Facebook is to test augmented reality advertisements in its News Feed. Michael Kors was the first brand to use AR ads in News Feed, enabling people to try on a pair of sunglasses and make a purchase based on their experience, wll without leaving the Facebook app. Later this summer, Facebook will begin testing AR ads with additional advertisers such as Sephora and others in fashion accessories, cosmetics, furniture, gaming and entertainment.
To enable advertisers to create mobile-optimised videos quickly Facebook also launched the Video Creation Kit to
make it easier for all advertisers to create mobile-first video ads.
Video Creation Kit helps advertisers
create mobile video ads using existing images. The tool will enable advertisers to upload images, add overlays
and logos to quickly build mobile-first video ads.
Facebook’s vice president of product marketing at its global
marketing solutions department, Ty Ahmad-Taylor said: "People now expect a personalised and visually inspiring experience wherever
they shop — whether on their phone or in-store, which is why video will play an increasingly
important role in the mobile shopping experience. In fact, we're already seeing video become the preferred medium
for product discovery on mobile. As retailers prepare for their biggest shopping season the year, we're
excited to introduce new products that will help them both delight and inspire shoppers, and ultimately drive sales."