NBC Universal Harnesses 40 Years of Comedy from SNL
MarkLogic software addressed all of our needs. Its flexibility enabled us to build an SNL-tailored predictive analytic engine. As a result, SNL app users can discover, view, share and enjoy the amazing content from the classic Coneheads, Landshark, and Cheerleaders to the newest great comedy from this season and beyond.
Michael Martin
Senior Vice President, Product, Technology & Operations at NBC Entertainment Digital
AI Summary
The challenge
- Scalability to support decades of content, millions of users
- Elasticity for rapidly-changing workflows
- Personalized content delivery via multiple devices
- Rapid data integration to meet an ambitious deadline
The solution
- Cloud (AWS)
- Operational Data Hub
The result
- Speedy Data Integration
- Excellent Customer Experience
- Low Cost Deployment & Maintenance
The challenge
“Well, isn’t that special?” NBCUniversal is an industry leader in digitizing and modernizing content delivery, as evidenced by its wildly popular SNL app. The AWS-based app helps fans find comedy gems like Roseanne Rosannadanna from the past 40+ years, as well as new laughs recommended by the app based on users’ searches. Built in just four months, the app was downloaded millions of times within its first few months of availability. New sketches and seasons are continually added to the app, as are the number of fans downloading it — and we’re all a little verklempt about it.
The solution
The SNL app is based on smart content generated with the MarkLogic database, letting fans quickly and easily find favorite videos from the last 40 years. The app includes a recommendation engine, driven by MarkLogic Semantics, that adapts to fans’ preferences to help them discover new characters and sketches they weren’t aware of previously.
The result
Future-Proofed Platform
As new content emerges with new seasons of SNL, NBCUniversal can quickly integrate its data —regardless of format— for seamless media distribution to its loyal fan base.
Optimal User Experience
Content is delivered quickly, with 50,000 requests per minute at peak times. The app also queues up similar types of content a user might like based on browsing history.
Scalability
The SNL app saw 100 million views in its first three months, and has the ability to support high viewership during season premieres and other special events.
