• Loading stock data...
Friday, March 29, 2024
2024 Best Venues nominations are open now through April 8! Submit Now

How MLB and Fox’s World Series Strategy Is Paying Off

  • Fox employing closer, more aggressive camera angles.
  • MLB driving massive engagement with short-form video content.
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Heading into the 2022 World Series, Major League Baseball wanted to lean into social media video — and offer more alternative camera angles for viewers.

As the Houston Astros and Philadelphia Phillies prepare for Games 6 and 7 this weekend, MLB’s strategy is paying off.

MLB’s short-form video content across social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok is driving massive engagement with baseball fans.

With Houston up 3-2 in the series, check out MLB’s social media growth through 4 games: 

  • Instagram: Up 120% in total video views.
  • TikTok: Up 110% in total video views.
  • YouTube: Up 67% in total video views.
  • Facebook: Up 81% in total engagements.

After Strong Viewership Start, World Series Must Compete With NFL

TV viewership for Phillies-Astros is up 4% over first two games.
November 1, 2022

Other factors are juicing MLB’s numbers. 

Unique characters like superstar Bryce Harper, scrappy Brandon Marsh, and the Astros’ rookie sensation Jeremy Pena have seized the imagination of fans.

MLB broadcast partner Fox Sports has also employed more aggressive camera angles, including shots of the batters walking up to the plate, pitchers warming up, and base-runners racing around third base. 

Combined with in-the-moment interviews, including dugout chats after home runs, Fox is bringing viewers closer to the action than ever before.

The Astros’ historic combined no-hitter in Game 4 averaged 11.81 million viewers, up 9% from last year. It was the most-watched Game 4 in four years, according to Sports Media Watch.

Any best-of-seven series that lasts at least six games makes league sponsors and advertisers happy. 

If the Phillies can force a decisive Game 7 Sunday night, then a profitable World Series is almost guaranteed. Unfortunately, a Sunday night Game 7 would have to compete head-to-head with the NFL’s “Sunday Night Football.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Late Rush Keeps Three MLB Teams on TV, but Revenue Issues Linger

The Diamondbacks, Padres, and Rockies continue to navigate a post-RSN landscape.

MLB Looks to Return Focus to the Field After Turbulent Offseason

The league aims to turn the page after grappling with several difficult problems this winter.

Orioles’ Rubenstein Era at Last Begins, and With Ripken Back in the Fold 

The billionaire private equity executive receives unanimous approval of his purchase of the MLB club.

Ukraine’s Improbable Soccer Run Continues With Euros Qualification

The country reaches its first major soccer tournament since Russia’s invasion began.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Why the Timberwolves Sale was Called Off

0:00
0:00

Featured Today

March 22, 2024, Brooklyn, NY, USA; Northwestern Wildcats guard Brooks Barnhizer (13) and Northwestern Wildcats guard Boo Buie (0) react in overtime against the Florida Atlantic Owls in the first round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at the Barclays Center.
March 27, 2024

‘An Expensive Game’: March Madness and NIL Collectives Are Intertwined

At schools nationwide, collectives are fueling NCAA tournament runs and vice versa.
Iowa’s Caitlin Clark (22) waits to be announced in the starting lineup against West Virginia in a NCAA Tournament round of 32 game Monday, March 25, 2024 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa.
March 26, 2024

The Women’s Trading Card Market Is Overlooked. Can Caitlin Clark Change That?

Traditionally, women’s sports cards have been a marginal part of collectibles.
The Sports Illustrated cover signed by Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez, February 27, 2019, at Don & Charlie's, 7501 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale. Don Charlie S
March 24, 2024

Everything You Need to Know About the Ongoing ‘Sports Illustrated’ Saga

Understanding the strange state of affairs for the nearly 70-year-old publication.

Careers

Powered By

Careers in Sports

Looking for a new job? Check out these featured listings and search for openings all over the world.
Live Nation
Multiple - USA Careers
Adidas
Multiple - USA Careers
Spotify
Multiple - USA Careers

‘Good Morning Football’ Beginning Mysterious Timeout Before L.A. Move

Friday is the final broadcast of ‘Good Morning Football’ from New York.
March 28, 2024

Jets Owner Blasts ‘False’ Reporting From League-Owned Outlet

League owners and NFL Media rarely criticize each other.
March 28, 2024

NBA Wants to Cash in With Foreign Investors in More Ways Than One

Sovereign wealth funds can invest in NBA teams.
Sponsored

How Daily Fantasy Sports Solved NBA Fantasy

The remarkable growth of the #1 Discord sports server in the world.
March 27, 2024

NFL Executive Questions Logic Behind Streaming Giants’ Joint Venture

The ESPN, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Fox alliance is expected to launch this fall.
exclusive
March 26, 2024

Threats, Demands, a Lawsuit, and a Website in Limbo: Inside the Chaos at ‘SI’

‘Sports Illustrated’ has new publishers, but the transition has been messy at best.
March 25, 2024

Inside the Proxy Fight for the Future of Disney (and ESPN)

Dissident investor Nelson Peltz is seeking two board seats in an upcoming election.
March 25, 2024

The Brian Kelly ‘Hit Job’ Kim Mulkey Ripped Is Barely About Brian Kelly at All

The article was hardly about Kelly at all.