Augmented reality and virtual reality are no longer confined to the world of video games or futuristic gadgets—they’ve become powerful tools for brands to elevate their online presences and create experiences that truly captivate. As these immersive technologies continue to grow, so does their impact on how consumers engage with brands.
In fact, the AR and VR marketing industry is set to explode, jumping from $4.5 billion in 2023 to a massive $24.2 billion by 2033.
But here’s the kicker: social media is the perfect playground for these innovations. Social platforms are becoming more than just spaces for scrolling—they’re interactive hubs where brands can forge deeper connections with their audiences. With immersive experiences, personalized ads, and virtual events, social media allows AR & VR companies to engage like never before.
Let’s dive into some of the standout campaigns that are using social media to amplify these immersive experiences
- The Power of Social Media for AR & VR Marketing
- 1. Gucci’s AR Try-On: Luxury, Now with a Virtual Twist
- 2. Grimace Shakes Things Up: McDonald’s AR Campaign That Went Viral
- 3. Faces’ AR Beauty Campaign: A National Day Filter for the Ages
- 4. Basic-Fit’s Euro 2024 AR Campaign: Turning Football Fans Into Brand Champions
- 5. Fenty Beauty x Arcane: When Gaming Meets Glam
- 6. Bershka's Semi-Digital Clothing: A Fashion-Forward Future
- The Future of Social Media Marketing Is Immersive—and It’s AR
- Frequently Asked Questions
The Power of Social Media for AR & VR Marketing
From jaw-dropping experiences to playful interactions, social media is reshaping how AR & VR brands connect with audiences. Here are some of the most innovative social media campaigns making waves in the AR & VR world.
1. Gucci’s AR Try-On: Luxury, Now with a Virtual Twist
Gucci, known for its high-end fashion, took the AR world by storm in 2020 with a collaboration on Snapchat that allowed users to virtually try on luxury sneakers. The AR Try-On campaign wasn’t just a tech experiment—it was a peek into the future of shopping, where fashion and social media collide.
With the simple tap of a screen, users could slip into iconic Gucci designs like the Ace or Rhyton sneakers, and then easily move from virtual try-on to purchase, all within Snapchat’s seamless interface.
This campaign showed that luxury doesn’t always have to be exclusive—it can be interactive and fun, even on a platform known for filters and selfies. Gucci bypassed traditional influencer-heavy campaigns, instead allowing Snapchat’s AR tech to drive the buzz.
The results? Over 18 million unique users reached and a positive ROI on ad spend, proving that even high-end brands can make waves with the right tech and timing.
2. Grimace Shakes Things Up: McDonald’s AR Campaign That Went Viral
McDonald's Grimace Shake campaign is a perfect example of how nostalgia and AR can work wonders together. When McDonald’s launched this purple milkshake in the Nordics, they didn't just introduce a new drink—they sparked a cultural moment.
Through Snapchat’s AR lens, users could virtually try on oversized sunglasses, channeling Grimace’s playful persona. What followed was a snowball effect of organic user-generated content (UGC) that turned the campaign into a viral sensation, driven by everyday users on TikTok and Snapchat.
@mommasparkleseffectqueen Trying the Grimace Shake effect #grimaceshake #happybirthdaygrimace #grimaceshakeeffect #mcdonalds #mcdonaldsgrimaceshake ♬ original sound - CEO of new effects
The magic of this campaign? It wasn’t just about the drink; it was about how McDonald’s embraced the strange and fun aspects of user-generated content, particularly when it came to exaggerated TikTok videos that spun the Grimace Shake into a meme.
By leaning into this organic chaos, McDonald’s made the campaign feel spontaneous and authentic. The results? A boost in ad recall and product awareness, not to mention a cultural moment that had people laughing and sharing for weeks.
3. Faces’ AR Beauty Campaign: A National Day Filter for the Ages
In Saudi Arabia, Faces used AR to turn beauty and national pride into a powerful marketing tool. For Saudi National Day 2024, the brand launched an AR filter on Snapchat that allowed users to overlay festive greetings onto their selfies. What made this campaign so special was how it tapped into the personal pride of Saudi citizens, turning everyday users into brand advocates.
There were no high-profile influencers here—just everyday people sharing their personalized National Day messages.