Patent Publication Number: US-2016247195-A1

Title: Social Media Experiential Platform System and Methods

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/118,410, filed Feb. 19, 2015 and entitled “Social Media Printing Platform System and Method,” which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, including any figures, tables, equations, or drawings. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to a business method that provides for a social media experiential platform offering reach to consumers through branded prints, video advertising, and event sponsorships. 
     BACKGROUND 
     More photos are taken now than ever before due to advancements in digital imaging technologies. Various electronic devices such as digital cameras, smart phones, smartwatches, and tablets have the capability to capture digital images. Photo sharing of such digital images has proliferated with the gaining popularity of social media platforms, for example, Facebook®, Instagram®, Twitter®, FourSquare®, Weibo®, SnapChat®, WhatsApp® and Pinterest®. According to reports issued by social media platforms, an estimated 1.3 billion digital images are shared on social media platforms daily. As of the writing of this application, the Facebook® website reports that an estimated 250 billion photos have been uploaded to Facebook® alone, and this figure continues to increase as an estimated 350 million digital images are uploaded daily (4,000 uploads per second) to Facebook®. According to the Instagram® website, as of the date of this application, the social media provider Instagram® is estimated to include 200 million active users sharing digital images. 
     However, the methods for printing individual digital images has not kept pace with the various means for capturing digital images. Generally, digital images can be printed utilizing home printing devices, prints-by-mail services, printing kiosks, photo booths, and event printing services. A disadvantage inherent in all these printing solutions is the requirement of effort, time, and money from customers to utilize the formats and portal specific to each service. 
     Many leading technology companies manufacture photo printing devices for in-home use, including, e.g., Hewlett Packard®, Dell®, Polaroid®, and others. The disadvantage of home printing options is the upfront purchase of equipment and recurring costs associated with replenishment of ink and paper supplies. Many websites and retailers offer services to upload digital images for delivery by mail. A disadvantage of such services is that orders may require a minimum purchase and can require customers to bear the cost of shipping. Further, delivery is often available to customers by express or standard delivery rather than immediately or within hours. 
     Retail locations including supermarkets, drug stores, and specialty photography outlets offer digital image printing through interactive self-service kiosks. The available features, services, and connectivity of such printing kiosks can vary widely by location. In addition, on-location staff is often required for maintenance and supply replenishment. The disadvantages of printing kiosks include the physical presence requirement, connectivity issues when transferring digital images from an electronic device with network capabilities to the kiosk, and utilizing an unfamiliar interface. 
     Recently, photo booths have achieved resurgence in popularity due to their ease of use and ability to instantly capture memories. Various manufacturers sell photo booths to locations such as bars and entertainment venues with adequate space for such equipment. Photo booths, however, lack the capability to capture all the action outside of the booth. Further, a number of regional operators throughout the United States provide event printing services through portable photo booths and other printing equipment via smartphones. Options and capabilities vary widely by company. Furthermore, the costs associated with the printing materials are typically borne by the venue which can be passed on to the consumer. 
     There is a need in the art for a social media experiential platform that provides a unified experience for printing digital images at no cost to the consumer. Further, there is a need for a social media printing platform that provides the printing materials to a venue at no cost, thereby allowing a venue to differentiate itself from its competitors. 
     Social media, although a relatively recent phenomenon, is becoming an increasingly important aspect of any business plan for marketing and developing a client base. It is estimated that seventy-two percent of online adults use social media providers. Further, forty-three percent of individuals between the age of twenty and twenty-nine spend more than ten hours per week on social media providers. As a result, ninety-three percent of marketers use social media for businesses. It is estimated that ninety-four percent of businesses with a marketing department use social media as part of their marketing platform. Eighty-five percent of businesses that have a dedicated social media platform as part of their marketing strategy report an increase in their market exposure. At least fifty-eight percent of businesses that have used social media marketing for over three years report an increase in sales over that period of time. As a result, businesses seeking to secure a place in the digital marketplace require a robust and responsive utilization of the tools social media providers offer. 
     Advertising on social media providers is a significant market opportunity that is still emerging and evolving. According to some reports, social media advertising revenue is expected to grow seventy-eight percent by 2017 to nearly $12 billion, up from $6.7 billion dollars in 2013. Advertisers are increasingly using social media&#39;s unique combination of reach, relevance, social context, and engagement to enhance the value of advertisements. 
