Syfy—formerly known as Sci-Fi—recently celebrated two decades of delivering genre-defining entertainment, marking the milestone with bold rebranding and an evolution in how it connects with its digitally savvy audience.
With a renewed focus on immersive, cross-platform storytelling, Syfy is pioneering new ways to engage fans beyond the traditional TV screen. Whether through Syfy Sync, its innovative second-screen app for iPad and Android, or groundbreaking projects like Defiance—a first-of-its-kind video game and TV series hybrid—Syfy is continually redefining how science fiction content is consumed, shared, and experienced in real time.
“Our philosophy isn’t that social media is something we do—it’s part of who we are,” — Craig Engler, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Syfy Digital.
What Sets Syfy’s Viewers Apart in the Social Sphere?
Syfy caters to a highly influential segment of viewers it calls Igniters—tech-forward early adopters who thrive on discovering and promoting emerging trends. These are the fans who not only watch but evangelize, shaping discussions across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, Discord, and TikTok.
Because Igniters demand genuine, well-integrated digital experiences, Syfy’s social media efforts must be both strategic and authentic. Social features aren’t afterthoughts—they’re designed into the DNA of every campaign, launch, and interaction. From live-tweeting episodes to interactive story extensions and augmented reality experiences, Syfy builds social connectivity into the core of its programming.
Today’s audiences no longer passively watch television—they engage with it. Viewers want to participate, comment, speculate, and share. That’s why Syfy invests in real-time content delivery, exclusive online teasers, fan theory forums, and gamified apps that reward viewer interaction. The goal isn’t just to promote shows—it’s to build fandoms, spark conversation, and create viral moments that organically grow reach.
- Syfy Sync App: A second-screen experience for iPad and Android, offering real-time content synced with TV broadcasts.
- Defiance Hybrid: Combines a TV series with a video game, creating a unified narrative across platforms.
- Live Social Interaction: Live-tweeting and fan forums on X, Reddit, and Discord to foster real-time discussions.
- Augmented Reality: Interactive AR experiences that extend show narratives and engage fans.
- Gamified Apps: Reward-based apps that encourage viewer participation and loyalty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Syfy Sync is a second-screen app for iPad and Android that provides real-time content and interactions synced with Syfy TV broadcasts, enhancing the viewing experience.
Defiance is a pioneering project that integrates a TV series with a video game, creating a cohesive narrative where events in one platform influence the other.
Igniters are Syfy’s tech-savvy, trendsetting fans who actively discover, promote, and discuss content across social platforms like X, Reddit, and TikTok.
Syfy integrates social media into its programming through live-tweeting, fan forums, exclusive teasers, and gamified apps to build fandoms and spark viral conversations.
Conclusion
Syfy’s innovative approach to blending television with social media has transformed how science fiction content is experienced. By leveraging tools like Syfy Sync, pioneering projects like Defiance, and engaging its passionate Igniter audience, Syfy creates immersive, interactive fandoms that extend far beyond the TV screen. As modern audiences demand more participatory experiences, Syfy’s strategy of authentic, integrated social engagement sets a new standard for television networks aiming to create social phenomena.