What are AR face filters? How can they help engage visitors?
Stand out
AR face filters are a great way to deliver creative, fun and personalised experiences that are inspired by museum and heritage collections, sites and stories.
What are AR face filters?
Let's start with the basics. AR (Augmented Reality) face filters are digital elements that automatically 'stick' to a person's face in real-time when seen through a smartphone camera. They were first introduced to the mass market by Snapchat in 2017 with the introduction of 'Lenses'.
Facial recognition technology links digital images or animations to specific facial features, like eyes, allowing them to move with a person's expressions.
The digital content can be anything from simple stickers to 3D animated characters.
How do you make AR face filters?
We begin with 2D or 3D object files or animations. Usually, we create these based on a request or app design concept developed with the team we are working with. Sometimes, we receive files made by others.
We then work with our partners DeepAR to adapt these files so they can operate in an AR and face recognition environment. And then, ultimately, in the mobile app, we produce.
How are AR face filters used today?
AR face filters are very popular on social media platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok. They are also now used by businesses to demonstrate what a product might look like when worn, e.g., sunglasses.
In museums and heritage sites, Flo-culture uses AR face filters to create fun and interactive experiences. Our 'Create a unique player profile' feature allows app users to use virtual accessories like hats and glasses to make personalised digital profiles or avatars. These profiles are easy to share with family and friends and can be updated anytime. They are also used to produce personalised Achievement Certificates.
Interactive storytelling
You can bring history to life with an 'AR digital dressing-up' feature. This would enable visitors to 'wear' costumes from different time periods using virtual accessories. The Highland Folk Museum created use AR technology to turn 3D models of two hats from their collection in to interactive AR face filters which enabled visitors to ‘try on’ the hats!
Gamification
You can encourage visitors to explore more by hidding AR face filters near exhibits and stories you want visitors to discover. Once found, visitors can add the found AR face filter to their virtual accessory collection, giving them more to play with on-site and at home. You can also provide real and virtual rewards for reaching collection goals.
Make it even more fun by using clues and puzzles to lead visitors to hidden items. Then, use Bluetooth or GPS signals or image triggers to unlock the virtual accessories. This ensures they can only be accessed at certain locations across your site.
Visitor engagement
We know from feedback and anonymised data analytics that users love playing with AR face filters. They find it simple because they understand the concept, and it's fun to quickly create new profiles of themselves, with selfie mode, or others in their company using regular camera mode.
Social sharing and increased visibility
In the app we make it fast and easy to share AR face filter content on social media, helping you reach more people.
You can boost your social media presence further by using hashtags for posts with AR content. Our research shows that posts that contain AR enhanced contend get 40% more likes and shares than others.
Get in touch to find out how you can use AR face filters to entertain and inspire your visitors.