The nation's biggest newspaper is following in the footsteps of entertainment television in a bid to bridge the gap between its newspaper and online content with hashtag stories.
The hashtag stories initiative is already in place and the first conversations include #cordencameron, which accompanied guest editor James Corden’s gruelling interview at No. 10 for Sport Relief and #scrumbag which ran alongside an interview with Rugby League bad boy Andy Powell.
The move to print dedicated hashtags alongside news stories has already seen an increase in Sun stories' traction online with thousands joining the conversations on Twitter.
One of the first hashtag stories drove online conversations from influencers including animal charity PETA and the cast of TOWIE.
Printed Hashtag Headlines
UK Newspaper The Sun is the to Add Daily Hashtags to Its Print Stories
Trend Themes
1. Printed Hashtag Headlines - The trend of newspapers incorporating dedicated hashtags into their print stories is disrupting traditional forms of news consumption.
2. Bridging Online and Print Content - Newspapers are leveraging hashtag stories to bridge the gap between their print and online content, creating a more integrated news experience for readers.
3. Increasing Online Engagement - The inclusion of dedicated hashtags in print stories is driving online conversations and increasing audience engagement on social media platforms like Twitter.
Industry Implications
1. Publishing - The publishing industry can capitalize on the trend of printed hashtag headlines by integrating social media features into their print publications, making them more interactive and engaging for readers.
2. Digital Media - Digital media companies can explore opportunities to incorporate hashtag stories into their online platforms to enhance user engagement and encourage social sharing.
3. Advertising and Marketing - The inclusion of dedicated hashtags in print stories presents advertising and marketing professionals with new avenues for creating targeted campaigns that leverage online conversations and trends.