How Facebook Is Using AR tech to enhance your ads

Facebook has announced a few new ways in which it's enhancing its products with the use of AR technology.

Despite many people needing to be made aware of the augmented reality technology around them, AR is rapidly gaining traction and has become more and more common in our everyday lives. In fact,  the number of mobile augmented reality users is projected to hit 17.3 billion by 2024

The trend is reflected At VMG Digital where AR-enabled projects have grown exponentially. Only 12 months ago, the number of AR projects we created made up about 10% of the bulk. It now makes up over 40% of our creative projects.

In this blog, we will dive into the exciting realm of Facebook advertising and explore the extraordinary potential of Facebook augmented reality.

Table of Contents

Facebook has just announced new ways in which it is introducing AR to drive product discovery and purchases across its suite of apps. But first, the technology.

According to Facebook, technology has been a major blocker in making Augmented Reality more widely available across its apps. That’s why it is now making changes to make AR technology more accessible to business owners and advertisers. “We’re working to make it easier, faster, and more cost-effective for brands and advertisers to bring AR into their catalogs into Business Manager by piloting APIs for Beauty Partners with Modiface, a L’Oreal company, and Perfect Corp, two of the leading artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) beauty tech solutions providers.”

As part of the enablement, Facebook is making it easier and faster to import AR-ready 3D object assets directly into Facebook, meaning brands will be able to easily surface those assets into shops on Instagram or Facebook for an immersive “try-on” experience.

In this way, Augmented Reality goes beyond an entertaining way to create content and can be used as a tool to increase brand affinity and increase confidence in customers about their purchases.

What are Augmented Reality Facebook ads?

Gone are the days of traditional static ads. With Augmented Reality Facebook Ads, you can transform your products into interactive, virtual experiences that leap off the screen.

AR lets your audiences try on sunglasses that perfectly match their style, or see how that stunning piece of furniture looks in their living room, all without leaving the comfort of their screens. With Facebook AR Ads, you’re not just selling products; you’re creating unforgettable moments that resonate with your customers.

These ads aren’t just eye candy; they’re incredibly powerful tools for your business. Boost brand awareness by captivating your audience with immersive storytelling. Drive conversions as customers interact with your products in real-time, building trust and confidence in their purchasing decisions. And of course, increase engagement as people share their delightful AR experiences with friends and family, expanding your brand’s reach like wildfire.

Types of AR on Facebook

 

AR “Try-Ons”

Retail is a ripe market for the use of AR. We are now quite familiar with the experience of virtually “trying on” make-up, sunglasses, or other items.

Facebook first introduced a tool called AR Try On in 2019 only to select merchants that allowed users to virtually try on certain products. Two years on, Facebook is improving and expanding AR Try On by making it available across existing ad formats such as Dynamic Ads.

Facebook AR Tty on  Source: Facebook for Business

 

AR in Dynamic Ads

So far, Augmented reality ads are only available on the Facebook mobile News Feed and effects are usually produced by a partner via the Spark AR Studio

This however is about to change because AR is coming to Facebook Dynamic Ads!

When AR is fully enabled in Dynamic Ads, they will automatically show relevant products to people based on their interests using AR Try On technology to allow them to virtually ‘try on’ products before they buy.

In order to scale up product discovery on Facebook, the upload and generation of AR-enabled products have to become easier and not limited to just one product. That’s why instead of making one product available to try on, testing is underway to allow advertisers to upload a whole product catalog for AR products. These products will then power Dynamic Ads on Facebook, displaying relevant products to users based on their interests, intent, and actions, and allowing them to interact by trying them on themselves or their home.

Benefits of Facebook Augmented Reality Ads

 

Ignite Imagination

Spark your audience’s imagination with captivating AR ads that transport them to extraordinary worlds. From virtual try-ons to mind-bending filters, AR ads ignite curiosity and create immersive experiences that leave a lasting impact.

Interactive Adventures

Let your audiences explore, play, and interact with your products in delightful and unexpected ways. Augmented Reality Facebook ads transform passive observers into active participants, boosting engagement levels like never before.

Memorable Moments

Leave an indelible mark on your audience with AR ads that create unforgettable moments. Whether it’s a virtual makeover that unveils a new side of themselves or a virtual pet that brings joy to their day, these experiences linger in their memories and strengthen their connection with your brand.

