The online shopping sphere just got an upgrade with the addition of Facebook AR advertisements. Recently, the company began testing these augmented reality ads, which will pop up in your newsfeed and give advertisers a new way to show off their products. Once it is rolled out, this feature will be a game-changer for the social media platform! Here are four things you must know about the new update:
These advertisements will look like normal in-feed ads at first glance. However, they are different from other ads because they include a “try it on” option, where you can see exactly how the product would look before purchasing. Now you can see what an item would look like before purchasing just by scrolling through your feed. Facebook users will be able to view and shop for digital versions of all of their favorite fashion accessories, makeup, and furniture before buying them online with the Facebook app.
Facebook says that Michael Kors was the first brand to jump on the bandwagon and start using AR ads to promote products. However, they are not the only ones willing to try out the new feature. Other large brands such as Sephora, NYX Professional Makeup, Bobbi Brown, Pottery Barn, Wayfair, and King are planning their own tests with AR ads later this summer. We predict that as the feature becomes more popular, more brands will use it to showcase their products.
Snapchat has played around with sponsored AR ads through lenses. The platform has produced two types of lenses. The first one is called world lenses, which uses the rear-facing camera, and the second is lenses, which use the front-facing camera. Although this is not AR advertising, shopping capabilities on social media platforms are a growing trend. Recently, Instagram started allowing brands to place stickers on their Instagram Story, which lead to a link that lets users shop the Story. This sticker will provide an alternate outlet for the online shopping sphere.
In general, customers are hesitant to online shop because they prefer to see how something looks before purchasing. They still enjoy the “trying on” experience, but do not always have time to head over to the store. This feature lets you try on the product before purchasing it from the comfort of your own home. This update may make individuals more open to online shopping, specifically, on Facebook. We predict that it will drive even more engagement and sales on the platform. Happy shopping!
