How can AR storytelling help your brand stand out?

The value of Brand storytelling is enormous. End users are attracted to products, services and brands that offer interactive content … much more than static design and traditional digital marketing. AR storytelling is hard work - mixing up content is key to enhance engagement, to keep front of mind. Give users a reason to come back to you and to win new friends. Put in the strategic time and effort when considering AR content and ensure it’s scalable and easily accessible.

AR storytelling can also reinvigorate existing ones by creating sophisticated, short or long-form, AR adventures. By linking various components together, authors can create “choose your own adventure” stories. In this case users tend to become a part of the story owing to the virtual objects and characters in them.

Augmented Reality (AR) storytelling can provide a unique and immersive way for brands to engage with their audience, convey messages, and create memorable experiences. Here are a few real-life examples of how AR storytelling has been used in the past: H&M's AR Fashion Show: Scenario: H&M created an AR experience where users could use their smartphones to view an AR fashion show in their physical environment. The virtual models showcased H&M's latest collection. Impact: This AR storytelling approach allowed H&M to bring the excitement of a fashion show directly to users, providing an innovative and interactive way to showcase new products.

Augmented Reality (AR) storytelling can make your brand stand out by creating captivating, interactive experiences. By blending the virtual and real worlds, AR engages users in unique and memorable ways, leaving a lasting impression.

Augmented reality is a common name for superimposing a digital layer on top of a physical environment in a way that transforms the existing reality into something new or different. The way this can be done included geolocation, 3D animation or, less often volumetric capture, sometimes spatial sound. AR in the current state of technology is most often created for mobile devices (for increased accessibility and due to severe difficulties in using head worn devices outdoors). AR allows us to create playful and thoughtful interventions in spaces we consider well known. Thanks to the surprisingly immersive effect of even low key mobile AR we memorize information better and engage deeper in what we experience through spatial storytelling.

I think implementing AR storytelling experience in the communication is becoming a strategic point for those brands that keep an eye on incoming trends, and the changing needs of the customers. But besides marketing campaigns, this technology can also improve the shopping experience for consumers, who are recognizing the company from fun, useful features like virtual try-on, or filters for personal use of the customers. This eventually leads to building a connection, and in the process there grows loyalty for the brand.

Enhanced Engagement: Example: Gucci's AR Sneaker Try-On Memorable Experiences: Example: Coca-Cola's AR Can Activation Differentiation and Innovation: Example: L'Oréal's AR Makeup Try-On Interactive Product Demonstrations: Example: BMW's AR Visualizer Bridge Between Physical and Digital Spaces: Example: Starbucks' AR Cup Magic. AR storytelling is important for brands because it allows them to connect with audiences in novel ways, create immersive experiences, and stay at the forefront of technological innovation. It can set a brand apart in a crowded market, foster brand loyalty, and contribute to a positive and memorable brand image.

AR storytelling enhances the brand experience by providing an interactive and immersive experience for the audience, making your brand memorable. It also differentiates your brand from competitors by showing innovation and forward-thinking. To create AR stories, follow these steps: 1. Identify your brand story and key message 2. Determine your target audience and their interests 3. Choose the right AR platform or technology 4. Develop interactive and engaging content 5. Test and iterate with feedback from a focus group or sample audience 6. Launch and promote across relevant channels. 7. Monitor and measure success using analytics tools Understanding your brand identity and audience desires is crucial for creating successful AR stories.

Brands are finally stepping up their marketing game with Augmented Reality. And not just small brands that want to showcase their new products but major brands like Loreal, Tresemme, Nike to name a few to create synchronous experiences that can be experienced by many people as a virtual event. These have often been seen at famous landmarks in NYC, parts of London, Paris and more. I even helped create a similar AR experience in the Netherlands.

Several brands have successfully implemented AR storytelling. For instance, Nike's AR app allowed customers to try on virtual sneakers, enhancing the shopping experience. The New York Times used AR to bring news stories to life, adding interactive elements to engage readers. Snapchat's AR filters have become a popular marketing tool, enabling brands to create playful and shareable experiences. In summary, AR storytelling helps your brand stand out by offering an interactive, immersive, and memorable experience. It bridges the gap between physical and digital realms, enhances product visualization, and generates social media buzz. Embracing AR can elevate your brand's storytelling capabilities and leave a lasting impact on your audience.

Challenges: 1. Technical limitations: Not everyone has access to the necessary technology for AR storytelling, limiting the reach of campaigns. 2. High costs: Developing AR experiences can be expensive, making it difficult for brands with limited budgets. 3. User adoption: Widespread adoption of AR technology is still in its early stages, making it challenging to convince users to engage with AR apps or experiences. Opportunities: 1. Enhanced engagement: AR storytelling offers a unique and immersive experience that can capture users' attention more effectively. 2. Brand differentiation: Utilizing AR can help brands stand out and showcase their innovative storytelling techniques. 3. Personalization 4. Data-driven insights 5. Social virality

How to generalize a story and make it simple enough so that the majority of the brand's TG (target audience) receives the message conveyed through that story, is the main point. The visuals are a close second and everything else comes next.

Challenges: Technical Barriers: Developing AR applications may pose technical challenges, requiring expertise in augmented reality development and potential compatibility issues with various devices. User Adoption and Accessibility: Not all users may be familiar with or willing to adopt AR technology. Content Quality and Relevance: Poorly executed or irrelevant AR experiences can lead to disengagement or negative brand perceptions. Dependency on Mobile Devices: AR experiences often rely on mobile devices. Integration with Brand Story: AR experiences should seamlessly integrate with the overall brand story. Ensuring a cohesive narrative across different mediums can be challenging.

By seamlessly blending digital elements with the physical world, AR creates immersive narratives that captivate and engage audiences. This allows brands to transcend traditional marketing boundaries, offering consumers memorable and interactive experiences. Whether it's virtually trying on products, exploring animated content, or interacting with brand-specific environments, AR storytelling fosters a deeper connection between the brand and its audience. In an era where consumer attention is a prized commodity, the ability of AR to create unique, shareable, and emotionally resonant moments positions brands at the forefront of technological innovation, setting them apart and leaving a lasting impact on the minds of consumers.

Leveraging AI + AR for real-time marketing is something can alway help to standout since audience can engage more with current events, trends.