Incentivizing interaction with sponsored content

Challenge

U.S. Cellular wanted to increase customer engagement with sponsored content while delivering clear value to users. The challenge was to create a model that encouraged meaningful interaction without disrupting the user experience.

Our thinking

We recommended an incentive-based approach, where users would receive tangible rewards in exchange for engaging with branded content. By integrating this experience directly into the mobile interface, engagement could become seamless and more appealing to users.

Execution

Matchbox developed a smartphone app powered by Azure Mobile Services, presenting sponsored content such as videos and surveys directly on the lock screen. We built APIs and backend services to manage content delivery, user interactions, rewards, and large-scale push notifications.

Outcome

U.S. Cellular gained a platform that drives high engagement with sponsored content while rewarding users with credits and discounts. This created value for both advertisers and customers, increasing interaction and retention.