     In addition to social media advertising, the traditional out-of-home (OOH) advertising remains relevant. OOH advertising includes billboards, street furniture (such as bus shelters and kiosks), transit displays (such as bus sides, on-train print, and taxi toppers), sports arena displays, captive ad networks (in venues such as elevators), and other formats. The out-of-home advertising market is expected to grow by 5.6 percent on a compound annual basis from $26.1 billion in 2010 to $34.2 billion in 2015. 
     Digital billboards and digital networks still represent only a small part of the OOH advertising, but the adoption of such technology is expected to outpace those of traditional mediums. The growth of digital networks can invigorate the OOH industry, making it one of the faster-growing segments of the overall advertising market. Emerging technologies such as the use of interactive touch screens, QR (quick response) codes, and geographic segmentation, offer the ability to download and print coupons. 
     In view of the forgoing, a need exists for a social media experiential platform for distributing out-of-home advertising through the digital images printed by consumers. Consumers are encouraged to distribute out-of-home advertising, because the digital images are printed at no cost to the consumer. 
     There is a need in the art for a social media experiential platform wherein a venue/event subscriber of the social media experiential platform prints the digital images at no cost for the printing materials. In some embodiments, the venue/event subscriber pays a recurring monthly fee. In turn the venue/event subscriber can benefit from a differentiated customer experience that provides digital image printing at no costs to the customer. 
     In addition, a need exists for a social media experiential platform that provides a unified interface to post digital images to a plurality of social media providers and various methods of printing digital images. Each digital image post can include tags to promote venues and sponsors. 
     A further need exists for a social media experiential platform that aggregates the digital images captured at an event from various users. The venue/event subscriber and sponsor of the social media printing platform can have access to all of the digital images printed and/or posted related to the event. Further, such digital images can be provided to other users at the event. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure provides a social media experiential platform and method for establishing the operation thereof. The social media experiential platform comprises users, venue/event subscribers, and sponsors. Users capture digital images at an event hosted by a venue/event subscriber. Thereafter, the user can post the digital images to a plurality of social network providers and/or print digital images via various printing methods utilizing a unified interface. In some embodiments, there is no cost to the user for printing the digital images. In turn, each post and/or print of a digital image includes a plurality of tags to promote a sponsor and/or venue/event subscriber. Further, the printing materials are provided to the venue/event subscriber at no cost. In this example, the sponsors pay the costs associated with the user printing a digital image. In turn, sponsors gain enhanced social media presence through tags automatically included in posts and/or digital images printed utilizing the social media printing platform. As a result, the social media experiential platform delivers a compelling and unique value proposition to all constituents: users are offered digital images at no printing cost; venue/event subscribers generate social media awareness, visibility, brand affiliation and promotion while offering their customers a unique service at no cost to their customers and no cost for the printing material; and sponsors can reach a targeted, measurable audience via print, video display, mobile, social and web advertising. Further, the social media experiential platform turns personal experiences through social media (check-ins, uploading photos, uploading videos, reviews, purchases, etc.) into social currency. The social media experiential platform allows users to create social currency by exchanging and engaging their digital social media experiences via their computing devices (e.g. smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc) and Short Message Service (SMS) for physical options to print photos and get offers and discounts for products and services. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The detailed description makes reference to the accompanying figures wherein: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary social media experiential platform according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a user login interface in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a user stream interface in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a user photo detail interface in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a user photo gallery interface in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6A  illustrates a user experience for selecting digital images to print in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6B  illustrates a user image selection interface in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6C  illustrates a user print preview interface in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6D  illustrates a user print option interface in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7A  illustrates a user experience for selecting a print location for a digital image in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7B  illustrates a user print location preview for a digital image in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7C  illustrates a user print location preview interface for a retail location in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7D  illustrates a user print location preview interface for a social media experiential module in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a user post interface in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9A  illustrates a user experience for a print order confirmation in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9B  illustrates a user print order confirmation interface for a retail location in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9C  illustrates a user print order confirmation interface for a print by mail service in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9D  illustrates a user print order confirmation interface for a social media provider and social media experiential platform module in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10A  illustrates an exemplary process in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10B  illustrates an exemplary process in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11A  illustrates an exemplary process in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11B  illustrates an exemplary process in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11C  illustrates an exemplary process in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12A  illustrates an exemplary process in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12B  illustrates an exemplary process in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13A  illustrates an exemplary process in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13B  illustrates an exemplary process in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14A  illustrates an exemplary process in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14B  illustrates an exemplary process in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15A  illustrates an exemplary process flow in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 15B  illustrates an exemplary process flow in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
     
    
    
     Other objects, features, and characteristics of the present invention, as well as methods of operation and functions of the related elements of the structure and the combination of parts, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     A detailed illustrative embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein. However, techniques, methods, processes, systems, and operating structures in accordance with the present invention may be embodied in a wide variety of forms and modes, some of which may be quite different from those in the disclosed embodiment. Consequently, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative, yet in that regard, they are deemed to afford the best embodiment for purposes of disclosure and to provide a basis for the claims herein. 
