Enabling UGC with Augmented Reality: The Power of Social AR Filters for College Football Teams
As the fan experience spills into social media, so do the ways we connect with them. In the realm of college football, where passion and team spirit run deep, augmented reality (AR) filters have emerged as a game-changer.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how college football teams can harness the magic of AR filters to create unforgettable moments for their fans. From face-painted selfies to virtual tailgates, these filters bridge the gap between the digital and physical worlds, fostering a sense of community and excitement.
So, grab your virtual foam finger, and let’s dive into the playbook of social AR filters—where user generated content (UGC) meets Instagram, Snapchat and Tik Tok, and your team’s engagement scores a touchdown.
Benefits for College Football Teams
AR filters allow fans to virtually wear team colors, face paint, or even iconic helmets. Fans can snap selfies with these digital overlays during game day, creating memorable moments. Here are some of the benefits you can expect when running a Social AR Campagin:
Increase Fan Engagement
- Fans love sharing creative content and repping their team on social media. By offering custom AR filters, you encourage fans to become content creators.
- Whether it’s a spirited pre-game selfie or a touchdown celebration, AR filters amplify fan-generated content. When fans actively engage with AR filters, it strengthens their emotional connection to the team. The San Jose Sharks ran an AR marketing campaign during the Stanley Cup Playoffs and saw a 35% rise in fan interaction and 45% increase in social media participation.
Brand Visibility and Recognition
- When fans use your team’s AR filters to share pictures and videos, their content becomes organic marketing for your team. This allows you to reach their followers, thereby extending your team's visibility. The Sharks saw a 30% increase in local fans’ awareness and recognition during their playoff campaign.
- Consistent use of branded filters reinforces your team’s identity and fosters recognition.
Community Building
- AR filters create a sense of community among fans. When they see others using the same filters, it sparks comments and camaraderie. Paris Saint-Germain ran an AR campaign around their new jerseys debut and saw a 60% increase in social media impressions.
- Consider hosting virtual tailgate events where fans share using your filter and share it to your team’s story.
Remember, AR filters aren’t just about fun—they’re a strategic tool for enhancing fan experiences and strengthening your team’s digital presence.
Creating Custom Filters
When creating filters for your team, keep in mind your audience. What connects your fans with your institution? Is your mascot a favorite? Perhaps you want to test your fan’s knowledge. Optic Sky has a series of templates, like countdowns and quizzes, that can help you get started quickly with proven engagement. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Bespoke experiences can feel authentic and new, engaging your audience with content they’ve never seen before. Whatever your path. Look for a partner that can deliver the entire pipeline and support your creative strategies.
Where Promotion Meets User Participation
In the digital arena, promotion is your secret weapon. Here’s how to rally fans around your AR filters:
Announce New Filters
- Coaches and Players: Fans love seeing their favorite players and coaches off their television. Encourage fan participation by showing the filter in use!
Collaborate with Influencers
- Identify influencers or fan accounts aligned with your team’s vibe. Partner with them to showcase the filters in action. Influencers amplify your reach and lend authenticity to the filters.
Fan Challenges
- Launch fan challenges centered around AR filters. For example, challenge fans to create the most creative game-day selfie using your filter. Try featuring standout entries on your team’s social accounts.
Game-Day Activation
- During live games, encourage fans to use filters and share their experiences. Consider creating a unique game-day filter for each match. Feature fan-generated content on jumbotrons or live streams.
Engage with User-Generated Content
- Like, comment, and share fan posts featuring your filters. Show appreciation for their creativity.
AR filters are more than just tools; they help you foster a community where fans feel connected and celebrated. Let the filters be the rallying cry that echoes across social platforms!
Evaluating Social AR Data Insights
When measuring the success of AR filters, it is essential to focus on specific insights to gauge their impact effectively. High engagement rates are indicative of enjoyment and share-worthiness among fans. Key metrics to monitor include opens, captures, shares, and saves.
Additionally, shares and virality metrics such as social shares and hashtag usage are crucial for understanding fan engagement. User-generated content (UGC) holds immense value, as it encourages fans to create and share content using the filters. Tracking the number of UGC posts featuring your filters provides deeper insights into their overall impact and reach. If you are looking for platform specific analytics, check out the Meta Insights page for FB/Instagram, Lens Analytics page for Snapchat, and Effect Analytics page for Tik Tok.
Are You Ready to Rumble?
In the ever-evolving landscape of sports, augmented reality filters have become more than mere digital embellishments—they’re a gateway to fan immersion and community building. As teams embrace the potential of AR filters, they unlock a playbook of creativity, engagement, and brand visibility.
So, whether it’s a spirited touchdown celebration or a virtual tailgate, let’s continue to blur the lines between the stadium and the screen. As the crowd roars, remember that the real victory lies in the shared moments, the fan-generated content, and the unmistakable sense of belonging. Go forth, let's work together, and let fandom ignite! 🏈📸
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