Walking Dead Images Creep Into Text Messages
Zlango is planning to let brands buy keyword-targeted text images.
Hit AMC show The Walking Dead is using branded text messaging to creep up on its fans. The brand is using Zlango, an image based text-messaging platform for Android. The image-rich app allows Walking Dead fans to personalize their mobile messages with iconic characters, unique expressions, and co-branded designs.
Users can go into Zlango’s virtual store and buy small images and icons that display in association with words used in texts. Surfrider Foundation, an ocean protection organization, is also using Zlango, as have other entertainment brands. The company would not name any other brand campaigns that are currently in the works.
With the population of smart phone users growing, Zlango will expand its compatibility to Apple’s iPhone. The app will be available to purchase in September.
Zlango is looking to move forward in the next six months to allow advertisers to target brand images to specific keywords. For instance, if someone mentions the word “coffee” in a text, a Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts icon might appear.
