Augmented reality (AR) apps have become increasingly popular among consumers and marketers alike, offering a futuristic shopping experience. Approximately half of consumers express interest in using AR and other metaverse technologies for shopping within the next five years. Moreover, a significant portion of marketers are leveraging AR to engage customers both online and in physical stores. With the surge of such trends, grasping the concept of augmented reality and its potential benefits for commerce strategies becomes crucial.
What is Augmented Reality?
Incorporating virtual 3D visuals seamlessly into real-world settings, augmented reality technology offers users an immersive experience. While AR has been predominantly employed in gaming to heighten realism, its utilization in shopping encounters is steadily increasing. In contrast to conventional online shopping, which often depends on static product photos, AR empowers consumers to envision products within their actual surroundings. This functionality empowers users to evaluate the appearance and fit of products in real-time, thereby bolstering their assurance in making purchasing decisions. Additionally, integrating AR into your shopping routine can be a valuable way to effectively budget your money by making informed and confident choices.
To capitalize on the growing popularity of augmented reality, businesses are adopting AR applications to revolutionize the shopping experience. Here are 11 of the best augmented reality apps currently available:
- Shopify AR
Shopify AR is an application harnessing augmented reality, empowering online store proprietors to provide immersive shopping encounters. This app allows users to view products in their environment using videos and 3D assets, providing insights into functionality, size, and scale.
- Houzz
Houzz is a platform catering to home goods and furniture sellers, offering AR functionality for interior layout planning and design. Users can visualize products in their homes through photos, ensuring a lifelike representation of how items will appear in different lighting conditions.
- IKEA Place
IKEA Place is an AR app focused on home décor, allowing users to virtually place furniture products in their homes without assembly. This app considers the entire floor plan of a home to determine optimal placement and offers options to explore different colors.
- YouCam Makeup
YouCam Makeup is an AR application for cosmetics, enabling users to test makeup products from various brands in real-time. This app addresses common challenges associated with buying makeup by providing accurate representations under typical selfie lighting conditions.
- GIPHY World
GIPHY World is an app that combines animated GIFs with AR effects to enhance photos and videos with 3D graphics. This app is ideal for adding personality to social media content and product photos.
- Google Lens
Google Lens is an app that enhances the search experience by providing AR features for visual search. Users can identify objects, translate text, and locate products for sale online, making it a valuable tool for both consumers and businesses.
- Augment
Augment is an app designed for ecommerce store owners to create augmented images of their products. These assets can be integrated into mobile apps, websites, or physical retail environments, enhancing the shopping experience for customers.
- ROAR
ROAR is an AR app targeted to businesses, offering various applications such as AR-powered online stores, interactive print ads, and consumer engagement insights. This app enriches both in-store and at-home brand experiences by providing engaging content and product information.
- Amikasa
Amikasa is an AR app focusing on home furnishings, aggregating products from various sources to enable users to create cohesive room designs. Users can browse and purchase items within the app, expanding conversion opportunities for sellers.
- Snapchat
Snapchat is a social media app known for its AR features, including filters and branded experiences. Businesses can leverage Snapchat for marketing campaigns and branded filters to engage with younger demographics.
- Wanna Kicks
Wanna Kicks is an AR app tailored for sneaker enthusiasts, allowing users to virtually try on footwear and share their selections on social media. This app caters to socially driven consumers who seek feedback from their peers.
Incorporating augmented reality into commerce strategies offers a multidimensional approach to product research and interaction, providing consumers with innovative shopping experiences. While the apps listed above represent a fraction of the available options, they demonstrate the potential for AR to transform the retail landscape. Businesses have the opportunity to explore various AR applications, identifying those that align best with their goals and enable novel and captivating interactions with customers.
