London-based technology company OCL has launched a mobile first, direct-to-fan/customer marketing platform called Portes.
The platform will allow artists to create bespoke engagement and VIP experiences for fans across a wide range of media, without the need to collect or store any fan personal data.
Artists will be able to launch a campaign with the Portes Platform, free-of-charge, allowing unlimited direct-to-fan activations by creating a unique collectable called a ‘DIID,’ that fans can ‘capture’ by tapping or scanning via the Portes App.
DIIDs unlock exclusive experiences and contain information that artists want their fans to know, including VIP access to tickets, merchandise, competitions, news, exclusives, events, and more.
According to OCL, unlike websites, email marketing, or even social media platforms, DIIDs provide ‘a dynamic and engaging exclusive experience’, providing consumers with updated information on a real-time basis.
Artists can also charge for special VIP DIIDs, converting fans into superfans.
DIIDs can be shared with any partners including sponsors, brands, and ticketing agencies, among others, who can verify VIP fan status without sharing any personal data.
Every DIID captured by fans is 100% unique to them and cannot be copied or stolen.
Any artist can create a DIID via the Portes Platform in under ten minutes, free of charge, that will help their fans unlock exclusive content and experiences via QR Codes, tappable links, NFC, beacons, and even Augmented Reality. These can be used online, at live events, on billboards, in print and much more.
OCL will begin rolling out free artists accounts to the Portes Platform starting in January but will require artists belong to a trade body, vendor, or collection society, like AIM, ASCAP, Apple Music for Artists, BMI, Ivors Academy/Rising Star, Musicians’ Union, PRS for Music, SACEM, and others.
The Portes technology for third party verifications of VIP fan status will also be provided for free to any third party brand or ticketing platform, starting now.
The Portes App is available currently on the Apple App store for building out and testing DIIDs, with an Android version to follow in January.
“We believe that creating meaningful relationships between artists and fans comes from giving fans opportunities to unlock exclusive experiences while protecting their privacy.”
Alan Graham, OCL (pictured main)
Alan Graham, Co-Founder of OCL, said: “We believe that creating meaningful relationships between artists and fans comes from giving fans opportunities to unlock exclusive experiences while protecting their privacy.
“We want to create a more intimate and honest experience where artists own a relationship with their fans that goes beyond GDPR and COPPA compliance.
“DIIDs are a great way to do this. By giving away a free account to every creator, we get an opportunity to not only give something back to artists, but to show that you don’t need to put privacy at risk to have a meaningful connection to your fans.”Music Business Worldwide