Stingr brings frictionless second-screen interaction to IBC2026

Stingr, a new venture from the founders of Hornets Tech, is bringing its second-screen interaction platform to IBC2026. 

The second screen has never really worked as it should. QR codes, on-screen prompts and fragmented journeys through search engines, social platforms and retailer websites create too many points at which viewers simply give up. Stingr removes that friction. 

A viewer points their phone at the screen and Stingr identifies what they are watching within seconds, whether the programme is live, catch-up or on demand. It then brings up the shopping opportunities, sponsor content or information connected to that exact moment. There are no QR codes, no on-screen prompts and no interruption to the broadcast. 

The Stingr functionality can be built into a broadcaster’s own app, keeping the viewer experience, audience relationship and commercial opportunity under its control. 

For broadcasters and content owners, this creates opportunities around sponsored interactions, product placement, interactive advertising and archive content, without requiring changes to the programme or the addition of prompts to the screen. 

Stingr can also deliver sign language on demand, synchronised with the programme on a second device without changing the main broadcast. This gives broadcasters and streaming services another way to expand access to their content as the industry prepares for new accessibility requirements under the Media Act 2024. 

“In this industry we use the word ‘transformational’ a lot, but this really does have the potential to make a difference,” said Alistair Horne, co-founder of Stingr. “It is a way of stimulating revenue directly, under the broadcaster’s control, not somebody else’s.” 

“We’ll have people on the ground throughout IBC2026,” Horne added. “If you want to see it working, let’s meet.” 

Stingr will be at IBC2026 at the RAI Amsterdam from 11 to 14 September. 

Find out more at stingr-tech.com