SXSW is always an exciting time in the music industry – it’s the perfect way to get ready for the summer because companies, bands, filmmakers, etc. always show off their goods and launch new projects. Stickybits is no exception to that rule. Poised to take location based social networks to a new level, Stickybits uses mostly open source programs to capitalize on something that every product has on it: bar codes. I love the concept because how often have you stood in the grocery store aisles comparing products and just needed someone to give you advice on which product is better? Enter Stickybits. All you need to do now is scan the bar code and read what other people who have used the product have to say about it.

The ideas don’t just stop there either. I’ve heard of people using Stickybits as a way to do creative scavenger hunts, giveaways, coupons and more.

It’s a great platform, albeit not as robust as I’d like to see it become. Stickybits is a start-up though, and their UX is incredibly easy to use. The application is easiest to use from your cell phone (iPhone and Android only, BB currently under development). When you open the app, you are asked to scan a bar code. If the bar code has been scanned before, it will pop up with a screen that includes all the bits that have been attached to that product. If it hasn’t ever been scanned, Stickybits gives you the ability to attach a photo, text comment, audio comment or video to the bar code. Not only does Stickybits attach the bit for you once you hit upload, but it also records your location. The location maps that Stickybits uses are great tools for marketers to see where people are experiencing your product. It’s also kind of cool to see where else in the world people are using the product. The most robust brand on there so far is Coke – and they have scans of the Coke Can from all over the world!

Stickybits 1.5, just recently released, is a welcome step forward for the platform. Brands now have the ability to post official bits and monitor what other people are saying about the products. According to Compete.com, Stickybits.com is getting between 40-60K hits a month, which hopefully is translating into downloads of their app (Current numbers are showing about 8,000 downloads a day). I’m hoping that the more people get involved and use the program, the better the comments, videos, audio bits and pictures will become. I highly recommend keeping an eye on this company!

www.stickybits.com