Augmented Reality Influences Purchasing, and Shoppers Think it’s Here to Stay

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Augmented Reality Influences Purchasing, and Shoppers Think it’s Here to Stay

Did you know that two-thirds of consumers are likely to make a purchase after using branded augmented reality to help them shop? We’re excited to release the findings from our new study exploring the impact of AR on shopper behavior, commissioned by our friends at Snapchat and Publicis Media! Our team found that AR adoption is on the rise, and that consumers – particularly Snapchatters – are seeking this technology out during their shopping experiences. 

This international study looked into the levels of AR adoption among shoppers, how using AR experiences influences the shopper journey, and what it means for purchases and brand engagement. “Consumers are expecting more from brands, and this research proves that AR supports these expectations by not only delighting customers but also positively influencing the purchase decision-making process,” said David Roter, VP of Global Agency and Brand Partnerships, Snap Inc. “Brands need to consider the utility and widespread appeal of AR-based experiences when developing marketing and engagement strategies, as the data shows that it’s becoming critical to long-term success.”

 

Methodology

Alter Agents conducted a three-part study in the United States, United Kingdom, France and Saudi Arabia. Research included in-depth interviews with AR experts to explore AR’s evolving dynamics; mobile ethnographies with daily diary entries; and a quantitative survey among 1,000 people ages 13-49 in each market (n = 4,000) who are smartphone owners and AR non-rejectors. 

 

Key Findings

  • Purchase decisions are spurred by AR: Branded AR experiences increase the likelihood of purchase, particularly in categories like home decor (73%). Some of the most effective experiences were product personalization (73%), virtual try-on (72%), and product demonstration (70%).
  • Shoopers have high AR awareness and adoption: More than half of people aged 13–49 claimed to have used AR in the past, and nearly one-third have used branded AR. Snapchatters are 56% more likely than non-Snapchatters to have used branded AR.
  • Most see an increasing role for AR in the shopping landscape: More than three in four believe AR technology will play a role in how people shop in the next five years. Two in three who say they would use branded AR for shopping also agree they are likely to purchase after a branded AR experience.
  • Consumers are looking for AR: 54% actively search for AR experiences, most commonly seeking out branded AR by searching within the camera on digital platforms like Snapchat.
  • AR shareability heightens impact: 61% say the ability to easily share branded AR experiences is important to them.

We now know that branded AR experiences can positively impact and influence consumers at multiple points along the shopper journey. They inform purchases, boost positive brand perceptions, and educate consumers.

Read More: Our research on augmented reality

Our team excels at building creative, multi-modal research projects to answer business questions about emerging tech like this. We’d love to explore how our work can boost your brand!

 

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