     None of the terms used herein, including “device,” “platform,” “module,” and “view” are meant to limit the application of the invention. The terms are used to illustrate the preferred embodiment and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Similarly, the use of these terms is not meant to limit the scope or application of the invention, as the invention is versatile and can be utilized in many applications, as will be apparent in light of the disclosure set forth herein. 
     Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the term “connected” or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, electronic or otherwise, between two or more elements; the coupling of connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number respectively. The word “or,” in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list. The following presents a detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention with reference to the figures. 
     Referring initially to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary social media experiential platform according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. Generally, the social media experiential platform can be implemented on a combination of hardware and software. In the preferred embodiment, the techniques disclosed herein are implemented in a software environment such as an operating system or in an application running on an operating system. This software can include, but is not limited to, resident software, firmware, etc., or is implemented on a cloud-based or visualized network system. The photo printing aspect of the social media printing platform is implemented in hardware. This hardware can include, but is not limited to a self-printing kiosk, photo printer, or a photo printing service. 
     Computing device  100 , a device designed to interact with a network system, communicates over a network with the social media printing platform. The network can be a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, cellular networks, satellite networks or any other network that permits the transfer and/or reception of data to and/or from computing device  100 . The data transmitted to or from computing device  100  and the social media experiential platform through the network can be transmitted and/or received utilizing standard telecommunications protocol or standard networking protocol. In the preferred embodiment, the system utilizes Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and the network is a local area network. Other examples of protocols for transmitting and/or receiving data include but are not limited to Voice Over IP (VoIP) protocol, Short Message Service (SMS), and Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). The network is capable of utilizing one or more protocols of computing device  100 . Furthermore, the network can translate to or from other protocols to one or more protocols of computing device  100 . As a result, a user can seamlessly transition from one computing device to another and continue to utilize the social media experiential platform. 
       FIG. 1  depicts a user experience during an event at venue/event subscriber  500  of the social media printing platform. Computing device  100  is preferably a smartphone but can comprise any personal electronic device, including but not limited to a mobile telephone, cellular telephone, smart watch, laptop computer, netbook, personal digital assistant (PDA), tablet, or any other computing device suitable for network communication and digital image capture, including devices currently manufactured as well as devices manufactured in the future that accomplish similar goals and operations. During the event, a user captures digital images utilizing computing device  100 . Computing device  100  can communicate over a network to print the digital images captured utilizing module  200 . 
     In the preferred embodiment, module  200  prints a photo of a user-selected digital image at no cost to the user for printing the photo. Module  200  is preferably Wi-Fi connected and hot spot enabled. Computing device  100  can communicate with module  200  utilizing a common network to which computing device  100  and module  200  are connected, or computing device  100  can communicate utilizing the hot spot network established by module  200 . Software updates are preferably pushed to module  200  from the social media experiential platform. Further, module  200  comprises an interactive touchscreen display to allow a user to select digital images captured on computing device  100  to print. As described below in detail with reference to  FIGS. 6A-6D , the user can also select the digital images to print utilizing computing device  100 . Thereafter, module  200  prints photo  300  which comprise the user selected digital image. Module  200  preferably utilizes inkless printing and comprises a refillable photo paper supply. Photo  300  comprises digital image  302  and print sponsor banner  304 . In addition, a user can direct the social media experiential platform to post a digital image to social media provider  400 . 
     The social media experiential platform preferably allows venue/event subscriber  500  to generate social media awareness, visibility, brand affiliation, and promotion at no cost to venue/event subscriber  500  for the printing material of module  200 . When a user utilizes the social media printing platform to post a digital image to social media provider  400 , tags are included with the post to promote the venue/event subscriber. For example, the tags can include the name of the event and the location of the venue. The tags can also include the name of a sponsor and/or a sponsor message. Furthermore, print sponsor banner  304  of photo  300  can include tags to promote venue/event subscriber  500  and/or a sponsor. In the preferred embodiment, the sponsor pays the costs for the printing material of module  200 . The social media experiential platform selects the sponsor to promote on the posted and/or printed digital image based on information about venue/event subscriber  500 , events attended by the user, and the sponsor&#39;s targeted demographic. For example, a user that posts and/or prints digital images during a music event utilizing the social media experiential platform can receive tags from sponsors associated with the music event. Venue/event subscriber  500  can also include information on the targeted demographic of the event for the social media experiential platform to utilize when selecting a sponsor. 
