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Augmented Reality (AR) – All you need to know

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Augmented Reality (AR) – All you need to know
avatar By: CrossCreators 5 Min read 2817 Views

Augmented Reality (AR) – All you need to know

5 Min read 2817 Views

Decided to dye your hair but do not know what color fits you best? Or you saw a beautiful t-shirt in your favorite online store, but you do not know if it suits you? Or do you just often dream of seeing your favorite fictional characters in real life? Then we want to present you with augmented reality technology which can overlay digital images in the real world.

What is Augmented Reality?

With the help of modern technology, called Augmented Reality, it is possible to bring virtual assets into your reality. AR is a technology that integrates digital assets (it can be image or sound) into real life.

The term itself indicates the true potential of this amazing technology. It literally means to make something greater by amplifying or adding to it. Therefore, Augmented Reality adds a digital layer directly to our existing physical environment and makes it even greater. Digital assets become a part of our everyday lives in many directions. For example, it can be used for education, information or entertainment purposes.

Augmented reality navigation game isometric poster

In short, this technology creates a synergy between real and virtual worlds.

Why should we use AR in marketing?

Things in marketing are changing fast. New trends emerge almost on a daily basis and it’s getting harder to capture consumers’ attention. With high competition and increasing advertising costs marketers are struggling to show impact. Why AR is winning technology and this led to its rapid growth.

example of augmented reality in marketing. locating sofa in a room using augmented reality

This technology gives customers a unique opportunity to be the protagonist of advertising. Augmented reality, which is smartphone-based, has helped brands to increase customer satisfaction, and not only.

  • Leads to higher sales
  • Lets customers try products before purchasing them
  • Is simple to use
  • Increases the engagement between users and brands
  • Creates a sense of ownership of some products

Regarding the sales, Augmented Reality has a positive impact on it. Some statistics show that 71% of consumers say they would shop more often if they used AR. And what is more, 40% of consumers state that they would pay more for a product if they could customize it in AR.

What types of AR exist for marketing and sales purposes?

AR can change your customer’s experience, making it unforgettable. The question is, how can you best transform this innovation into a positive change? For this purpose, choose right platform:

  • Social media
  • WebAR
  • AppAR

AR for Social media is seen as a fun tool that shows us lovely photo filters and interactive games. But in addition, it became a serious tool for marketers. As it turned out, AR holds people’s attention for much longer, supports you to create buzz around your brand, and boosts engagement.

WebAR is a web-based augmented reality that allows you to share AR experiences via the internet, and most importantly, you won’t need apps. One of the easiest ways to do this is QR codes. When you open your camera app on your phone, indicate lens at the QR and start your new AR adventure.

AppAR doesn’t sound futuristic anymore. It’s a new reality, which is caught onto by the consumers. AR has been quickly combined into many apps. For example, if you have an online shopping brand, you can use a virtual try-on app AR experience which could become a part of your online shopping app. Some of the top AR apps are Houzz, IKEA place, and YouCam Makeup.

There are many types of AR content. We will talk only about some of them, which will help you to integrate AR into your business:

people using augmented reality on smartphones

  • Face filters;
  • Try-ons
  • Product Visualization
  • Portals

Face Filters

Face filters are the most commonly used applications for Augmented reality. There are several ways you can boost social media marketing with face filters.

Taco Bell used a branded Snapchat filter, which turned the faces into tacos. Guessed what happened next? Tons of people started sharing their taco-faced versions, where Taco Bell’s logo was in the bottom corner.

Virtual try-on

This type of AR content allows you to try out the desired products without leaving home. For example, you can virtually apply Sephora’s lipstick, or try on Timberland’s clothing, or change your hair color.

Virtual try-on boosts loyalty, sales, and interaction between you and the brand and vice versa.

Product visualization

Do you want your potential buyers to visualize, interact and explore your products, regardless of the weight? Here’s AR holding your online products via smartphone.

For example, IKEA created the furniture visualization AR app. This app lets you try out which furniture fits your home. In short, you can easily place 3d models of IKEA furniture in your place.

Portals

Have you ever dreamed of being virtually transported into new places? Then you can do this via AR portals, which are doorways to new virtual worlds. For example, Lufthansa launched an app that opens portals to New York and Hong Kong directly from users’ balconies.

What industries can benefit the most from AR?

Because of the popularity of Pokemon Go and other AR games, many think that this technology only focuses on the entertainment field. In reality, AR carries the potential to be a crucial part of any industry.

Here are the leading industries that are already successfully using AR technologies:

In a word, AR technology is our future which is not so far away. AR supports businesses to grow in capabilities and helps us to enhance our senses by connecting to this world.

If you are ready to start your AR Journey, you can create AR content on demand easily on Crosscreators.

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