Virtual Reality (VR) seems to be the buzzword in content marketing at the moment. It was widely predicted to abound as a commercial product in 2016, and it certainly has. Already this year, lots of brands have experimented with VR technology and it is increasingly being used to create imagined environments for games or interactive stories. So, being a digital marketing agency, thought we’d explore why virtual reality technology is rapidly becoming the world’s new favourite communication platform.

Firstly, for those of you who don’t know, let’s briefly outline what VR is. VR denotes computer-generated simulation of a 3D world that can be interacted with in a seemingly real or physical way. You can experience an augmented reality that truly feels like you are present in another place with other people.

As technology develops, the number of brands and businesses exploring the opportunities VR offers rises. For example, VR is one of the biggest updates coming to Android N this year. Google recently teased Daydream, its “platform for high quality mobile virtual reality,” which will be released this autumn. It stated that it has been developing both a physical headset and controller, as well as apps for the VR experience.

Also, Facebook launched Oculus Rift, their new VR platform for fully-immersive games, which after some teething issues, has proved to be immensely popular. YouTube soon followed, launching live-streamed 360-degree videos in VR with 3D sound. These are but a few of the brands branching out into the world of VR.

So, what’s so great about VR?

VR’s increased emphasis on connecting with customers on a more personal level means that content resonates more clearly with your audience, especially with the younger generation, who are notoriously less affected by more traditional marketing techniques. VR represents an innovation in visual storytelling, where consumers can not only interact and engage with a business, but they are fully immersed in an entire world. However, as content copywriters ourselves, we know that as with all content marketing, VR will only be effective if the content is worthwhile and relevant to your business. But, it’s not difficult to see why brands are keen to exploit the marketing potential that VR offers.

The future is bright for VR and not just in the world of gaming. Unicef recently created an immersive video to highlight the Syrian refugee crisis, which proved to be very successful in raising awareness and encouraging donations. There is also talk of using VR to treat some mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety.

In 2014, Mark Zuckerberg stated – “one day, we believe this kind of immersive, augmented reality will become a part of daily life for billions of people.” Goldman Sachs predicted that the industry could be worth a whopping £56.8billion by 2025!

It seems that VR is fast becoming the next big content marketing medium. With the ability to truly immerse people in another world, the possibilities of VR are endless. The only limiting factor is your imagination. Watch this space!

Zool is a digital marketing agency, specialising in content marketing and app development. To learn more about these services, please get in touch on 01625 238770 or email us at [email protected].

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Virtual Reality: The New Content Marketing Medium?

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Virtual Reality (VR) seems to be the buzzword in content marketing at the moment. It was widely predicted to abound as a commercial product in 2016, and it certainly has. Already this year, lots of brands have experimented with VR technology and it is increasingly being used to create imagined environments for games or interactive stories. So, being a digital marketing agency, thought we’d explore why virtual reality technology is rapidly becoming the world’s new favourite communication platform.

Firstly, for those of you who don’t know, let’s briefly outline what VR is. VR denotes computer-generated simulation of a 3D world that can be interacted with in a seemingly real or physical way. You can experience an augmented reality that truly feels like you are present in another place with other people.

As technology develops, the number of brands and businesses exploring the opportunities VR offers rises. For example, VR is one of the biggest updates coming to Android N this year. Google recently teased Daydream, its “platform for high quality mobile virtual reality,” which will be released this autumn. It stated that it has been developing both a physical headset and controller, as well as apps for the VR experience.

Also, Facebook launched Oculus Rift, their new VR platform for fully-immersive games, which after some teething issues, has proved to be immensely popular. YouTube soon followed, launching live-streamed 360-degree videos in VR with 3D sound. These are but a few of the brands branching out into the world of VR.

So, what’s so great about VR?

VR’s increased emphasis on connecting with customers on a more personal level means that content resonates more clearly with your audience, especially with the younger generation, who are notoriously less affected by more traditional marketing techniques. VR represents an innovation in visual storytelling, where consumers can not only interact and engage with a business, but they are fully immersed in an entire world. However, as content copywriters ourselves, we know that as with all content marketing, VR will only be effective if the content is worthwhile and relevant to your business. But, it’s not difficult to see why brands are keen to exploit the marketing potential that VR offers.

The future is bright for VR and not just in the world of gaming. Unicef recently created an immersive video to highlight the Syrian refugee crisis, which proved to be very successful in raising awareness and encouraging donations. There is also talk of using VR to treat some mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety.

In 2014, Mark Zuckerberg stated – “one day, we believe this kind of immersive, augmented reality will become a part of daily life for billions of people.” Goldman Sachs predicted that the industry could be worth a whopping £56.8billion by 2025!

It seems that VR is fast becoming the next big content marketing medium. With the ability to truly immerse people in another world, the possibilities of VR are endless. The only limiting factor is your imagination. Watch this space!

Zool is a digital marketing agency, specialising in content marketing and app development. To learn more about these services, please get in touch on 01625 238770 or email us at [email protected].

SaveSave