yeah any metal stuck into the antenna jack input is an antenna.
the usefulness of any antenna depends on the strength and quality of the signal at the antenna. the size and shape of the antenna will also determine how useful it will be to receive a signal.
some times signals are so strong and good that no antenna other than the receiving device itself is needed, this is rare especially for tv, i have had this when i could see the tv station towers.
i have used paper clips or doorbell wire as antennas where appropriate.
a rabbit ears (rods) for VHF and a bow tie or loop for UHF work well and cost pennies on the used market.
go to
click on
Check Your Address for Free TV
and enter your location as a zip, address, coordinates and height of antenna. the more specific the location the better the report. the report will give you the stations expected with varying quality antennas. you want to pat attention to the ‘real channel’ numbers to determine if you want UHF or also VHF antenna.