     The social media experiential platform provides several advantages to venue/event subscriber  500  and sponsors. A venue/event subscriber  500  that includes a module  200  preferably pays a recurring monthly fee to the social media experiential platform. In turn, venue/event subscriber  500  can benefit from a differentiated customer experience that provides digital photo printing at no cost to the customer. Further, venue/event subscriber  500  gains enhanced social media presence through tags automatically included in posts to social media providers utilizing the social media experiential platform. Also, the social media experiential platform provides analytics on a digital image. Examples include the number of reposts, positive feedback, and number of times printed. Furthermore, the social media experiential platform aggregates the digital images captured at an event for venue/event subscriber  500  to later view. As described above, sponsors pay the costs of the printing material of module  200 . In turn the sponsors can target a specific audience and receive measurable demographic usage and reporting from the social media experiential platform. 
       FIGS. 2-5, 6A-6D, 7A-7D, 8, 9A-9D  illustrate computing device  600  running software in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 2 , user interface  610  prompts a user to log into a user profile. The user profile stores information including but not limited to user settings, photos, photo orders, preferred print options, and events attended. User interface  610  comprises various user selectable interface elements, including but not limited to username input  601 , password input  602 , and log in button  604 . A user can register for a new user profile by pressing register button  603 . 
     Turning next to  FIG. 3 , the user is shown user interface  620  after accessing the user&#39;s profile. During an event, the user is prompted to join the network of the event the user is attending. The network can either be set up by the venue or a hot spot set up by a module, for example, module  200  described in detail above with reference to  FIG. 1 . User interface  620  preferably includes location button  621  and camera button  622 . Location button  621  provides access to geolocation software on computing device  600 . Camera button  622  provides access to digital image capture software on computing device  600 . Navigation to various user interfaces of the software is provided by menu  623 . Menu  623  preferably provides access to a stream user interface, photos user interface, and print options user interface. As shown in  FIG. 3 , user interface  620  depicts the stream user interface. The stream user interface displays a plurality of digital image thumbnail views  624 . Each digital image thumbnail view  624  includes username  625  of the user that captured the digital image. Further, digital image thumbnail view  624  includes feedback indicator  626  and comments indicator  627 . In the preferred embodiment, feedback indicator  626  displays the number of unique users that have indicated positive feedback to the digital image. Comments indicator  627  displays the number of comments posted about the digital image by unique users. During an event, the stream user interface preferably displays the digital images taken and posted by users at the event. As a result, a user can have access to all of the digital images captured at the event. In some embodiments, the stream user interface displays the digital images with either the most comments or positive feedback. 
       FIG. 4  depicts user interface  630  which is shown to a user after the user selects a digital image shown in user interface  620 . User interface  630  preferably includes digital image view  631 , username  632 , feedback indicator  633 , repost indicator  634 , source indicator  635 , and comments area  636 . Digital image view  631  provides a full image preview of the digital image selected in user interface  620 . A user preferably selects feedback indicator  633  to indicate that they like the digital image. Users can also repost the digital image to their social media provider accounts by selecting repost indicator  634 . Source indicator  635  preferably directs the user to the source of the digital image for the user to view and/or store on the user&#39;s computing device. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the source of the digital image is Facebook®, however source indicator  635  can represent other social media provider icons. Comments about the digital image are displayed in comments area  636 . The comments are preferably made by other users of the social media experiential platform. However, in some embodiments, the comments shown are from the social media providers where the digital image is posted. 
     Shown in  FIG. 5 , user interface  640  comprises a plurality of digital image thumbnail views  641 . Digital image thumbnail views  641  depict the digital images stored on computing device  600  and the digital images posted to the user&#39;s social media provider accounts. User interface  640  permits a user to select the digital images to post to social media provider account(s) or print as described in detail below with reference to  FIGS. 6A-6D . Print sponsor banner  642  depicts offers from a sponsor that will cover the costs associated with printing the digital image. Print sponsor banner  642  can include a message from a sponsor. User interface  640  can also include a print button  643  to allow the user to print one or more digital images selected. 
