What are Augmented Reality Filters?
Unless you’ve been on a digital hiatus recently, you’ve probably seen or participated in some fun social media activities. Maybe you’ve swapped your face with a pet, shared a selfie showing how you’d look as a baby or an older version of yourself, or even worn virtual glasses with a neat mustache. Perhaps you’ve even used your nose to do a doodle or blinked your eyes to control a game.
All these activities, and more, are powered by Augmented Reality (AR) Filters. These filters are computer-generated effects layered over the real-life image your camera displays, and they’ve become the next big thing in social media interactions. Whether you’re using Instagram Stories or other platforms, AR filters make your camera experience more interactive and fun.
Why Should You Care About AR Filters?
You might be wondering why these filters matter to you and your business. Well, here’s the thing—AR filters aren’t just for fun; they also offer businesses an incredible opportunity to connect with their audience in a unique and cost-effective way.
AR Filters provide brands the chance to offer personalized, interactive experiences to customers, all at a fraction of the cost of traditional advertising campaigns. According to Spark AR Studio, over 600 million people use AR effects across Facebook and Instagram each month. Imagine the reach you could get by creating a fun, engaging AR filter for your brand. Not only will users have fun, but they’ll also share your content, helping increase your brand’s visibility organically.
How Can Augmented Reality Filters Boost Brand Engagement?
Let’s take a moment to imagine a scenario. Wouldn’t it be great if you could see how a piece of furniture would look in your living room before you make the purchase? Or if you could try on a pair of sunglasses virtually before buying them? AR filters can make all this possible!
Brands like Ikea, Ray-Ban, and CoverGirl are already using AR filters to enhance their customer experiences. These brands are leading the way in showing how AR can transform shopping, making it easier and more enjoyable for customers to make purchasing decisions.
Here are a few examples of how your brand can leverage AR filters to boost engagement:
Face Masks: Bring Fun to Self-Expression
One of the most popular ways brands are using AR filters is through face masks. Whether it’s adding a beard, a flag, heart-shaped eyes, or an animal nose, face filters let followers express themselves in a unique and creative way.
By utilizing face tracking technology, AR filters can monitor various facial features like eyes, mouth, and eyebrows. This allows the filter to respond in real time, giving users an interactive experience that feels alive and fun. Imagine the engagement when your followers share their creative selfies with your branded face mask!
Wearables: Try Before You Buy
Wearables are another great way to engage with your audience through AR filters. Let your customers see how a t-shirt, a pair of shoes, or even sunglasses would look on them before they make a purchase.
Imagine a potential customer is browsing your store online and wonders how a pair of sunglasses would look on their face. With an AR filter, they can see themselves wearing the sunglasses virtually, all from their phone. By providing this interactive experience, you’re helping them visualize the product in real life, which can help push them closer to making a purchase.
3D Objects: Show Off Your Products in a New Way
AR filters can also display 3D objects, which allow customers to get a closer look at your products. If you’re in the furniture business, for instance, imagine being able to show your customers a 3D model of a couch, integrated into their own living room through an AR filter.
This technology allows your customers to see exactly how a piece of furniture will look in their home before making the commitment to buy. It’s a great way to showcase your products in a more engaging, hands-on way, and it can significantly improve your chances of a sale.
AR Games: Interactive Fun for Engagement
Another innovative way to use AR filters is through AR games. These are simple, fun, interactive experiences that involve gestures and controls to play. For example, imagine a game where users can score a goal by moving their head or keep their character from falling by blinking their eyes.
These types of games not only entertain your audience but also encourage them to engage with your brand. When users interact with your brand through a game, it fosters a deeper connection, which can translate into long-term customer loyalty.
What’s Next? How Can You Get Started with AR Filters?
Now that you understand how AR filters can boost brand engagement, the next question is: What do you do next?
The good news is that AR filters are becoming more accessible, and creating them for your business doesn’t have to be complex or expensive. If you’re ready to elevate your brand and increase awareness and engagement, AR filters could be the perfect solution. Here are some key steps to help you get started:
- Define Your Goals: First, decide what you want to achieve with your AR filter. Do you want to increase brand awareness, drive sales, or simply engage with your audience? Understanding your goals will guide you in creating the right filter for your brand.
- Brainstorm Ideas: Think about what would resonate with your audience. What’s fun, interactive, and aligns with your brand’s message? Create an AR filter that taps into your customer’s interests and adds value to their experience.
- Partner with Experts: While it’s possible to create AR filters on your own, working with an experienced digital agency can save you time and ensure a high-quality result. They’ll help you bring your vision to life while making sure the filter performs well on social media platforms.
- Promote and Share: Once your AR filter is live, don’t forget to promote it! Share it on your social media platforms, encourage your followers to try it, and watch as they engage and share your filter with their friends. The more people share your content, the more organic reach you get.
The Future of AR: Enhancing Customer Experience
The real potential of AR filters lies in how they can enhance the customer experience. The future of eCommerce and brand engagement is all about providing customers with a seamless, fun, and personalized experience. By using AR filters, you can create a more interactive shopping experience that encourages customers to spend more time with your brand.
AR is here to stay, and if you’re not already incorporating it into your digital marketing strategy, now is the time to start. Whether it’s face masks, wearables, 3D objects, or games, there’s a wide range of ways you can use AR filters to boost brand engagement and connect with your audience in new and exciting ways.
Conclusion: Get Your AR Filter Today!
Are you ready to take your brand to the next level? Augmented reality filters offer a fun, interactive, and cost-effective way to engage with your audience, drive sales, and boost brand awareness. By offering AR filters that add value to your followers’ experience, you’ll see increased engagement and brand loyalty.
At Ikonik Digital, we specialize in creating custom AR filters that fit your brand’s unique needs. If you want to explore how AR filters can work for you, contact us today at [email protected]. Let’s create something amazing together!
Glenford Scott is the Founder & Director of Ikonik Digital, a performance-driven marketing agency helping brands scale with strategy, storytelling, and smart execution.
With years of experience driving results across industries, from hospitality to education — Glenford specializes in turning clicks into customers and ideas into revenue.
