Revolutionizing Marketing with Virtual and Augmented Reality

Jyothikrishnan K S Achary
5 min readMar 23, 2023

Have you ever wished you could try on a pair of shoes without leaving your house? Or test drive a car without even leaving the dealership? With the rise of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technology, these experiences are now possible. Companies are using VR and AR to create engaging and interactive marketing experiences that connect with customers on a deeper level. From virtual try-on apps that let customers see how makeup or clothing will look on them, to immersive VR experiences that transport viewers to a new world, the potential applications of VR and AR in marketing are nearly endless. Here, we’ll explore some of the most innovative and exciting ways that companies are using VR and AR to create memorable, one-of-a-kind marketing experiences. Here are a few real-world examples, We can examine how these companies are leveraging these cutting-edge technologies to reach new audiences and drive sales.

Future of Marketing with VR and AR

The future of VR and AR in marketing is bright, and we’re only just beginning to scratch the surface of what’s possible. As technology becomes more advanced and affordable, we can expect to see more businesses using these technologies to create unique and immersive experiences for their customers. For example, we may see retailers using VR to create virtual pop-up stores that customers can visit from anywhere in the world. Or we may see real estate companies using AR to create interactive property tours that allow customers to see what a home would look like with different finishes or furniture. We can also expect to see improvements in the technology itself. For example, we may see more realistic VR and AR experiences that feel even more like the real world. We may also see the development of new devices that make it easier for customers to experience these technologies, such as smart glasses that are more comfortable and user-friendly.

Here are some examples of companies that have implemented AR and VR technology for marketing:

IKEA

Using their AR app, IKEA allows their customers to visualize what furniture will look like in their homes. By using their smartphone or tablet, customers can view 3D models of furniture in their room and see how it fits with their existing decor. This technology has helped IKEA reduce the number of returns and increase customer satisfaction.

Volvo

Using a VR Headset Volvo has created a virtual test drive experience for their XC90 model. Customers can wear a VR headset and experience a fully immersive test drive that takes them through scenic routes and shows off the car’s features.

The New York Times

The New York Times has used AR technology to enhance their newspaper content. By downloading their app, customers can view interactive content that adds a new dimension to their stories, such as 3D models, animations, and audio.

Lego

Lego has used AR technology to create an app that allows customers to bring their Lego creations to life. By scanning their Lego sets with the app, customers can see them come to life in a virtual world.

Red Bull

Red Bull has used VR technology to create a virtual reality experience that allows customers to feel like they’re skiing down a mountain or flying through the air like a bird. This has helped Red Bull engage with their target audience of extreme sports enthusiasts and generate excitement around their brand. Red Bull’s ‘The Edge — Matterhorn’ is a fully immersed AR Experience.

Adidas

Adidas has used AR technology in its app to create a virtual try-on experience for its shoes. Customers can use their smartphone camera to try on different shoes and see what they would look like in real time. This has helped Adidas increase customer engagement and sales.

Warner Bros

Warner Bros. has used AR technology to create an interactive marketing campaign for the release of the movie “IT Chapter Two”. By scanning special billboards with their smartphones, customers could see Pennywise the Clown pop up in augmented reality and interact with him in a spooky and memorable way

L'Oréal

L'Oréal has used AR technology to create a virtual try-on experience for their makeup products. Customers can use their smartphone cameras to try on different makeup products and see what they would look like in real time. This has helped L'Oréal increase customer engagement and sales.

Virtual Reality

VR stands for virtual reality, which is a technology that uses computer-generated simulations to create a fully immersive, three-dimensional experience for the user. Typically, this involves wearing a headset or goggles that track the user’s head movements and adjust the simulated environment accordingly, creating the sensation of being fully present in a virtual world. VR is often used in gaming, entertainment, and training applications.

Augmented Reality

AR stands for augmented reality, which is a technology that overlays computer-generated images and information onto the real world, typically using a smartphone camera or other digital display. This allows users to see a composite view that blends the physical world with digital elements, creating an interactive and often highly engaging experience. AR is often used in marketing, advertising, and education, as it allows companies to create interactive and immersive experiences that capture the attention of their audience.

Virtual and Augmented Reality technologies have been around for a while, but they’ve only recently started to gain traction in marketing. These emerging technologies have the power to transform the way businesses engage with customers and create immersive experiences that were once thought to be impossible.

One of the most exciting ways that VR and AR are being used in marketing is to create immersive brand experiences that engage customers in new and exciting ways. For example, businesses can use VR to create virtual showrooms that allow customers to explore their products in a way that feels as if they were there in person. AR, on the other hand, can be used to create interactive product demos or to add layers of information to real-world products, such as nutritional information on food packaging.

Another area where VR and AR are being used is in advertising. Businesses are using these technologies to create highly engaging ads that stand out from the competition. For example, an automotive company could use VR to create a virtual test drive experience that lets customers feel what it’s like to be behind the wheel of one of their vehicles. Or a retailer could use AR to create interactive displays that allow customers to see how their products would look in their own homes.

VR and AR can also be used to enhance customer service. For example, a business could use VR to create virtual training experiences that help employees learn how to use new products or services. Or an insurance company could use AR to create interactive tutorials that help customers understand complex policies and procedures

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Jyothikrishnan K S Achary

Crafting Stories, Exploring Wisdom | Philosopher, Mentor, Researcher in Management, and Strategist | Embracing Science, Technology, and History