American Idol Hosts Largest Ever Facebook Video Chat

Season 9 Winner Lee DeWyze Uses TokBox to Video Chat With Fans


LOS ANGELES, CA and SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwire - Oct 5, 2011) - Lee DeWyze, American Idol winner, went face to face with fans on Facebook this week and hosted the largest ever Facebook video chat, using TokBox's OpenTok Video Platform.

970 fans took part in the 30-minute chat, making this the largest ever Facebook video chat. 29 of the fans went onto the virtual stage and chatted live with Lee DeWyze in front of the online audience.

Talking about the chat, Lee told fans, "We've spent a long time figuring out what we're going to do to not just say thank you, but be able to talk to you. We've hit 100,000 followers, so I thought rather than have a Twitter party, this was way cooler. I get a chance to actually see you guys and talk to you."

Ian Small, TokBox CEO, commented: "It was a joy working with the 19 Entertainment team and Lee to make history. Watching the chat you could see that fans will remember this experience forever -- having the chance to chat one on one with their Idol from the comfort of their living room or bedroom."

"Celebrities such as Lee have embraced video chat and clearly the fans have responded. The combination of face to face intimacy without the intimidation of being on a physical stage meant some of the conversations were truly meaningful."

Visit Lee's Official site at http://www.leedewyzeofficial.com/
Like Lee's Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/leedewyze
Follow Lee on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/leedewyze

About TokBox

OpenTok by TokBox is the leading global interactive video platform, facilitating the addition of face-to-face experiences into any web property. Offering scalable, customizable solutions for enterprises, entrepreneurs and developers through an open and flexible API as well as simple plug-n-play apps, anyone with a web presence can harness the power of real-time communications to drive user engagement within their site or service. Based in San Francisco, CA, TokBox is privately held, with venture backing from Sequoia Capital, Bain Capital Ventures, DAG Ventures, and Youniversity Ventures.

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