How AR and VR Are Entering Digital Advertising
One second I was browsing Instagram, the next I was wearing sneakers in my living room.
Okay—not real sneakers, but close. It was an AR ad for Nike, and just like that, my phone turned into a magic mirror, showing me how those new kicks would look on my actual feet. I didn’t even plan on buying shoes that day… and yet here we are. Visa is still recovering.
Sound familiar?
If it doesn’t yet, trust me—it will. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) aren’t some sci-fi fantasy anymore. They’re slowly (and sometimes not-so-slowly) sneaking their way into digital advertising. And as someone who’s watched enough tech buzzwords come and go, I’ve gotta say: this one’s got legs. Real ones. Legs wearing virtual sneakers, but still.
Let’s dive into what this means for marketers, brands, and the rest of us—especially those of us sitting up here in Canada, watching all this change swirl in like a Prairie snowstorm.
You know it. I know it. We’re all numb to ads.
Between the pop-ups, the pre-rolls, and the creepy “how did they know I was thinking of a waffle maker?” tracking—it’s all starting to feel… stale. Traditional digital ads? They’re noisy, boring, and 99% of the time, I’m smashing that “skip” button like it owes me money.
And let’s be real—people don’t want to be sold to anymore. They want to feel something. They want fun. Magic. Interaction. A bit of a spark.
That’s where AR and VR crash the party.
Agitate: Static Ads Can’t Compete With Immersive Ones
You ever try on makeup without leaving your bed? Because I did—using AR from a beauty brand on TikTok. I looked like a million bucks and didn’t spend a single one (yet). My sister in Edmonton tried it next and ended up placing an order five minutes later.
The point is: AR and VR aren’t just ads—they’re experiences. And once someone experiences something, they remember it.
Think about it:
- A furniture store lets you place a couch in your living room using AR before buying?
- A travel agency offers a virtual gondola ride through Venice before you book your trip?
- A car brand gives you a VR test drive from your driveway in Thunder Bay?
Good luck getting that kind of impact from a static banner ad.
And yet, most marketers are still stuck with flat visuals and tired taglines. It’s like showing up to a laser light show with a flashlight.
Solution: How to Actually Use AR & VR in Digital Ads (Without Breaking Your Brain)
So here’s where it gets fun. You don’t need a warehouse full of VR headsets or a Silicon Valley budget to play in this space. Brands—from indie candle shops in Halifax to real estate firms in Vancouver—are starting to tap into immersive tech in some brilliant ways.
1. Augmented Reality Try-Before-You-Buy
From glasses to lipstick to flooring samples, AR try-ons are helping shoppers feel confident before they buy. And confidence? That converts.
Bonus Tip: Even if you’re a local business in Canada, platforms like Shopify and Snap’s AR tools make this way more doable than you’d think.
2. Virtual Tours & Experiences
VR ads are a dream for real estate, tourism, or event planning. Give folks in Toronto a chance to “walk through” a Muskoka cottage before booking. Or let someone “attend” your festival from their living room.
3. Interactive Social Filters
Snapchat and Instagram filters aren’t just for fun anymore. They’re branded experiences. I’ve seen small Canadian skincare brands use them to show off product effects—and yeah, I totally clicked through after giggling at a glowing unicorn mask.
4. Gamified Ads
Games in ads? Yes, please. One clever campaign let users “collect” points in a virtual scavenger hunt that led to discounts. The engagement was wild. People didn’t just see the ad—they played with it. That’s stickiness.
5. Location-Based AR
Imagine scanning a mural in Montreal and unlocking a secret menu from a local café. Or pointing your phone at a billboard in Winnipeg to reveal a behind-the-scenes music video. These aren’t just ads—they’re moments.
Clean & Sharp Conclusion: This Is the Next Frontier—Get in While It’s Still Weird
Let’s be real for a minute. AR and VR are not “nice-to-haves.” They are not just the shiny toys of big brands; they are the next layer of real connection in an already digital space that lacks connection.
And for marketers? This is the moment. This is the time when the tech is sufficiently advanced to be cool, but fresh enough that people want to play with it.
So, whether you are a creative director in Toronto, a solo entrepreneur in Saskatoon, or a curious bystander in a spectator role in all of this—dive in. Be weird. Try things. The tech is available. The audience? They are so ready for something different.
Believe me—I dropped $180 on a virtual pair of sneakers without thinking twice. Imagine what you could do with an experience.
Now go create some digital goodness!
And don’t forget to save me a spot in the metaverse. Preferably with a lake view and good Wi-Fi.
