Technological advancements have opened up new user experience avenues in augmented reality. Nowadays, this technology has resolved various business issues in the retail, gaming, healthcare, and education sectors.
“According to ReportsnReports, the market for augmented reality will increase to $60 billion in 2023 due to enhancement in how people and AR devices interact. Another analysis by EmerGen Research revealed that the global Augmented Reality (AR) market size is expected to reach $100 billion by 2024 and $332.60 billion by 2028.”
It is essential to monitor AR technology, whether you run a startup or an established company, to forecast where the sector is headed and how to capitalize on it. The top AR trends for 2023 are listed below.
AR trends to dominate in 2023
Various AR trends have gained significant momentum in recent years and are expected to continue evolving and expanding. One such trend is the increasing use of AR in e-commerce and retail. AR technologies have enabled customers to try on clothing virtually or visualize furniture in their homes before purchasing, resulting in enhanced customer satisfaction and reduced product returns. In addition, AR is expected to become more widely used in healthcare, particularly in surgical training and simulation. AR can provide surgeons with real-time visualizations of surgical procedures, enhancing precision and reducing the likelihood of complications. Let’s dive deep into the trends below.
Trend #1: Augment reality insights shows mobile AR users worldwide will expand to hit 1.4 billion
A Statista study published in June 2022 predicts that mobile augmented reality (AR) users worldwide will reach approximately 1.4 billion by 2023, an increase of 1 billion from 0.44 million users observed in 2019. By 2024, it is estimated that the number of mobile AR users worldwide will reach 1.73 billion. These numbers prove that AR is gaining more popularity among people, and businesses must leverage this technology to drive sales and increase their ROI.
Trend #2: Marketers and retailers leverage AR to acquire new consumers.
In 2023, it is clear that augmented reality (AR) will become a significant focus for marketers and users. The increasing number of organizations investing in AR presents unique opportunities that demand careful attention to shifting contexts and emerging trends. Furthermore, the growing awareness of AR’s potential beyond simple filters among a broader range of people highlights the need for expertise in this field to stay ahead of the curve. Marketers and retailers worldwide are tapping into AR ideas or shopping tools like the digital human or trying before buying to increase sales.
With the rise of digital influencers as a trend, many industries are eager to tap into their commercial potential. They use augmented virtual humans in real-life settings to help brands establish emotional connections with their customers. As a result, by 2030, the digital human sector, according to EmerGen Research, will be worth $527.58 billion, growing at 46.4% (CAGR) over the preceding decade.
60% of consumers prefer to use augmented reality in their shopping experience, and 46% of business owners are upbeat about the transition. By incorporating AR technology into marketing materials, businesses can enhance audience engagement and increase purchase chances. Retailers have already started using augmented reality in their online stores, allowing customers to try products virtually from the comfort of their homes.
Trend #3: Use of AR-based marketing campaigns to stand out
A growing number of brands are incorporating augmented reality into their marketing campaigns to impact consumers profoundly. Recently, Burberry set a strong example of a successful implementation of AR in a marketing strategy. The brand created an in-store AR experience that allowed customers to engage with the modern classicism of their signature Olympia Bag.
By capturing and sharing photos and videos of the experience on social media, the campaign gave the product increased visibility. As it becomes more challenging to capture consumers’ attention, AR in marketing will likely continue to grow in popularity throughout 2023.
Trend #4: AR live-stream shopping will be more popular
Live stream shopping has become a rapidly growing trend in the Western world, following its well-established popularity in China. The Chinese market for live commerce is expected to reach a value of $770.70 billion by 2023, making it the foremost reference point for understanding this emerging trend.
To take advantage of this new marketing avenue, brands increasingly utilize e-commerce applications and social media platforms such as TikTok Live and Instagram Live to promote and sell products. In these shoppable live streams, influencers typically lead the product demonstrations and descriptions, engaging with the audience in real time and answering their questions. Shoppable live streams offer several benefits to marketers, including the potential to expedite the sales process.
Trend #5: NFTs will go beyond the artwork and face filters
Gartner projected that by 2026, a quarter of the global population will have devoted at least one hour each day to activities in the metaverse. The role will shape this virtual space played by non-fungible tokens (NFTs), facilitating access to the metaverse and providing avenues for valuable ownership.
Prominent among the digital experiences available in this environment are commerce, cooperation, gaming, education, and socialization, each of which may incorporate augmented reality (AR) NFTs for enhanced engagement. NFTs have already been experimented with by well-known brands, including Dolce & Gabbana, which created a $6 million AR wearables collection with NFTs. NFTs are expected to appear more frequently in 2023 as the metaverse becomes closer to reality.
How can PROVEN reality help?
To integrate augmented reality (AR) into your online business, start by identifying the aspects of your business that could benefit from the technology, such as product visualization or customer engagement. You can explore PROVEN Reality AR solutions that fit your business needs, ranging from easy-to-use platforms to more customizable options. Once you have chosen an AR solution, create compelling AR content aligned with your brand image and business goals. Lastly, test and optimize your AR content to ensure a seamless user experience. Integrating AR into your online business can enhance customer engagement, boost sales, and stay ahead of the competition.