       FIGS. 6A-6D  depicts the user experience of utilizing a common interface to select digital images to print and the available print options. As shown in  FIG. 6A , the user selects the digital images to print in user interface  650 . A plurality of digital image thumbnail views  652  allow a user to select the digital images to print. A preview of each selected digital image to print is displayed on a plurality of print preview views  651 . After selecting the digital images to print, the user can press print button  653  to continue. 
     Next, in user interface  660 , the user is prompted to confirm the selected digital images to print. Finally, in user interface  670 , the user selects the available options to print the digital images. In the preferred embodiment, a user can select option  671  to print the digital image at the nearest social media printing platform module. Option  672  allows the user to print the digital image at a retail location and option  673  allows the user to have the print of the digital image delivered to an address via mail. The social media experiential platform automatically translates the user&#39;s selected digital images to a format that each printing option utilizes. As a result, a user can use a unified interface for printing to various different printing options. 
       FIGS. 7A-7D  depicts the user experience of selecting kiosk and/or retail locations to print the selected digital images. As shown in  FIG. 7A , user interface  680  displays print locations near the user using geolocation software on computing device  600 . User interface  690  in  FIG. 7B  depicts the user selecting a retail location, while user interface  700  depicts the user selecting a kiosk location. 
     In addition to providing a unified interface to print digital images to various retail and kiosk locations, a user is enabled to post digital images to a social media provider utilizing a common interface. As shown in  FIG. 8 , user interface  710  comprises message area  711 , social network provider area  712 , and submit button  713 . A preview of the digital image to post is shown in message area  711 . Further, the user can insert a message to include in the post. In some embodiments, the message area is automatically populated with tags related to the event that the digital picture was captured. Further, the tags can include sponsor messages. Social network provider area  712  displays a list of social network providers that the user can select to post the digital image. The user selects submit button  713  to post the selected digital image and message to one or more social network providers. The social media experiential platform automatically translates the user&#39;s selected digital image and message to a format that each social media provider utilizes. As a result, a user can use a single interface for posting digital images to various social network providers. 
       FIGS. 9A-9D  depicts the user interfaces that depict confirmation of the user&#39;s completed print order. As shown in  FIG. 9A , user interface  720  depicts a confirmation for the digital image being printed to a retail location. The confirmation can include information about the location of the retail location and time that the digital images will be ready. As shown, there is no cost to the consumer for printing the digital image. User interface  730  depicts a confirmation for the digital image being printed and mailed to the user&#39;s home. The confirmation can include information on the expected delivery date and the delivery address of the printed digital images. Once again there is no cost to the consumer for having the printed digital images mailed to the user&#39;s home. Finally, user interface  740  depicts a confirmation for the digital image being printed to a kiosk and posted on the user&#39;s selected social media providers. 
       FIGS. 10A-10B  depict an embodiment of the process that a venue/event subscriber utilizes the social media experiential platform to generate social media awareness, visibility, brand affiliation, and promotion. As shown in  FIG. 10A , venue/event subscriber  802  communicates over a network  804  to access dashboard  806  of the social media experiential platform. In this embodiment, venue/event subscriber  802  can configure a social media printer campaign  808  and/or a smartphone application campaign  812  through dashboard  806 . Social media printer campaign  808  allows venue/event subscriber  802  to provide printed photographs of digital images taken during an event at module  810 . Smartphone application campaign  812  allows venue/event subscriber  802  to provide targeted marketing on computing device  814 . 
       FIG. 10B  depicts the process performed by a venue/event subscriber to configure a social media printer campaign and/or a smartphone application campaign. In step  901 , the subscriber is prompted to create a user profile or enter the user&#39;s account information, such as a username and password associated with the subscriber&#39;s profile stored on the social media experiential platform. Next in step  902  the subscriber logs in. To configure a social media printer campaign the subscriber follows step  903  through step  912 . In step  904  the subscriber selects tags to pull social media from. Thereafter in step  905 , the subscriber selects a venue to run the social media printer campaign. In step  906 , the user can select a custom e-mail address. The custom e-mail address allows a user attending the venue to e-mail media to the social media experiential platform without a user profile stored on the social media experiential platform. Next in step  907 , the subscriber can configure whether computing devices at the venue selected in step  905  can connect to the social media experiential platform using near field communication or a beacon. An exemplary beacon includes a Bluetooth beacon. In step  908 , the subscriber uploads the advertising media that will be used in the social media printer campaign. The media uploaded in step  908  is transmitted to a social media printer to include with photos printed. An exemplary social media printer includes the module described above with reference to  FIG. 1 . Yet another exemplary social media printer includes an interactive photo touch wall with printing capabilities. Next in step  910 , the subscriber manages the campaign (i.e. adjust updated media) and receives analytics from the social media experiential platform. After the campaign ends in step  911 , the subscriber can logout and end the process in step  912 . 
