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Augmented Reality Filters: the Next Big Thing in Brand Marketing

BLOG by 

CitrusBits
September 15, 2021
#XR #VR #UX #UI

AR Filters Everywhere!

Augmented Reality filters have taken the internet by storm. Unless you have been living under a rock, you probably come across pictures of people sporting a floating hat, animated glasses, or a virtual funky beard. Some even swap their faces with their pets, provoking a wave of laughter across the internet. These images and videos can be captured with the help of AR filters.

It was not until Snapchat introduced AR filters that people really started to take notice and began using augmented reality as a marketing tool. But what are AR filters? How do they work? And more importantly, how can brands use them for organic traffic generation and marketing?

What Are AR Filters and How Do They Work?

Augmented Reality is an emerging trend in image-based media creation, currently being used to produce images that appear different from their natural counterparts.

AR filters are computer-generated effects that layer digitally created elements on real-life images, transforming your real world into an augmented or virtual one.

The AR Industry Boom In 2021

Altering the way people used to socialize and interact with the world, the Covid-19 epidemic has turned virtual into the new normal. Technology offers a lifeline of sorts to people and businesses that would otherwise be isolated or incapacitated by the pandemic.

The accelerated adoption of AR has shifted the good old ways of pulling off a shopping spree, munching on your favorite chocolate cookies at a café, or attending work meetings, as people now prefer an immersive experience over a physical interaction.

A plethora of businesses have benefited from the wonders of augmented reality. Some of them are listed below.

  • AR In Retail: the virtual try before you buy feature is a game-changer of the ordinary online and in-store shopping experience. Saving you a gazillion rounds to the trial room or letting you try on those Nike sneakers virtually is a magical experience that AR brings to you!
  • AR in Education: AR can bring the boring elements of a learning environment to life, stimulating creativity and engagement. By viewing virtual instances of the concepts being taught, students are exposed to a better learning experience as the human brain retains visual information easily.
  • AR in Medicine: AR is aiding doctors a great deal with blood draws and improving diagnosis. It also aids medical students to study virtual dissection specimens of real anatomy.
  • AR in Mobile Devices: AR shifted from expensive headgear to the smartphone in your hand in almost a blink of an eye. Mobile apps with an extended AR feature let the users interact with a virtual world through their mobile phone screens.

Apart from the pervasive Snapchat and Instagram filters, people can now see the real world with google maps layered on top via AR walking directions.

Brands Creating Custom AR Filters- What’s Cooking?

If you think AR filters are only here for a little while to be played around with, capturing goofy selfies wearing a virtual hairpiece or freaking people out with popped-out eyes, you are mistaken. AR filters are here to stay!

Instagram plus some of the Snapchat filters are free to create. Brands, while creating an AR filter, can connect their business name, account, and logo to the filter which are visible to the people who interact with them.

The main idea is to overlay the brands’ products or logo onto your selfie so that as you share the selfie, it reaches a large audience too, bridging the gap between the brand and the potential prospects.

This Enhances Organic Reach

The brands that put up the AR filters do not have to pay the people for the number of clicks. The followers of the respective brand may come across the filter through their account, or someone who does not even follow the brand might discover it while scrolling through other filters. Either way, once the picture is shared, the brand’s reach and exposure multiply exponentially within a short time span.

However, you cannot dump bland AR filters that lack the spark which excites the users and creates awareness for your brand. Only engaging content would work that people want to interact with and share, mind you!

Do These Branded Custom AR Filters Ever Work?

Yes, they do! With over 500 million daily active users interacting with Instagram stories globally, the brands are well aware of how to cash in on these trending AR filters. Creating an engaging and memorable experience with more user value has benefitted big brands like Kylie Cosmetics, Taco Bell, Disney, Starbucks, McDonald’s, and so forth!

Kylie Cosmetics introduced a lip kit try-on filter on Instagram that enabled Kylie’s fans to virtually try on exclusive lipstick shades before making a purchase. Kylie Cosmetics struck gold here as these filters are not only fun to use but promotional as well.

L’Oréal was also one of the first few brands to partner with Snapchat providing its users with an engaging and memorable way of experiencing fuss-free try-ons.

While AR technology is projected to reach $100 billion by 2024, several AR apps are failing to serve their purpose effectively. Therefore, take a look at some key considerations for using AR effectively as a marketing tool.

Key Considerations for Using AR

Marketers’ Perspective

  • AR cannot stand on its own- even though AR can appeal to the customers, it cannot work well without being incorporated into a well-thought-out marketing strategy.
  • The AR app should be engaging enough to keep a stable retention rate.
  • Research about the target audience and their preferences.
  • Determine the considerable value an animation can create to make the user experience memorable and engaging.

Developers’ Perspective– Factors that contribute to making your AR app a success!

Choosing the best-fit AR third-party solution based on the following parameters;

  • It should contain all/most of the AR features aligned with the client’s demands.
  • Developer SDK should be easy in terms of integration and usability.
  • The turnaround time for adding a new AR filter/feature in the existing solution.

Want to Create a Whimsical AR Experience With a Wow Factor?

Most companies do not have the right tools and strategy to build an immersive AR experience, despite the explosive growth in demand for AR experiences.

CitrusBits is a leading augmented reality mobile app development company specializing in creating immersive AR experiences. Our advanced AR/VR division partners with businesses to provide end-to-end development of lifelike and engaging AR applications. With our expertise, we can turn your vision into reality by developing high-quality AR apps that captivate your audience. Contact us to discuss your project and let’s create immersive AR experiences together.

CitrusBits has custom-built some of the most successful Augmented Reality applications in the world for clients including DuPont and Zoetis. Have a look at our AR work and capabilities!

About the Author

CitrusBits

Content Writer

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