AR Advertising: Brands Doing It Right – AR Advertising Examples

Introduction

Augmented Reality (AR) is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s here and transforming how brands connect with customers. AR advertising allows consumers to interact with products in real-time, whether through smartphones, AR glasses, or immersive campaigns. Big brands are already leveraging AR to boost engagement, sales, and brand recall. Let’s look at some of the best AR advertising examples and what makes them successful.

Why AR Advertising Works

• Interactive Experience – Customers don’t just see an ad, they experience it.

• Stronger Emotional Connection – AR makes ads memorable.

• Boosts Sales – Try-before-you-buy increases consumer confidence.

• Social Media Buzz – AR ads are shareable and go viral easily.

Top AR Advertising Examples

1. IKEA Place App 🛋️

IKEA’s AR app lets customers place virtual furniture in their homes using their smartphone camera. This reduces purchase hesitation and boosts online sales.

2. Pepsi’s AR Bus Shelter Campaign 🥤

In London, Pepsi installed AR screens in bus shelters that showed flying saucers, tigers, and robots interacting with waiting passengers—creating a viral sensation.

3. L’Oréal Virtual Makeup Try-On 💄

L’Oréal’s AR-powered app lets customers try different shades of lipstick, eyeshadow, and foundation virtually before buying.

4. Nike AR Sneaker Try-On 👟

Nike used AR to allow customers to “wear” sneakers virtually and see how they look before making a purchase.

5. Burger King’s “Burn That Ad” Campaign 🍔🔥

In Brazil, Burger King’s app let users point their phone at rival McDonald’s ads, which then appeared to burn away, revealing a Whopper deal in AR.

How Small & Medium Brands Can Use AR Advertising

• Virtual product demos (furniture, jewelry, cars, real estate).

• AR filters on Instagram & Snapchat.

• Interactive product packaging.

• Virtual showrooms for retail stores.

The Future of AR Advertising

As AR devices and 5G technology grow, AR advertising will become even more immersive. From metaverse shopping malls to live AR concerts, brands that adopt AR early will stay ahead in the marketing race.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is AR advertising?

AR advertising uses Augmented Reality to create interactive brand experiences. Instead of just watching an ad, customers can interact with products in real-time using smartphones or AR devices.

2. Which industries benefit most from AR advertising?

AR ads work well for retail, fashion, beauty, real estate, food & beverages, and automotive industries. Any sector that needs product visualization can benefit.

3. Is AR advertising expensive?

Not always. Large brands spend big on AR campaigns, but even small businesses can create affordable AR filters, virtual showrooms, and product demos to engage customers.

4. How does AR advertising increase sales?

By allowing customers to “try before they buy”, AR builds trust and reduces purchase hesitation. For example, AR furniture apps let users see how a sofa fits in their room before buying.

5. Can AR advertising be used on social media?

Yes. Platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok already support AR filters and ads, making it easy for brands to go viral.

6. What is the future of AR advertising?

With the rise of Metaverse, 5G, and AR glasses, ads will become more immersive and personalized, offering real-time product experiences in virtual environments.