     To configure a smartphone application campaign the subscriber follows step  913  through step  919 . In step  914 , the subscriber selects a target demographic for the smartphone application campaign. Exemplary criteria for the demographic include age, gender, and location. Next in step  915 , the subscriber configures the duration of the advertising campaign and inventory. Thereafter, a payment method is selected in step  916  for the advertising campaign. In step  917 , the smartphone application campaign is initiated on the social media experiential platform. Computing devices that are operating an application configured to communicate with the social media experiential platform are presented with targeted advertisements based on the criteria selected in step  914  and the user profile on the social media experiential platform associated with the computing device. In step  918 , the subscriber receives analytics on the computing devices that viewed the smartphone application campaign. Finally in step  919  the process ends and the subscriber can logout. 
       FIGS. 11A-11C  depict an exemplary interaction of a social media user with the social media experiential platform at a venue. Turning first to  FIG. 11A , a social media user can interact with the social media experiential platform utilizing various interfaces on a computing device. Interface  1001  of the computing device utilizes the social media user&#39;s social network providers. In this embodiment, interface  1001  communicates with social network provider  1005  to transmit media with tags. Social media experiential platform  1006  scrapes the publically available data from social network provider  1005  for tags. The tags to scrap are preferably configured by the venue/event subscriber. Interface  1002  utilizes an application configured to communicate with the social media experiential platform. In this embodiment, the application automatically includes a tag and location to the media transmitted to social media experiential platform  1006 . Interface  1003  utilizes Short Message Service (SMS) text or e-mail. The social media user can send media to social media experiential platform  1006  utilizing a unique SMS text number or e-mail address provided by social media experiential platform  1006 . In this embodiment, the phone number and e-mail address provided by social media experiential platform  1006  is automatically associated with tags. Finally, interface  1004  utilizes near field communication and/or a beacon. In this embodiment, the computing device includes near field communication and/or beacon capabilities. The social media user can tap an interface button to transmit media to social media printer  1007  to print a photograph. Social media printer  1007  can automatically include tags associated with the media transmitted from the computing device. As shown in  FIG. 11A , social media experiential platform  1006  transmit media to social media printer  1007  to print a photograph. 
       FIG. 11B  depicts an exemplary process for printing media at social media printer  1007  (shown in  FIG. 11A ). In step  1008 , the social media user selects a photo from preferably a screen on social media printer  1007 . The interface to select a photo can include an advertisement banner at the top or bottom and a plurality of digital images. Next in step  1009 , the social media user confirms the digital image to print after viewing a print preview. Finally in step  1010 , social media printer  1007  (shown in  FIG. 11A ) prints a photograph of the digital image with or without an offer. 
       FIG. 11C  depicts an exemplary process for printing digital images from a user&#39;s social network providers, printing digital images captured on a user&#39;s computing device using an application that communicates with the social media experiential platform, and a user texting or e-mailing a digital image to print. The process of printing digital images uploaded to a user&#39;s social network provider begins in step  1011  with the user connecting to their social network provider. Next in step  1012 , the user uploads new media to their social network provider. The new media can include tags or a location provided by the social network provider at the event. In step  1013 , the social media experiential platform pulls the media uploaded to the user&#39;s social network provider utilizing the tags associated with the media. Thereafter the social media experiential platform transmits the media pulled to the social media printer. Finally in step  1014 , the user selects the digital image to print on the social media printer and receives a photograph with or without an offer. 
     The process of printing a digital image using an application that communicates with the social media experiential platform begins in step  1021  with the user logging into their user profile stored on the social media experiential platform via the application. The social media experiential platform can provide tags and a location to the application based on the event that the user indicates that they are attending. In step  1022 , the user selects media to transmit utilizing the application. Next in step  1023 , the application automatically assigns tags and a location associated with the social media printer at the event. Thereafter, the media is transmitted to the social media printer. Finally in step  1024 , the user selects the digital image to print on the social media printer and receives a photograph with or without an offer. 
