![Having a Social Presence Isn't Enough. How Are Consumers Experiencing Your Brand With Augmented Reality?](https://assets.entrepreneur.com/content/3x2/2000/1630517823-shutterstock-1687766407.jpg)
September 4, 2021, 4 minutes read
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Social media content is essential for building strong connections and brand awareness. However, your audience also wants to be involved. You can't expect high engagement if you just post your content. It is important to find innovative ways that consumers can experience your brand.
You may have heard of augmented reality.
Augmented reality (AR), is the display of digital information over people's real-time views of objects, people, or spaces in the world. Agencies and marketers are now using augmented reality to create brand experiences that educate consumers and allow their customers to experience products in new ways.
Although this is often portrayed as futuristic tech, the fact that it has been around for some time makes it a very useful tool. This innovative innovation can actually enrich users' lives and make them highly interactive on social media.
Related: Future AR Tech will feature more blasts from the past
What are the potential benefits of augmented reality in social media?
AR filters are a common feature of social media platforms such as Instagram and Snapchat. These are augmented reality experiences that allow users to apply computer-generated effects on their faces and the environment around them.
Many social media channels are exploring AR integration with interactive content shaping. Virtually trying on sunglasses, lipsticks, and shoes allows shoppers to get a better understanding of the product's performance, which can help them make a decision about whether or not they want to purchase. Combining your social media ads and AR can help ecommerce businesses increase sales dramatically. A virtual couch could be dropped into your living space before you buy to help consumers visualize the experience and make it easier for them to purchase.
Brand awareness is built by having your audience interact around events, creating a branded filter, or having your business card become a living, AR-enabled avatar. AR promises to transform social media into something interactive, 3D-oriented, and more shareable. This includes sharing amazing products that feel more real than real, as well as engaging events and initiatives.
Related: AR/VR Will Lead the Way in A Post-Pandemic World
What is AR wearables?
3D social media content is expected to become more popular in the future. This will be made possible by AR and wearable tech hardware. The world's largest tech companies are investing huge amounts of money and time into new projects that can bring AR experiences to your phone. AR headsets, glasses, or contact lenses could be a great way to do this. These devices are called wearables.
Wearables can add 3D information to your visual field, such as directions, emails, or virtual holograms. Instead of looking down at a screen, or away from loved ones, you can control futuristic glasses by tapping, gestures, or even your voice. This could be a major entry point for AR wearable tech, as more people will shift to work-from home in the wake Covid-19. Slimmer AR display devices could increase efficiency and help companies save money.
Businesses should incorporate new technologies like augmented reality into their social media marketing strategies as they evolve and introduce new AR hardware to their customers.
Related: Why AR and VR Strategy are Essential for Your Venture