Introduction to Augmented Reality
There’s not a must merely pull out a tape measure and visualize how a brand new dresser will fit within the corner of your bedroom. Instead, many online retailers have added augmented reality (AR) tools to their website — allowing users to carry their phone as much as an empty wall space and “place” the dresser, bookshelf, or bar cart in that space before deciding to buy.
The Rise of AR in Social Media
But AR hasn’t just been added to online shopping web sites. To revolutionize how content creators all over the world explore, design, and play, social media platforms are developing their very own AR experiences. This includes Facebook and Instagram, Snapchat, and most recently, TikTok. One social media site even has plans for a “metaverse” that may allow people to socialize, work, and game together.
Lens Studio
More than 5 billion “Snaps” are created each day, which makes the Snapchat camera one of the vital used. With the brand “Dream it. Build it,” Snap AR’s Lens Studio has greater than 200,000 lens creators, developers, and partners, 2 million lenses, and greater than 2 trillion lens views from its community of creators. In May, Snapchat announced latest AR tools and camera experiences, including shopping recommendations when scanning a friend’s outfit using Screenshop, recipe recommendations based on ingredients scanned through the Snapchat camera, and even a partnership with the LEGO Group that enables friends to work together to construct with LEGO bricks.
AR in Fashion
With latest tools that detect body movement, users can try on clothing, glasses, purses, and more and literally say, “Show me a full-length jumpsuit,” to display the item on the Snapchat user’s body. Large scale, luxury retailers like Prada are already benefiting from this tool that enables users to purchase products directly on the platform. Snapchat’s global product lead in AR Carolina Arguelles says the style industry is vastly essential to the platform’s AR strategy.
Spark AR
Facebook (or Meta) and Instagram’s AR studio, coined “Spark AR,” doesn’t just include tools to create your individual AR project — like importing sounds and pictures — but in addition tutorials, project examples, and a “Spark AR curriculum.” This curriculum is supposed to assist users expand their skills and learn how one can create AR effects. The platform encourages people to turn into “Spark AR creators,” and it includes video courses with step-by-step instructions on how one can create and share AR effects on each platforms.
Facebook’s Metaverse
In July, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced plans for its “metaverse,” which might allow users to game, work, shop, and socialize using AR. The term metaverse, coined within the 1992 sci-fi novel Snow Crash, refers to a mixture of physical, virtual, and augmented reality in a single online space. In a recent blog post, the corporate noted its need for highly specialized engineers to make the metaverse a reality in the following five years.
Effect Studio
In August, TikTok announced its own plans to develop an AR platform. Currently in private beta testing, TikTok Effect Studio will allow the app’s users to utilize AR effects within the platform’s short-form videos. TikTok created a brand new website, titled “Effect House,” to permit interested developers to join early access. However, it seems not everyone will likely be granted this ability.
How AR Tools Can Be Used for Marketing
Remember how popular Pokémon Go was in 2016? This is proof that it’s possible to make the world our playground using AR and that there are many ways brands can use social media AR tools to spice up sales and gain recognition. For clothing brands, these tools allow users to “try on” clothing. For those who still prefer to buy at brick-and-mortar stores to see how the clothing matches before purchasing, it is a nice medium.
AR in Advertising
Any form of business also can utilize branded Snapchat filters that promote corporations in a fun and accessible way. For example, Taco Bell designed a Snapchat filter that turned users’ faces into tacos — complete with their logo. In place of a static ad, AR tools allow businesses to bring ads to life, corresponding to this billboard of rapper Bhad Bhabie promoting her show. When passersby scan the Snapcode, they gain access to an experience that makes it seem to be the rapper is definitely talking to them.
Conclusion
AR is all over the place, from Amazon’s shopping feature to Patron Tequila’s virtual tour, and it should proceed to reshape social networks, how we communicate and interact, and company branding and promoting. As technology continues to advance, we are able to expect to see much more progressive uses of AR in the longer term. With the rise of AR in social media, it’s clear that this technology is here to remain and can have a major impact on the best way we live, work, and play.
