Cracking the code: engaging true crime fans in a crowded market

The true crime genre has seen a massive surge in popularity, but with that rise comes an equally significant challenge: how to keep fans engaged when the market is flooded with similar content. A client facing these very concerns turned to Magid for answers. They needed to know if burnout was a threat, what factors drive viewers to tune in, and how their content stacked up against the competition.

Magid’s approach was both thorough and insightful. By tapping into a multi-day online community of true crime fans, they delved into what drives interest in the genre, comparing different storytelling approaches and gathering feedback on potential new hosts and reporters. This research was followed by focus groups that further explored reactions and provided actionable insights.

The results were clear. True crime fans remain as passionate as ever, but with so much content available, execution is critical. Fans want more than just the story—they want to solve the mystery alongside the show. By focusing on the crime itself rather than the emotional aftermath, the client was able to refine their promotional strategy and enhance their production quality, ensuring they remained competitive in a crowded marketplace.