Picture it. Sicily…wait, wrong script… Ah, augmented reality in social media. Here we go.
24/7 remote home tours.
Virtual realtors.
And all the concessions that come with them!
Augmented reality (AR) in social media is transforming the way we interact with the digital world.
AR’s journey to social media stardom began decades ago. In the early 1990s, virtual reality (VR) took center stage, but technical limitations hampered its widespread adoption.
Augmented reality in social media isn’t exactly new to the scene. Remember those quirky dog filters on Snapchat? That was just the tip of the iceberg!
Over the years, AR has evolved into a powerhouse tool used by major social platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, and Meta companies Instagram and Facebook. These platforms are constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, and trust me, you don’t want to miss out on the fun!
This move opened the floodgates for a wave of creative AR features, transforming social media into an AR playground. (Keep in mind this is still an infant technology, even piloting in the 90s!)
Statistical Growth
The statistics speak for themselves: AR is taking social media by storm.
A recent study by SpdLoad reveals that over two-thirds of US residents foresee AR becoming a routine part of their lives in the coming years, and a whopping 82% expressed their intent to use AR and VR more frequently.
Because of that, two-thirds (67%) of advertising agencies are increasing their AR usage. Including us! We’re proud to be partnered with Stera Global to provide Augmented Reality (AR) Real Estate Marketing!
The same study shows that nearly half of all consumers are likely to spend more on a product if they can experience it virtually through AR. Despite these positive indicators, there’s still a vast untapped market.
Key Players in AR Social Media
- Snapchat: A true AR trailblazer, Snapchat boasts a wide range of playful and interactive filters that users can add to their snaps. These filters can transform your appearance, add virtual objects to your surroundings, or even let you play AR games with friends.
- TikTok: The short-form video giant, TikTok, has also entered the AR arena with its collection of trendy filters and effects. Users can add these effects to their videos, creating unique and eye-catching content.
- Facebook: Facebook has created Spark AR Studio and integrated it into Messenger and Instagram (which it owns). Messenger users can add playful AR effects to their video calls and on Instagram.
This is, of course, just the beginning! While the “Metaverse” launch was the first “corporate” move to AR, we’re still exploring what the final form will be.
Impact of AR on Social Media
AR is fundamentally changing the way we interact with social media.
Augmented Reality social media features like filters and virtual objects make social media interactions more engaging and fun. Imagine trying on a new pair of sunglasses virtually with a friend, or adding a goofy filter to a group video call.
These AR features add a layer of interactivity that traditional social media experiences lack. Studies have shown that AR features lead to higher user engagement and satisfaction on social media platforms.
Major brands like Sephora, Nike, and L’Oreal have all launched successful AR ad campaigns. Sephora, for instance, created an AR filter that allowed users to virtually try on different lipsticks.
As AR technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative and engaging features emerge in the years to come.
So, get ready to embrace the AR revolution and experience social media in a whole new way!
Curious about AR for your marketing strategy? Contact us.