Elevate Your Campaign to the Next Level with AR and VR in Marketing

AR/VR

Idris

4 Min

Mar 13, 2025

Research by MindShare revealed that AR experiences are 200% more engaging than their non-AR equivalents, delivering double the levels of engagement. These campaigns not only engage viewers but also get them to talk about their experience, thus turning these visitors into walking and talking guerilla marketing campaigns. Businesses lately have been investing more and more in AR and VR experiences to craft engaging content to make it easier to market to the increasingly more tech-centred generations like Gen Z and Gen Alpha.

What are AR and VR in marketing?

Bringing the virtual world into the real world and taking your senses into a virtual world are the best ways to describe AR and VR, respectively. These two technologies have facilitated the creation of many successful marketing campaigns, some of which you might not have even realised. when you open Snapchat and see a new filter that turns you into Captain America with the logo of the new movie right below your face. This is a sneaky way of marketing that you probably didn't even notice. They get you to take a picture of yourself and share it with your friends, but what the subconscious of their minds focuses on is the logo of the new movie, and it subtly puts the idea in their heads that they should go watch it. This is just how AR sneakily markets to VR; it has its own methods, such as VR games that have been made to promote movies and even VR experiences in malls that attract visitors, enabling marketing to a large audience.

Why AR and VR are game changers

Today’s consumers are bombarded with ads, making them more aware of when they're being marketed to; it also makes it harder for brands to stand out among the oceans of ads that audiences unintentionally consume. AR and VR break through this noise by offering:

Immersion: Unlike traditional media, AR and VR place users at the centre of the experience, creating a deeper connection.
Interactivity: These technologies encourage active participation rather than passive consumption, making your campaigns unforgettable.
Novelty: Early adopters of AR and VR can position themselves as innovative leaders in their industry.

Real-World Applications of AR and VR in Marketing

Virtual Try-Ons: Brands like Sephora and Lenskart enable customers to try on makeup or glasses virtually, removing hesitation from online purchases. Nike’s AR shoe sizing tool is another excellent example.
Interactive Packaging: Coca-Cola and Fanta have used AR packaging to turn mundane product designs into engaging games and stories. Imagine scanning a product to unlock a mini-game or exclusive content.
Immersive Storytelling: Tours and travel agencies use VR to give visitors a taste of destinations, from walking the Great Wall of China to snorkelling in the Maldives. VR travel experience is a case in point.
Virtual Property Tours: Real estate companies leverage VR to allow potential buyers to explore properties before they are even built. V-Estate is software that allows you to do exactly that within experience centres that have been crafted to give visitors the best experience.
Product Demonstrations: Tech giants like Samsung and Apple use VR to showcase the features of their devices, creating a buzz around new launches.

Overcoming Challenges in AR and VR Marketing

While AR and VR offer immense potential, they’re not without challenges:

Cost of Implementation: Developing AR/VR campaigns can be expensive. Businesses should start small, testing the waters with smaller campaigns before scaling up to campaigns that would cost them a pretty penny.
Technical Expertise: Partnering with experienced developers and tech providers can bridge knowledge gaps and streamline implementation. A company that has a strong portfolio of AR/VR campaigns in their case studies would be apt to partner with.
Accessibility: Ensure campaigns work on a wide range of devices to reach a broader audience. WebAR (AR experiences accessed through browsers) is a cost-effective alternative to standalone proprietary apps that require a lot more maintenance and often don't have a long shelf life.

Future Trends in AR and VR Marketing

As AR and VR technologies evolve, marketers can expect even more opportunities. For instance:

AR Wearables: Smart glasses and contact lenses could make AR experiences more accessible, taking campaigns beyond smartphones.
The Metaverse: Virtual spaces like the metaverse will become pivotal for immersive brand storytelling. Early adopters will shape the marketing standards of this new digital frontier.
AI Integration: AI-driven personalisation will enhance AR/VR campaigns, making them even more engaging. Imagine AI-generated AR content tailored to each user’s preferences.
Gamification: Brands are gamifying AR/VR experiences to increase engagement. Reward-based campaigns using AR, like scavenger hunts, are already gaining traction.

Augmented reality and virtual reality are no longer futuristic concepts; they are powerful tools redefining how brands engage with their audiences. By creating immersive, interactive campaigns, businesses can boost customer satisfaction, drive sales, and build unforgettable brand experiences. Whether you’re a small business looking to stand out or a global brand aiming to redefine the customer journey, AR and VR can provide the competitive edge you need.

The future of marketing is immersive, and it’s happening now. Will your brand be part of it? If you want to craft an AR/VR experience of your own, contact us today!

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