Facebook is Adding Augmented Reality Ads in the News Feed.
limited inventory available to advertisers in its news feed, Facebook trying out slightly more unique ways of ensuring brands are getting the best for their reach.
Limited to its US users at launch, a new augmented reality (AR) feature will enable customers to virtually try on items “in just one click” from certain ads, including fashion accessories and cosmetics.
“From try-on product experiences to immersive filters for games and movies, AR enables people to connect with your business and products in innovative ways,” the company explained in a blog post.
“Now, with the introduction of AR ads in Facebook News Feed, people can experiment with your brand’s AR camera effects in just one click from your ad. And by incorporating calls-to-action within the camera experience, people can seamlessly go from engaging with your product—such as trying on a lipstick shade or exploring a new game—to making a purchase or installing an app.”
It’s not the first time the ad tech aggressor has dabbled with the concept of AR, having launched a similar ad product within its Messenger app and Instagram app encouraging users to share their creations in Snap-esque style. However, featuring these in the news feed will see them in a much more frontal and mainstream position.
Facebook says luxury fashion retailer Michael Kors was the first brand to try out the new iteration of the ads enabling potential customers to try on a pair of sunglasses from an extensive range of styles and lens colors.
Alongside the announcement, Facebook also released a mobile Video Creation Kit, enabling advertisers to customize simple video ads for mobile with existing images, overlays and logos, based on its research that eight of 10 (79%) of consumers would rather watch video than read text on a page.
A final announcement meanwhile came with the continued expansion of Shopping for Instagram stories which, having made available to a select few brands, it says is now available to all brands that have shopping on Instagram during the holiday season.