     The process of sending digital images to print utilizing SMS text or an e-mail begins in step  1031  with the social media experiential platform assigning a unique phone number or unique e-mail address. The unique phone number or unique e-mail address is assigned to a social media printer. Next in step  1032 , the user sends a SMS text or e-mail comprising a digital image to the unique phone number or unique address. In turn, the social media experiential platform can e-mail or text an offer to the user. The social media printer prints a photograph of the digital image which can contain an offer. 
       FIGS. 12A-12B  depict an exemplary interaction of a social media user with the social media experiential platform at a venue utilizing near field communication. In step  1111 , the social media user utilizes computing device  1101  (shown in  FIG. 12A ) to communicate with a social media printer  1102  using near field communication. Social media printer  1102  can be the module described in detail above with reference to  FIG. 1  or an interactive photo touch wall with printing capabilities. In step  1111 , the communication is initiated by the social media user tapping computing device  1101 , but in other embodiments the communication can automatically occur based on the proximity of computing device  1101  to social media printer  1102 . Next in step  1112 , social media printer  1102  (shown in  FIG. 12A ) communicates with social media experiential platform  1103 . Next in step  1113 , social media experiential platform  1103  communicates with point of sale system  1104  (shown in  FIG. 12A ) to determine the offers, discounts, and other actions to provide to the social media user on computing device  1101 . Other actions that can be presented to the user include surveys or a contest entry. Thereafter in step  1114 , the social media user selects from the offers, discounts, and other actions selected in step  1113 . In this example, the social media user in step  1115  can select to redeem an offer, save the offer, print the social media, or another action. 
       FIGS. 13A-13B  depict an exemplary interaction of a social media user with the social media experiential platform at a venue utilizing a beacon. An exemplary beacon is a Bluetooth beacon. In step  1211 , computing device  1201  (shown in  FIG. 13A ) receives a notification from social media printer  1202 . Computing device  1201  is preferably configured to communicate with a beacon and social media printer  1202  comprises a beacon. In step  1212 , the notification comprises offers, discounts, and other actions to provide to the social media user. The offers, discounts, and other actions are selected by social media experiential platform  1203  communicating with point of sale system  1204 . Further, an exemplary action includes allowing the social media user to upload a digital image to social media printer  1202  (shown in  FIG. 13A ). In step  1213 , the user selects to print a digital image at social media printer  1202  and receives an offer. Next in step  1214 , the user can redeem the offer received in step  1213  at point of sale system  1204 . In step  1215 , an application executing on computing device  1201  communicates user data with social media experiential platform  1203 . In step  1216 , the social medial experiential platform  1203  communicates with point of sale system  1204 . 
       FIGS. 14A-14B  depict an exemplary process of a social media user receiving a printed photograph of a digital image with an embodiment of the social media experiential platform at no cost to the social media user. As shown in  FIG. 14A , the social media user downloads to a computing device an application with capabilities to communicate with the social media experiential platform. In step  1302 , the user opens the application downloaded in step  1301  and creates a user profile if necessary. Further in step  1303 , the user grants the application access to the photo library on the computing device and the user&#39;s social network provider accounts. Next in step  1304 , the application downloaded in step  1301  displays a list of actions for the social media user. In this embodiment the actions include but are not limited to, viewing a photo library of digital images, printing a photograph of a digital image, and viewing an aggregation of posts from the social media providers selected in step  1303  in a unified interface.  FIG. 14B  depicts an exemplary process of the social media user receiving a printed photograph of a digital image. Step  1311  through step  1315  depict the process of printing the digital image at a social media printer. Step  1321  through step  1326  depict the process of printing a digital image at a retail location. Finally step  1331  through step  1336  depict an exemplary process of mailing a printed digital image to the social media user. 
       FIGS. 15A and 15B  depict the exemplary process flow of a user utilizing an application that communicates with the social media experiential platform on their computing device. Initially in step  1401 , the user downloads the application through a network. In this exemplary process the network is the Internet. Next in step  1402 , the user creates a user profile that is stored on the social media experiential platform or logs into a previously created user profile. Information stored in the user profile can include a name, age, address, gender, and other information pertinent for the social media experiential platform to determine the demographic of the user profile. Further, in step  1403 , the user grants the application access to the photo library of the computing device. Thereafter in step  1404 , the user stores their authentication information for at least one social network provider. After logging into the application, the user is displayed a homepage in step  1405  with options to print digital images, preview a list of posts from social network provider(s) utilizing a unified interface, and preview digital images to print. 
