Augmented Reality on Instagram: A Game-Changer for Business Engagement
Augmented Reality (AR) is often perceived as technology from the future, yet it’s already a major player in today’s digital marketing landscape. If you haven’t noticed, Instagram is leading the charge. The platform’s Stories format, originally popularized by Snapchat, has become a powerful tool for social media engagement, and AR filters are at the heart of this transformation.
Instagram has been quick to recognize how much users love interactive and creative content. As a result, augmented reality filters are now a cornerstone of user engagement on the platform. These filters not only enhance the user experience but also offer businesses a unique opportunity to connect with their audience in innovative ways.
But why should business owners and executives care about this emerging trend? Let’s dive deeper into how AR filters on Instagram are revolutionizing the way brands engage with their customers.
The Power of Instagram Stories
Instagram Stories have taken the social media world by storm. With over 500 million active users engaging with Stories daily (as of 2019), the format has become an essential part of social media strategy for businesses. Stories allow users to share moments in real time, and with the introduction of filters, they can now enhance those moments with immersive visual effects.
But what makes Instagram’s augmented reality filters particularly exciting is how they’ve opened up new doors for businesses. These filters provide a unique, fun, and highly engaging way to interact with customers, which in turn boosts brand awareness and customer loyalty.
Why Should You Care?
Instagram’s rapid growth shows no signs of slowing down. To stay ahead of the competition, businesses need to be part of this movement. Augmented reality filters, specifically, are becoming a vital tool for both B2B and B2C brands to connect with audiences on a deeper level. They are an innovative way to generate leads, increase engagement, and build brand loyalty.
How AR Filters Boost Engagement and Drive Results
Let’s talk about the why behind the AR filter craze. For businesses, AR filters are not just a trend – they are a strategic tool. Here’s how they can benefit your brand:
- Personalized Customer Experience: Filters let your customers interact with your brand in a personalized way. For instance, they can try out your products virtually before making a purchase decision.
- Increased Interaction: AR filters naturally encourage users to engage with your content, share it with their followers, and spend more time on your page.
- Viral Potential: As users have fun with the filters, they may share their experiences with others, giving your brand free exposure to a broader audience.
But don’t just take our word for it – let’s look at some brands that are already seeing massive success using AR filters.
Brands Leveraging Instagram AR Filters
Several major brands have embraced Instagram AR filters to create memorable and engaging experiences for their followers. Here’s how some of the biggest names in business are utilizing this technology:
1. Ray-Ban: Virtual Try-On Experience
Ray-Ban is a perfect example of how AR can bridge the gap between online shopping and the in-store experience. Their Instagram page features AR filters that allow users to virtually try on their iconic sunglasses. This “try-before-you-buy” experience increases confidence in purchasing, while also making the shopping process fun and interactive.
Example in Action: Users can apply the AR filter to see how different Ray-Ban styles look on their faces without stepping foot in a store.
2. Gucci Beauty: Virtual Makeovers
Gucci Beauty has taken a more playful approach to AR. With five AR filters available on Instagram, the luxury brand allows users to try on makeup virtually. From lipstick to eyeshadow, these filters let users experiment with different beauty looks without the need for physical products.
This kind of interactive experience creates an emotional connection with the brand, especially when it’s so easy to share the results on social media.
3. Walt Disney World: Movie Magic Filters
Disney’s Instagram account takes users on a magical journey with AR filters that bring their favorite movies to life. These filters place users into movie scenes, allowing them to interact with beloved characters or visit iconic locations, all while sharing their experience on Instagram.
Example: Imagine yourself inside the world of The Lion King or Frozen – that’s the magic Disney is offering through AR.
4. One Championship: Engaging Fans with Interactive Quizzes
One Championship, the popular martial arts organization, uses AR filters to engage their audience with an interactive quiz based on their reality TV show. Fans can use head gestures to answer questions, making the experience fun and highly shareable.
5. Netflix: Bringing Shows to Life
Netflix has embraced AR to promote its original series. With six AR filters on its Instagram, users can immerse themselves in the worlds of The Queen’s Gambit and other hit shows. Netflix uses this approach not only to promote content but also to enhance fan engagement in a unique way.
How to Implement AR Filters for Your Brand
Seeing the power of Instagram AR filters in action, it’s time to consider how your business can leverage this technology. Here’s a simple guide to get started:
Step 1: Define Your Goals
What do you want to achieve with AR filters? Whether it’s increasing brand awareness, driving traffic to your website, or boosting sales, having clear objectives will guide your filter creation.
Step 2: Know Your Audience
What does your target audience enjoy? Understand their preferences and tailor your AR filters to engage them effectively. For example, a fashion brand may create filters that allow users to try on clothes or accessories virtually, while a beauty brand might focus on makeup looks.
Step 3: Choose the Right Tools
There are several tools available to create AR filters, such as Spark AR Studio, which is Instagram’s own AR development platform. You can also collaborate with AR creators who specialize in designing custom filters for brands.
Step 4: Test and Iterate
Before launching your filter to a broader audience, test it internally or with a select group of followers. Monitor how well it’s performing and make improvements as necessary. Engagement metrics like the number of shares, interactions, and impressions will help you assess the effectiveness of your filter.
Why AR Filters Are Here to Stay
Augmented reality is no longer just a futuristic concept – it’s a key part of today’s digital marketing strategy. With brands like Ray-Ban, Gucci, and Disney proving its potential, it’s clear that AR filters are here to stay.
They offer a way for businesses to stay relevant in a competitive marketplace, especially as Instagram continues to evolve. As more businesses adopt AR, it will become increasingly important for brands to stay ahead of the curve and embrace this technology to connect with their audience in meaningful ways.
Conclusion: Embrace the Future of Engagement
As augmented reality continues to rise in popularity, businesses cannot afford to ignore its potential. By incorporating AR filters into your Instagram strategy, you can drive engagement, increase brand awareness, and build a stronger connection with your audience.
So, what are you waiting for? The future of business engagement is here, and it’s interactive, fun, and immersive.
To get started and learn how AR can elevate your brand, contact Ikonik Digital 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.
