Augmented Reality in Social Networks

Social networks: a virtual world that has become part of reality

Social networks are not just websites where people communicate and share information; they are whole worlds that have emerged relatively recently but have already firmly entered our lives.

On average, a person spends about two hours and 23 minutes a day on social networks, interacting with friends, working, developing themselves, engaging in hobbies, making purchases, and solving many other tasks. It is not surprising that companies have followed users onto these platforms. Nowadays, almost everyone has a “work” profile on a social network, and large companies simply cannot exist without them. Many firms even use social media profiles as their main websites.

Social networks bring users and entrepreneurs closer, eliminate barriers, and provide a quick response to requests. Communicating with their audience has become much easier. At the same time, it has become more challenging due to the large amount of information that the average user consumes every day.

Each social network has its unique atmosphere, audience, and set of tools. Some platforms prioritize articles, while others value impactful visuals or well-produced videos that can make someone an internet star. Each individual determines which format is more beneficial. Major brands strive to be present everywhere, while individual creators may have to focus on two or three platforms.

Of course, in each of these networks, there are competitors who understand how to use tools and audiences to their advantage. But what if you can offer something new? What if you can implement your own tool that will make your social media posts more attractive and engaging? Such a tool already exists — it is augmented reality.

The first AR in social networks

Snapchat was one of the pioneers in using AR in social media. They introduced the “Lenses” feature, allowing users to add fun and creative effects to their selfies and videos using augmented reality technology.

Facebook also actively integrated AR into its platforms. They launched the “Facebook Camera Effects” feature, enabling users to create and share their own AR filters and effects in Facebook and Instagram apps.

Instagram presented augmented reality effects for stories, allowing users to add interactive elements, masks, stickers and filters. Content becomes more creative and interesting.

Following these giants, other platforms also embraced AR. Nowadays, you can find augmented reality in many applications.

However, effects and masks are just a small part of what augmented reality is truly capable of. Games and entertainment, communication, education, and advertising are just a few of the many possibilities. You can choose one or all of them and add them to your page using no-code platform for creating AR content MyWebAR. It’s not more difficult than creating a new post or video! By the way, creating masks is also possible.

How can you build your content based on augmented reality in social media?

Thanks to the fact that MyWebAR operates on a browser-based system, you won’t have to redirect users to other applications in order for them to experience your augmented reality product.
What sets AR content apart from others? It’s original, versatile, and caters to multiple styles at once. You can create a game, an educational video with live interaction, add fun animations, or even develop a pack of animated stickers that users can share with each other!

Here is how you can format them:

1. Image and QR code

You can create a memorable post with augmented reality using an image marker and a QR code. You can read about how QR codes have become a part of our lives in the article.

The image is the first thing users see on social media. Your task is to make it so that they don’t mindlessly scroll past it, but rather catch their eye and stop to understand what is being shown to them.

Your next task is to briefly explain that augmented reality is hidden in this image and how it can be activated.

By the way, you can confidently combine an image + QR code in marketplaces and your own online store.

2. Link inside the post.

MyWebAR allows you to enter augmented reality both via a QR code and through a link. You can use links on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Reddit, and other platforms.

Just like with an image, it would be better for you to briefly and clearly explain to your followers about how augmented reality works

Include a screenshot of what users can expect when they follow the link: a mask, a game, a short animation, or maybe a video?

However, remember that not all social networks respond well to hyperlinks and may hide such posts from the feed. To avoid this, it is common to leave the link itself in a comment to the post.

Sample post

Health Community: Vitamins are very beneficial to our body. Look in augmented reality*, how much useful can be contained in just one capsule!

*To see AR, follow the link and point the camera at a free horizontal space.

Our 3D scanner will help quickly create a 3D model of the product and immediately upload it to the application. You can learn how to use it here.

3. Video with a link

However, not all social networks prioritize images and text. Somewhere we simply watch videos. YouTube and TikTok are all about that.

YouTube is receptive to ads and links, so you can easily insert a clickable link to your augmented reality project in your video or leave it in the description.

You can also integrate both QR codes and links into your video or use both methods.

TikTok is less suited for links. Currently, you can only create one clickable link and two links to other social networks: YouTube and Instagram.

Here we see several ways you can showcase your augmented reality project to your followers:

• Showcasing the AR itself. Perhaps even with some life hacks or tips if you have launched a game or educational project. And suggest transitioning to your other social media platforms where all the necessary links will be available.
• Embedding a QR code in the video. Users can screenshot it and use it later. However, this is not the easiest path for users.
• Changing the link every time you create a new AR project. And remember to mention this in your videos.

Perhaps soon we will have the opportunity to better integrate advertising on TikTok, but for now, we wait and keep track of updates together with you.

4. Gallery with a QR code for multi-scenes

You can create a file, carousel, gallery, or post with multiple images of a common theme, such as a product catalog, and add several AR scenes to them with a single link.

The QR code for activation can be placed at the beginning or end of the link. It is best to indicate on each image that it contains augmented reality content. Ideally, integrate a QR code into each image. This way, if the images are accidentally found in a search, the user can immediately see your AR content without having to search for the original post.

To make your personal brand stand out, customize augmented reality specifically for you.

By using AR in social media, you can enhance the effectiveness of your marketing efforts and achieve your business goals.

AR technologies are constantly evolving, and in the future, you can expect even more exciting and innovative ways to utilize them in social media and beyond