The use of VR and 360° video production is bringing about a revolution in marketing efforts. Since the time computers were invented, marketing began evolving. Companies got a boost in being able to reach out to more customers. At one point of time, technologies such as automobiles, printing press, telephones, etc., were the peak of revolutionary marketing.
The internet rewrote this narrative with the ability to spearhead marketing through multiple online channels such as websites, social media platforms, targeted ads and more. VR or virtual reality and 360° video production will give your brand a shining new armour to combat marketing challenges from competitors. Virtual reality uses a piece of dedicated hardware so as to help potential customers live the product experience like in a supermarket or showroom. It uses computer-generated scenarios using the real world as the basis.
In 360° videos, you can be in the centre of the videos looking in any direction around. In short, you’re in the middle of action. An increasing number of movie productions happen in 360° format for immersive viewer experiences. Hence, in the coming times, every video will come out in this format.
What’s fuelling this new marketing trend?
- Innovative storytelling: It helps brands build deeper connections with audiences and so, helps increase brand awareness and conversions.
- Immersive experiences: Engaging content is the mantra of the digital age. So, the more engaging your marketing videos are, the more interactions and brand building happens.
- Technology: With increasing affordability of tech such as VR and 360° video production facilities, it’s easier to attract and retain customers.
Where VR and 360° videos are trending
- Marketing: Brands creating immersive ads, behind-the-scenes or product launches
- Education: They help students go on a virtual field trip
- Tourism: Explore holiday destinations before booking
- Real Estate: Customers can view a property using VR or 360° videos before taking a purchase decision.
Return on Investment (ROI) in VR and 360° videos
Investing in VR and 360° videos prove worthwhile.
- Improve sales figures.
- Strengthen brand awareness.
- Build strong B2B relationships.
- Useful for training employees, including remote workers.
- It can support special promotions.
- Attracts attention on social media platforms.
- It boosts information retention.
Examples of VR and 360° video integration in marketing
- Amazon installed VR shopping kiosks across 10 malls in India including the VR headset and joystick.
- Walmart has filed two patents for virtual showrooms.
- Qantas airlines uses VR to market popular tourist destinations to customers. The Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park with the famous Ayers Rock was a popular one.
- Metricon, an Australian home building company uses VR marketing heavily to market its under-construction properties with a walkthrough so as to allow customers to request modifications at an early stage of construction.
Many other well known companies such as Coca Cola, McDonalds, etc., also deploy VR and 360° videos for their brand marketing.
Challenges to VR and 360° marketing
As of now, accessibility, production costs and intense content may prevent it from wider use. But as these issues get ironed out quickly, we can witness marketing taking on a new face.
Namesake Productions is the leading video production company in Hyderabad. Hence, If you’re looking at premium marketing videos, we’re always here to help you achieve your goal.