8 Distinct Social AR Applications: Present Applications, Advantages, and Future Prospects

AR in social media strategies is becoming increasingly important. In today’s highly competitive market, brands should aim to create more than just flawless products and services. To succeed, they need to stand out – and social AR is their answer. With the help of social AR, brands can create immersive and interactive experiences, positively impacting customer engagement and driving brand loyalty.

From Snapchat's beloved AR filters to Instagram's latest AR shopping features, brands and platforms use AR technologies to create unique, memorable experiences for their audience. By including AR in their social media content, brands can capture users' attention and increase engagement in new and exciting ways.

As social media platforms continue to evolve and AR technologies become more advanced, the opportunities for brands to explore social AR are endless. From influencer marketing to branded filters, virtual events, social shopping, and more, the uses of social AR are diverse. In this blog, we'll explore seven applications of social AR, look at their advantages, and discuss their future prospects in the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing.

Influencer Marketing

Influencer marketing has become a part of the core social strategy of most brands, both big and small, and unsurprisingly, AR apps are taking it to a whole new level. Brands are using AR filters to collaborate with influencers to create unique campaigns. Not only is this extending their reach, but it is also adding a layer of authenticity to their social media messaging. Plus, influencers bring a vast set of loyal followers, making them ideal partners for delivering AR experiences that truly resonate.

AR-powered influencer campaigns can range from virtual try-ons for jewelry and beauty brands to virtual fitting rooms for fashion houses. Allowing users to try before they buy through AR filters virtually will undoubtedly make the shopping experience life-like.

Branded Filters

AR filters aren't just fun; they're also a highly profitable branding tool for businesses. Brands can create custom AR filters that reflect their identity and messaging, allowing users to engage with their brand in a playful and interactive way. Branded filters not only increase brand visibility but also offer the chance to create user-generated content.

Cosmetic brands can create AR filters that give users the chance to try on virtual makeup; fashion brands can add AR filters that allow shoppers to try on virtual accessories. 

Brands can then create catchy hashtags to get shoppers to share their AR-filtered content, amplifying their reach and generating a buzz around their products.

For example, iconic eyewear brand Ray-Ban has created an AR filter on Instagram that allows users to virtually try on a 3D model of various sunglasses and glasses.  While trying them on, users can also see themselves with cool added visual effects in the background, such as futuristic cityscapes or tropical beaches.

Virtual Events

No matter where a shopper may be, they can now be present at their favorite designer’s product launch! An AR display can bring lifelike experiences to their shoppers – taking them miles away to a world abuzz with excitement. 

Not just product launches but artists can now use AR technologies to set up virtual performances. NFTs have been created in the past based on AR, and quite successfully, too. The futuristic concerts are a fun way to get people from all across the globe to be in attendance – increasing reach and opening up a whole new world to the ones who are unable to travel.

Social Shopping

Unlike most online shopping experiences where shoppers are forced to visualize what a product will look like on them, AR shopping means try-it-before-you-buy-it. But this, too, happens at home – and on the shopper’s device.

Advanced AR apps allow shoppers to try on anything from clothes to makeup to jewelry virtually.

Unlike physical shopping, shoppers can now try on thousands of lipstick shades, earrings, or dresses. Not only is the process of shopping with AR filters rapid, but it also needs just a camera and a click of a button. 

Benefits like these are compelling enough for even the bigger brands: Sunglasses brand Off-White strategically rolled out AR filters that would allow users to try out different glasses from their collection – entirely digitally, of course.  

Location-based AR Experiences

Using geolocation data, AR technologies offer personalized and interactive experiences based on the users' physical location. From shopping stores to city landmarks, brands can use AR technologies to create immersive experiences that engage visitors. 

Whether it's AR-based interactive city tours or personalized location recommendations, location-based AR experiences offer endless possibilities for brands to connect with their audience.

Gamification

Gamification means using AR technologies to add game elements to the real world. Instead of passively consuming content, users can actively participate in the situations taking place on their AR display. 

Users here are driven by the goal of winning more points, overcoming challenges, or completing levels. Applying these to real-world scenarios is an excellent marketing technique. A competitive element can be an added bonus.

AR-powered Videos

A large part of effective marketing tells consumers what to do once they buy a specific product. Big brands have complex tutorials and mind-boggling videos to showcase the numerous ways to use a single product.

From experimenting with jewelery accessories in multiple ways to a detailed guide for using a device, tutorials are the backbone of successful sales.

AR technologies and AR filters give brands another shot at creating better, more life-like videos. These AR-powered videos will immerse the consumer in the world of the product or service. The AR display will show them everything they could be enjoying if only they purchased the brand’s offering. 

Users can experience for themselves what they’re missing out on – create a compelling case for them to go ahead and make the purchase. 

Product Visualization

AR filters and apps enable customers to interact with products in digital simulations of the real world.

Brands can seize the golden opportunity here by using AR filters to not only give their users a feel of physical shopping but also to upsell with smarter, personalized recommendations. They can showcase product features, along with the different ways of using each product—showing customers exactly what they stand to gain with every purchase. AR apps have already made their way into the marketing strategies of beauty brands. A great example of that would be face masks imitating make-up – not only are they a fun feature, but it is also a useful promotional tool.

Using AR technologies to instill urgency and the fear of missing out could prove to be a successful way of driving sales.

Conclusion

No matter what your business may be, AR will give you a leg up over your competitors. From a simple virtual try-on to entire product launches and even concerts, there is very little that AR technologies cannot do to help you market your brand to this new generation of consumers.

Partnering with established brands like mirrAR is a great way to get your AR marketing off the ground. Having secure, high-quality, device-compatible, and user-friendly AR apps in your arsenal is an advantage you need to experience. Why wait? Experience the magic of AR technologies for yourself – visit mirrAR and sign up for a personalized demo.