Share-Worthy Spectacles

Prepare for your ads to go viral as AR experiences become the talk of the digital town. When users encounter something exciting, they can’t resist sharing it with friends and family. AR ads unlock the power of social sharing, exponentially expanding your brand’s reach and amplifying your message.

Playful Engagement

Break the mold of traditional advertising by infusing playfulness into your campaigns. AR ads encourage users to let their inner child out, bringing joy and entertainment to their screens. Through gamification and interactive elements, you create a sense of joyous engagement that builds positive brand associations.

WOW-Factor Impact 

Grab attention in a crowded digital landscape with the WOW factor of AR ads. When your audience encounters a jaw-dropping AR experience, they can’t help but be captivated. Stand out from the competition, create buzz, and make a lasting impression with ads that push boundaries and redefine what’s possible.

Essential Metrics for AR Ads

 

Reach and Impressions

Gauge the extent of your AR ad’s reach by tracking the number of unique users who have been exposed to your augmented experiences. Measure impressions to understand the frequency at which your ads are displayed.

Engagement Metrics

Assess metrics like total views, interactions, and average session duration to gauge the level of engagement and captivation your ads generate. 

Click-Through Rate (CTR)

Measure the percentage of users who click on your AR ads, indicating their interest and willingness to explore further. CTR reveals the effectiveness of your ad’s messaging and the appeal of the augmented experience, helping you optimize and refine your creative approach.

Conversion Metrics

Analyze metrics related to conversions, such as click-to-conversion rate, conversion volume, and cost per conversion. These metrics provide insights into the impact of your AR ads on driving desired actions, whether it’s purchases, sign-ups, or other predefined conversion goals. 

Sharing and Virality

Monitor metrics related to social sharing and virality to gauge the organic reach and amplification of your AR ads. Measure the number of shares, comments, and mentions your ads receive.

How to create your own Facebook Augmented Reality ads?

Step 1: Start by clarifying your advertising objective. Determine whether you want to increase brand awareness, drive conversions, or engage with your audience. 

Step 2: Explore Spark AR Studio. Understand the technical requirements, asset limitations, and guidelines to ensure your ads meet Facebook’s specifications.

Step 3: Brainstorm ideas for your AR ad experience. Consider how you can integrate your products, brand elements, or other interactive elements. 

Step 4: Use Spark AR Studio to design and build your AR experience or reach out to creative studios like VMG Digital to help you create immersive AR experiences. 

Step 5:  Test your AR to ensure it functions. Check for any technical glitches, optimize loading times & test across different devices to ensure compatibility. 

The brands we’ve worked with

 

Overwatch 2

Following the launch of Overwatch 2, Blizzard Entertainment tapped VMG Digital to help raise awareness about the launch, get downloads, and drive engagements through an AR filter. 

In only 10 days after the launch, the brand has already received:

overwatch ar filter by vmg digital

Other AR  Filters

From face filters, 3D, and games, to putting virtual elements in the user’s natural environment, AR filters are on-trend and highly relevant regardless of age. Now that people are starting to shop for summer essentials and booking trips, AR filters can help raise awareness about your flash deals or seat sales.

ar filters by vmg digital

How can VMG Digital help you create unique and immersive AR experiences on Facebook?

We are a Meta-partnered creative agency, giving us special access to different AR  trends, best practices, insights, and more. We have already produced 300+ AR projects to date all with an overall 96% customer satisfaction rate. 

Our talented pool of editors, designers, and animators will also make sure that we deliver high-quality & world-class output with a fast turnaround time. Through the help of our dedicated client services managers and our Create Technology (one-stop collaboration platform), we will guarantee a seamless collaboration experience.

Get exclusive access to this AR Guide for the Retail & CPG industry.

Frequently Asked Questions About Facebook AR

With Facebook AR, brands can captivate users by overlaying virtual elements, such as 3D objects, filters, and effects, onto real-world environments. This innovative technology offers a range of possibilities, from virtual try-ons and product visualizations to engaging games and interactive storytelling.

Facebook Augmented Reality ads allow businesses to seamlessly integrate virtual elements into users’ real-world environments, delivering captivating and interactive experiences. With Facebook AR ads, brands can showcase their products, services, or messages in a whole new dimension, engaging customers in a more immersive and memorable way.

Do you need help in streamlining your content creation?

Get a complimentary 30-minute creative strategy session and get a 10% off on your first project with us! 

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