. If I wanted to buy “anything else,” I would go to eBay… however, that changed once I subscribed to Amazon Prime. I did so because Amazon did, in fact, sell “everything else” too, and the difference between Amazon and eBay is that with this Prime subscription (and honestly, even without it), shipping was faster than eBay and I was always guaranteed that my items would ultimately arrive.
Amazon, to me, was only an online retail store. Then I came across Amazon Video/movie/show rental… It’s not as strong as Netflix or Hulu, but I don’t expect it to be since streaming is not their specialty, but maybe I have spoken too soon. It still, however, is giving Netflix a run for its money.
Amazon uses every media platform it can to reach a new audience. It recently released a an ad about an Imam and a Priest bonding once over tea and again via amazon prime. The commercial was brilliant, and can be found on almost every social media platform (since it went viral), including YouTube. Click on the link below. Amazon is not only looking to enter our pockets, but are trying their best to win over our hearts, too.
I can think of three ways Amazon has created (or in the midst of creating) its own form trans“media.”
- Amazon Prime Air
Amazon wants to deliver your things via drones… Goodbye fantasy, hello reality.
Their delivery service is quick, but their prime delivery game just got seriously stronger, along with their advertising game. The visual they provide are clear and fun to watch, and they have a great multimedia/marketing teams.
- Amazon Echo
If we were impressed by iPhone’s Siri, wait until you meet Amazon’s Alexa. She gives you news updates, makes song and grocery lists, answer any factual questions you have. Although this is great, it has another competitor, “Google Home.”
- Amazon Go “world’s most advanced shopping technology”
This is the last of rant about Amazon. I am baffled. Amazon has opened a smart shopping market. Scan your phone into the store when you walk in, grab anything you want, scan again when you leave and everything that you put into your “virtual” cart is now paid for. This is great if you hate standing in line to check out of any supermarket.
I could have chosen Facebook, Disney, Marvel Studios, or some famous video game that shook 2016 (like Pokemon) as my example, but we need to pay attention to Amazon, the effect it’s already having on us and where it will take us 5-10 years from today. Amazon will soon make itself a necessity because it’s catering to our on-the-go lifestyles. It is using transmedia storytelling to get to us, and it keeps getting stronger and better at its game. I may be putting too much faith into Amazon’s future success, but it is only inevitable. They're online, on our phones, on apple TV, on every billboard. on social media.... It's Amazon's world, and we're just living in it.
P.S. I won't get into how Amazon can ship groceries to your doors, too. (I believe it is called Amazon Pantry, and it's not as impressive as the listed items, but it definitely adds to the reasons why amazon is hitting every market.)
*Drops mic*
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