     As shown in  FIG. 15A , interface  1500  of the homepage displayed to the user comprises top corner buttons  1502 , header buttons  1504 , main body  1506 . Top corner buttons  1502  includes a button to open and close menu  1508 . In this embodiment, menu  1508  allows the user to view their account information, preview digital images, view a lists of posts from social network providers, and print digital images. Global button  1510  allows the user to select a retail location or social media printer that is near the current location of the computing device. Top corner buttons  1502  further includes camera button  1512 . Camera button  1512  preferably allows the user to access the camera of the computing device to take digital images to print or share with their social network providers. Header buttons  1504  comprises buttons to view a preview of digital images, view a list of posts from social network providers, and print digital images. Main body  1506  comprises options to print a digital image at a social media printer, print a digital image at a retail location for pickup, and deliver the printed digital image to an address. 
     Step  1601  through step  1605  shown in  FIG. 15B , depict the user process of viewing a list of posts from a plurality of social network providers utilizing a unified interface. In step  1601 , the user selects the stream button on interface  1500  described in  FIG. 15A . Next in step  1602  the application prompts the user to enter their authentication information for a social network provider. Thereafter in step  1603 , the application displays a list of recent posts from the user&#39;s social network providers including, but not limited to, photos and videos. In step  1604 , the application displays a summary of the posts displayed (e.g. source, comments, likes, etc.) in step  1603 . Next in step  1605 , the user can select a post to display detailed information about the post, press a like button, press a repost button, and add the post to a print queue. 
     Step  1611  through step  1614  depict the exemplary user process of previewing a digital image. In step  1611 , the user selects a photo button on interface  1500  described in  FIG. 15A . In step  1612 , the application displays the digital images stored on the user&#39;s computing device. Next in step  1613 , the user selects a digital image and is shown a preview. Finally in step  1614 , the application allows the user to edit the digital image, share the digital image on their social network providers utilizing a unified interface, or add the digital image to a print queue. In step  1621 , the user selects the print button on interface  1500  described in  FIG. 15A . Thereafter the user is displayed the print queue. 
     Step  1631  through  1635  depict the exemplary user process of printing a digital image at a social media printer. In step  1631 , the user selects to print to a social media printer on interface  1500  described in  FIG. 15A . In step  1632 , the application pulls a map of the social media printers near the computing device. In step  1633 , the application automatically selects tags based on the location of the social media printer selected by the user. Thereafter in step  1634 , the user selects a digital image for the social media printer to print at preferable no cost to the user. Finally in step  1635 , the application selects an offer to display to the user&#39;s computing device or print at the social media printer. 
     Step  1641  through step  1645  depict an exemplary user process of printing a digital image at a retail location. In step  1641 , the user selects to print to a retail location on interface  1500  described in  FIG. 15A . Next in step  1642 , the application pulls a map of the retail locations to print a digital image. In step  1643 , the user selects a retail location and is prompted to select a digital image to print at the location. The user is provided the location, phone number, and hours of the retail location selected. In step  1644 , the user confirms printing the digital image at the location and the application generates a confirmation. Next in step  1645 , the user picks up the printed digital image at the selected retail location. The application can also select an offer to display on the user&#39;s computing device or print the offer on a receipt. The offer displayed can be immediately redeemed or saved. The offer can also be a promo code that the user can use at the retail location. 
     Step  1651  through step  1655  depict the exemplary user process of mailing a printed digital image to an address. In step  1651 , the user selects to print a digital image to an address on interface  1500  described in  FIG. 15A . Next in step  1652 , the user selects to print a digital image at no cost. In step  1653 , the application provides a confirmation of the expected delivery date of the printed digital image. Thereafter in step  1654 , the social media experiential platform pulls the users demographic from their user profile and location to select an advertisement to include with the printed digital image. Finally in step  1655 , the printed digital image is mailed to the selected address and includes a targeted advertisement. 
     While the present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment, which has been set forth in considerable detail for the purposes of making a complete disclosure of the invention, the preferred embodiment is merely exemplary and is not intended to be limiting or represent an exhaustive enumeration of all aspects of the invention. It will be apparent to those of skill in the art that numerous changes may be made in such details without departing from the spirit and the principles of the invention. It should be appreciated that the present invention is capable of being embodied in other forms without departing from its essential characteristics.