How Augmented Reality Will be the Future of Social Media
Augmented Reality or AR is one of the emerging technologies to have a strong impact on social media in recent years. In fact, it seems like AR is taking over the most popular social networks in the world – Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook. The technology is gaining popularity because the virtual elements brought into the real world provide an immersive experience to users. So, the next big question is how will it continue to impact social media, brands, and marketers?
What is augmented reality?
Augmented reality takes the real world and incorporates virtual, computer-generated augmentations to it to enhance the user experience. Like when you see Pokemons running around you through a phone’s camera. Or when you take selfies with virtual mustache and share them with your friends and family.
While many see AR technology as a means for having some fun by playing cute little games, the potential for this technology is beyond imagination. It’s already disrupting many industries, including healthcare, marketing, navigation, and so on. And, of course, it will continue to do so as technology is evolving and becoming more accessible to people.
When it comes to social media, it’s already quite evident that AR and social work very well together. So, is AR the future of social media? Let’s see.
Though augmented reality is a relatively new technology, many brands are exploring and incorporating it into their websites or apps. Snapchat, for example, is smartly exploring this technology and making it easier for people to share content on the platform. Snapchat users can use AR filters and lenses to bring life to their updates and they can even create their own. With Snappables, users can play AR games with their friends. Plus, Snapchat has also released Shoppable AR, which allows brands to promote their websites and sign up pages, share a video, and get people to install their apps. As
per the report, Snapchat has 265 million daily active users worldwide in 2021, a 22 percent year-over-year increase from the 218 million in 2020.
Snapchat has found multiple ways to implement AR and is still exploring this
technology to create a better experience for its users. And it’s just not Snapchat, Instagram and Facebook are also using AR to enhance the user experience. Facebook has introduced Facebook AR Studio, a powerful tool for developers and artists who want to build their own interactive Facebook camera experiences. The Facebook messenger app also features some of the AR games like Asteroids Attack and Don’t Smile.
We cannot deny the fact that augmented reality will continue to be a huge part of our everyday lives, including, of course, social media. It already offers a lot of benefits to businesses around the globe. And with the increasing popularity of AR in social media, brands and marketers will get new ways to promote their brand and services in unique and exciting ways.
Some of the ways are:
Live events: Users will be able to get the real feel of live events from the comfort of their homes with AR. This technology is already being implemented by many brands such as the PGA Tour.
PGA Tour has released an AR app called PGA TOUR AR. It will allow the fans of the TOUR to engage with ShotLink player data in a totally different way. The user has to only download the AR app and enter the augmented world to get the real feel.
Virtual stores on social media: With AR, people won’t have to visit stores anymore.
They can sit at home and try the products in the virtual tour. If they like something, they can purchase it online. For example, IKEA’s augmented reality app IKEA Place allows you to try furniture while sitting on your couch. The app takes a picture of your living room and automatically measures the space. Then, on the basis of the picture, it gives recommendations on furniture that fits in the space. Sounds terrific, right?
AR videos: Brands will be able to further engage their audience by creating interactive AR videos and content. There are various ways in which brands can use these videos.
For instance, they can show people what the user experience would be like if they bought the service or they can show customers how to use their products to get maximum benefits.
Brand awareness: Last but not least, AR will create more brand awareness. If you create meaningful AR experiences, people will want to share the results with others.
This is great news for brands and marketers as it’s basically word-of-mouth.
To conclude, augmented reality has the potential to change the face of marketing on social media. It will take the consumer experience to a different level altogether. Top social media platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook are already encouraging people to use their AR features as much as possible, allowing them to experience a different world altogether. Brands too are starting to get acquainted withthis technology more and more. Thus, we can say that AR is indeed the potential future of social media.
