Before we get into the stories and strategies, let’s start with a simple question: why should brands care about AR and VR? The answer lies in the experience. Traditional marketing often focuses on showing or telling, but AR and VR let your audience interact. They create immersive, memorable experiences that build stronger emotional connections with your brand.

In 2025, consumers expect more than just advertisements. They want interactions. AR and VR help brands meet this demand in exciting ways.

1. AR: Bringing Products to Life

Imagine you’re shopping online for furniture. It’s hard to tell if a couch will look good in your living room based on just a photo. That’s where AR steps in. IKEA’s AR app, “IKEA Place,” allows users to virtually place furniture in their space using their phone camera. You can see how that couch fits in real time, from its size to its color matching your walls.

What brands can learn:

• AR can solve customer doubts by showing how products fit into their lives.

• It reduces the gap between online and offline shopping, making it easier for customers to make confident decisions.

2. VR: Immersive Storytelling

Now let’s talk about travel. During the pandemic, when travel was restricted, tourism brands used VR to keep the wanderlust alive. For example, Marriott Hotels created VR experiences where users could take a virtual walk on a Hawaiian beach or explore bustling streets in London. This didn’t just showcase destinations; it fueled a desire to book a trip once travel became possible again.

What brands can learn:

• Use VR to tell stories that transport people to another world.

• Create experiences that inspire action, whether it’s booking a trip or visiting a store.

3. Engaging Gen Z and Millennials

If your target audience includes younger generations, AR and VR should be on your radar. These groups grew up with technology and expect brands to keep up. Snapchat, for example, offers AR lenses that brands can customize. Taco Bell used this feature to create a filter where users could try on a virtual taco hat. It was fun, quirky, and highly shareable.

What brands can learn:

• Fun, shareable AR experiences can boost engagement, especially among younger audiences.

• Make your brand part of their conversations by offering playful, interactive content.

4. Interactive Shopping Experiences

AR and VR aren’t just about trying on hats or placing furniture. They’re revolutionizing the way people shop. Sephora’s Virtual Artist app lets users try on makeup using AR. You can test lipstick shades or eyeshadow palettes without stepping into a store. Similarly, brands like Nike are using VR to let customers design and view custom shoes in a 3D environment before purchasing.

What brands can learn:

• Give customers the tools to explore and customize products in new ways.

• Make shopping an interactive journey, not just a transaction.

5. Training and Customer Support

AR and VR aren’t just for selling; they’re also powerful tools for building trust and loyalty. In the automotive industry, brands like BMW use VR to train their staff, from mechanics to salespeople. Customers benefit, too. Imagine wearing an AR headset while fixing a small car issue, with step-by-step instructions overlaid in your view.

What brands can learn:

• Use AR and VR to educate and empower both employees and customers.

• Practical applications build trust and position your brand as innovative.

6. Creating Events People Can Attend from Anywhere

Live events are back, but not everyone can attend in person. That’s why brands like Dior and Balenciaga have experimented with VR fashion shows. Audiences from around the world could put on a VR headset and feel like they were sitting in the front row.

What brands can learn:

• Virtual events expand your reach, allowing more people to engage with your brand.

• Blend exclusivity with accessibility to create buzz.

7. Gamification and Rewards

Gamification has been a buzzword in marketing for years, but AR and VR take it to the next level. Pokemon GO showed us the potential of AR games, but brands are taking notes. Retailers are creating AR treasure hunts where customers can find discounts or rewards in physical locations. It’s not just fun; it drives foot traffic to stores.

What brands can learn:

• Turn engagement into a game to make interactions more enjoyable.

• Reward participation to create loyalty.

Challenges and Solutions

Of course, AR and VR aren’t without challenges. High development costs, the need for advanced technology, and ensuring a smooth user experience are common hurdles. However, brands can start small. For instance, Instagram and Facebook now offer built-in AR tools that require minimal investment. Start with these before diving into full-scale VR projects.