Wondering how to break through the noise and actually get noticed by today’s consumers?
Between ad blockers, short attention spans, and increased privacy regulations, traditional targeting just isn’t cutting it anymore. Marketers are scrambling for new ways to deliver relevance without being creepy and conversions without being disruptive.
Enter Augmented Reality (AR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), two powerhouse technologies that, when combined, are rewriting the rules of digital advertising.
These aren’t just shiny buzzwords. Together, AR and AI are enabling hyper-personalised, high-converting campaigns that are as delightful to users as they are effective for brands. So, how exactly are AR and AI joining forces to build campaigns that feel more like experiences and less like ads? Let’s dive in!
What Are AR and AI and Why Are They a Big Deal in Marketing Right Now?
In plain terms:
- AR (Augmented Reality) overlays digital content onto the physical world, think filters, try-ons, 3D product demos.
- AI (Artificial Intelligence) uses data to make decisions or predictions, like personalising experiences based on behaviour or preferences.
When used together, they unlock a level of context, relevance, and interactivity that static ads simply can’t deliver. And the timing? Couldn’t be better.
- Privacy-first internet is limiting traditional tracking.
- User attention spans are shrinking, you’ve got seconds to make an impact.
- Consumers expect personalisation, but not at the cost of privacy.
Smarter Campaigns Start with Intelligent Data
Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all ad campaigns. With AI embedded into AR campaigns, brands can now create real-time responsive content that adapts to each user. Imagine:
- A virtual sneaker try-on that recommends styles based on what the user interacted with earlier.
- A makeup AR filter that uses AI to match skin tone and suggest personalized looks.
- An interactive AR story that changes dynamically based on time of day or weather.
AI isn’t just tagging users; it’s interpreting behaviour, context, and preferences to shape immersive experiences in the moment.
Personalisation Meets Play: Why AR Is the Ultimate Storyteller
Let’s face it, AR is fun. It’s playful. It turns passive scrolling into active participation.
Now, combine that with AI, and things get really interesting. Here’s what AI brings to AR:
- Contextual awareness: Recognise when, where, and how to serve content.
- Emotional engagement: AI can analyse facial expressions to adapt the AR experience in real time.
- Predictive storytelling: Based on previous interactions, AI can guide the user through a journey (like a virtual fitting room that remembers your past outfits).
The result? A bespoke experience that feels more like a game or conversation than an ad.
Why Brands Are All In: 4 Big Benefits of AR + AI in Ads
- Skyrocketing Engagement AR ads hold attention up to 4x longer than traditional formats. Add AI and they become impossible to ignore.
Stat: 2.4x more attention with AR ads vs. non-AR ads - Higher Conversion Rates AI doesn’t just personalise, it predicts. That means showing the right product, in the right way, at the right time.
Stat: AR try-ons drive 94% higher conversion rates - More User-Generated Content People love sharing AR experiences, especially when they’re tailored to them.
Stat: 70% of consumers say AR makes ads more engaging - Smarter Optimisation in Real-Time AI learns what works, then updates the experience mid-campaign for better results.
Stat: AI-powered personalisation increases ROI by up to 30%
Chronic Cellars – The World’s First AI-Powered Sommelier in AR
How do you turn a wine bottle into an interactive brand storyteller?
What They Did:
- Scanned the wine bottle with a phone, no app required
- An AI-generated 3D character (Chronic Carl) emerged in AR, matching the brand’s edgy tone
- Powered by ChatGPT and custom AI training, Carl could:
- Recommend wine pairings
- Answer questions about the wine
- Share quirky, brand-aligned commentary
The Results:
- 50% longer engagement time than average AR campaigns
- Massive UGC generation via social shares
- Boost in both online and in-store engagement
- Created a new standard for AI + AR interaction in the beverage space
What’s Next? Predictive, Emotional, Spatial Campaigns
The future of advertising lies in intelligent immersion. Here’s what’s on the horizon:
- Spatial AR in retail: AI + AR guiding customers in-store, providing context-aware offers, live styling tips, or gamified experiences.
- Predictive personalisation: Campaigns that know what the user needs before they do, based on micro-behaviours and signals.
The next wave of ads won’t just be seen. They’ll be felt. And remembered. AR and AI aren’t just enhancing advertising, they’re reinventing it. Together, they create: personalised experiences, smarter targeting, higher engagement, better outcomes for brands and users alike.
Want to build smarter, more immersive campaigns?
Begin with something simple, an AR experience that grabs attention. Layer in AI to personalise it. Measure what resonates. Then scale your success.
Let’s connect and explore how AR and AI could bring fresh ideas to your brand!