Make Your AR Filter Go Viral: Dos and Don’ts for Promoting AR Effects

Want your augmented reality (AR) filter to become the next viral sensation? By following a few strategic steps, you can maximize exposure and watch your creation soar in popularity.

AR filters have proven themselves as a powerhouse in marketing, driving engagement and expanding brand reach. But creating a successful filter doesn’t end at design—it’s about the strategy you use to launch and promote it.

In this blog, we’ll dive into practical tips to help marketers and creators alike ensure their AR effects capture attention, spark interaction, and stay relevant.

Understanding AR Filters in Social Media’s Fast-Paced World

Social media is unpredictable—trends can emerge from the most unexpected corners of pop culture or user-generated content. One viral video, sound, or meme can quickly inspire millions of creations. The same applies to AR filters.

While virality can sometimes feel like catching lightning in a bottle, brands and creators can take intentional steps to boost their chances of success.

Key Tips for Making Your AR Filter a Hit

1. Know Your Audience

The journey begins before you even design your filter. Understanding your target audience is crucial. Who are they? What interests them? And most importantly, what type of filter will genuinely excite and engage them?

For instance, if your target audience is Gen Z—tech-savvy digital natives—you might want to avoid outdated pop culture references unless they’re currently trending. Relevance is key. Your filter should feel fresh, culturally significant, and easy to personalize.

2. Pick the Right Platform

Different platforms offer unique opportunities for AR filters. TikTok, for example, thrives on interactive, playful effects—think quizzes, randomizers, or makeover tools. Snapchat is perfect for world-focused lenses, shopping experiences, and wild facial effects, while Instagram leans into aesthetic enhancements that blend seamlessly with user content.

Choosing the right platform means aligning your filter with its users’ preferences and expectations. Platforms like TikTok are trend-driven and fast-moving, so staying ahead of current themes is essential.

3. Create a High-Quality Showcase

Your filter’s first impression matters. Showcase it with polished, authentic videos that demonstrate its features and possibilities. Avoid relying solely on software demos; instead, have someone use the filter naturally to inspire others to try it.

Pay attention to visuals—good lighting, a clean background, and vibrant examples make a huge difference. If you’re camera-shy, enlist a friend to show it off in action. The goal is to encourage others to picture themselves using the filter.

4. Go Cross-Platform

To maximize reach, don’t limit your filter to just one social media channel. Launch it across multiple platforms, tailoring your content for each. Share inspirational behind-the-scenes videos on LinkedIn, highlight key features on Instagram, and experiment with trends on TikTok.

Utilize various formats—Reels, carousels, Stories, or even Spotlight on Snapchat—to tap into diverse audiences. Every post is a chance to attract new users and spark engagement.

5. Jump on Trends

Trends are the heartbeat of social media, and AR filters can ride the wave. A sound, meme, or popular topic can be the perfect backdrop for your filter. Staying on top of trends—whether it’s a holiday, a movie release, or a viral song—can give your creation the momentum it needs to catch fire.

But timing is everything. Trends fade fast, so seize the moment before it’s gone. If you can, try to anticipate what’s coming next and position your filter as part of the trend.

6. Activate the Community

Encourage users to interact with your filter by hosting AR challenges or contests. A simple idea—like creating content with your filter to win a prize—can lead to incredible participation and user-generated content.

Big brands like Fanta have already proven the power of AR gamification by offering interactive experiences tied to real-life rewards. Take inspiration from them to engage your audience and keep your filter top-of-mind.

Why Your Filter Could Be the Next Big Thing

Social media users are constantly on the lookout for content that’s fun, interactive, and culturally relevant. By understanding your audience, staying flexible with trends, and showcasing your AR filter creatively, you’re positioning yourself for success.

Ready to create something unforgettable? Dive into the world of AR, experiment fearlessly, and don’t be surprised if your filter is the next big thing everyone’s talking about. 😉