Creating augmented reality experiences online is a breeze. With tools like Overly AR Creator, users just need to upload content and hit publish. While AR creation is simple, marketers often give up at the thought of developing AR-tailored content. Ironically, creating content for augmented reality is way easier than you think. Often you don’t have to create anything new at all. Don’t believe me? Let me walk you through 7 ridiculously easy ways to access and create augmented reality content.
Augmented reality basics
In a nutshell, augmented reality links the physical world with electronic information. The digital information enhances the real-world surroundings and most often provides end-users with entertaining, inspiring or educational content. Businesses use augmented reality to create truly immersive and interactive experiences that drive engagement and conversions through the roof.
In particular, mobile augmented reality is what Overly is all about, which is also the most accessible AR avenue for DIY creators. With no-code tools like Overly AR Creator, people with no technical knowledge can launch AR campaigns in seconds.
And don’t be fooled by headlines that predict a bright future for augmented reality. It is today that’s bright for AR. There are more than 6.5 billion smartphone users worldwide, meaning businesses can reach about 83% of the world’s population in a space where they dwell a large majority of their awake time.Â
However, with the mobile ecosystem becoming increasingly crowded, brands must constantly innovate. That’s why content is king in augmented reality too. However, despite popular misconceptions, it doesn’t take a corporate budget or a creative team to launch effective AR campaigns.
Perceived challenges around augmented reality content creation
Despite popular misconceptions, creating augmented reality experiences requires little effort.
A myth I’d like to bust is that AR is for big-budget corporations with even bigger creative teams. The proof is in the pudding—our customers. Many of our users have nothing to do with the above and use our platform to quickly put together lovely AR wedding invites, birthday wishes and Valentine’s cards. They often have basic internet skills, and the budget doesn’t exceed $50. Yet, ordinary users manage to create something that delivers excellent value to their audience.
Another perceived challenge is the enormous resources required to create augmented reality content. In reality businesses often don’t need to spend any resources on content. And should you need to make new stuff, explore these seven effortless approaches to AR content creation.
Repurpose existing video content for AR
Before we jump into tools, let’s face it—augmented reality doesn’t necessarily require you to create something new. Want to build an augmented reality video experience? Well, use any of the MP4 video files your business already has got on file. An AR video experience has no unique file specifications. AR video is the same video you upload to YouTube or film on your mobile during a rock concert.Â
If you are concerned about creating a seamless experience, you may find this blog on creating a video for augmented reality projects useful. Or watch the tutorial below.
Turn your PowerPoint sales deck into an augmented reality gallery
Let’s audit your existing content once more. Videos are not the only digital content that’s getting dusty in your cloud storage. Any deck you have created for product presentations, customer success stories or new feature slideshows can be turned into an AR gallery. All you have to do is save each slide of a PowerPoint (or similar) presentation in a JPG format.
You can then add slideshow images to creation tools like Overly AR Creator. Here is a step-by-step tutorial on setting your AR slideshow up for success.
Utilize asset stores for your 3D AR projects
While you’ll find presentations, photos and videos readily available for AR implementation, 3D content is usually not a given. However, there is no need to hire a 3D designer or animator to create a three-dimensional AR experience. The first budget-friendly and hassle-free option is to scour 3D asset stores, similar to looking for online stock videos or photos. You’ll find numerous free (and reasonably priced) 3D assets and animations on platforms like CGTrader and Sketchfab.Â
Check the requirements for the 3D content on the AR creation tool you use and download the respective file type. For example, Overly AR Creator supports .fbx, .gltf and .glb formats. In fact, to make things even easier, we have integrated our platform with Scetchfab so you can select and publish your 3D content to your augmented reality project without leaving our site.
Hire freelancers to create on-brand AR experiences
If you feel let down by stock assets, you can capitalize on the rise of budget-friendly freelancing. If you want to build an AR experience from scratch but cannot afford an award-winning design agency, get personalized content created via freelance service marketplaces like Fiverr or Freelancer.
You’ll find that many talented digital nomads across the globe will be ready to help you. All you have to do is prepare a brief and set a budget and deadline. Thanks to quality checks and reviews, you’ll be sure to receive the content you need efficiently.
Make the most of online video and animation software
First, you may have guessed that we’ve drawn inspiration for our DIY AR Creator from other online software-as-a-service (SaaS) tools on the market. Creating content for augmented reality should be just as simple as bringing the assets into augmented reality experiences.
As a marketer, I’ve stuck with Canva since I discovered it. I have not hired a single designer for our social and website creatives since I joined Overly (in the last three years, by the way). You can use the platform to create video and photo experiences.
If you want to create an animation, a fantastic software to try is the visual communication platform, Powtoon. You can skip on developing your design and animation skills when creating explainer videos with Powtoon’s online video editor.Â
Whichever platform you use, you have to ensure that your video file is in MP4 format, which means it is AR-ready by default.
Try free 3D tools if you’re up for developing new skills
Just like with Canva for non-designers, there are options on the market for building 3D content. If you want to have a go at creating 3D content, you’ll face a steeper learning curve, and I’d still suggest you hire a professional. Not entirely online, but the best budget-friendly (aka absolutely free) tool on the market is Blender. The platform is a free open source 3D creation suite, allowing to model, animate, simulate and render 3D projects.Â
If you’re an absolute beginner, I think you would enjoy the offer from Tinkercad. The web-based platform is designed with the education sector in mind, which means it features a lot of valuable resources for learning 3D design basics. At the same time, you can create straightforward 3D content with zero 3D design skills. The platform lets you export your creations as .gltf files, which are compatible with Overly AR Creator.
Capture 3D holographic content for AR with your mobile
Volumetric videos used to be a job for hefty photogrammetry setups. Today, anyone can capture volumetric content with camera phones. A superb platform to use for this is Volograms.
Its mobile app lets any smartphone user capture, play and share volograms. In essence, volograms are 3D animations you can insert within an augmented reality project. Currently, the app is available on iPhones only.Â
I hope this blog has inspired you to see the ease of AR content creation. If you have any questions about preparing AR content, please contact us via e-mail or chat.
