The October 2018 interactive initiatives present the manner, in which brands and organizations are reaching consumers directly. Whether it be through a gamified experience like Verizon's AR scavenger hunt on Snapchat or clever mystery-inducing packaging such as Cheetos' photochromatic bag, this type of marketing leaves both the consumer delighted and raises awareness for the company.
A strategy that has flourished for the past few months is present in the October 2018 interactive list as well. That is the social media-savvy installations. An example of that is Candytopia — a real-life Candy Wonderland, that opened doors in New York and San Francisco. These projects offer visitors a well-curated and Instragrammable environment that is a whimsical break from the daily reality. With the rising popularity of the mobile application, brands are capturing consumer attention through photo-friendly installations.
Top 30 Interactive Trends in October
30
Unconventional Advertising Strategies
Wakino Ad Company's Clever Meta-Advertisement is Interactive
29
Augmented Reality Scavenger Hunts
Verizon Runs a Snapchat Contest, Relying on AR and Geolocation
28
Whimsically Interactive Candy Installations
Candytopia is a Vibrant Real-Life Candy Wonderland
27
Competitive Puzzle Games
OnePlus' 'Crackables' is an Intense Puzzle Game with a Distinct Prize
26
Clever Photochromic Packaging Designs
Cheetos' Packaging Strategy is Interactive and Entertaining
25
Pop-Up Well-Being Playgrounds
The 'Paradise Now' Urban Outdoor Spa Offers Complimentary Sessions
24
Facial Recognition Tech Installations
R Luke Dubois & Zach Lieberman's Piece is Somewhat Dystopian
23
Cocktail-Paired Chocolates
The Pop-Up Kit Kat Bar Pairs Cocktails with New Chocolate Flavors
22
AR Cartoon Home Experiences
Samsung's 'Doorways' Shows Smart Products in the Family Guy Home
21
Multi-Sensory Pizza Exhibits
'The Pizza Experience' in Los Angeles is a Pop-Up Pizza-Themed Museum
20
Century-Long Marketing Campaigns
Louis XIII's '100 Years' is Essentially a Musical Time Capsule
19
Edible Supermarket Exhibitions
Tesco Finest is Celebrating Its 20th Birthday in an Immersive Way
18
Gamified Pizza Boxes
This Scannable Pizza Hut Box Shares an Augmented Reality Beanbag Game
17
Multi-Storey Fashion Townhouses
Matchesfashion.com Created an Experiential Retail Hub in London
16
Personalized In-Store Wishlists
The Conran Shop & Pinterest are Simplifying Shopping Experiences
15
Tequila Brand Boxing Events
Tequila Cazadores' Bartender Boxing Finals Combine Combat and Mixology
14
Soundproof Spicy Sauce Booths
Popeyes' Soundproof Booth Offers a Space to Try Its Spicy Sauce
13
Forest-Hidden Beer Contests
The Busch in the Forest Contest Boasts Medallions in America's Forests
12
Sizable Exclusive Sneaker Releases
The YEEZY BOOST 350 V2 are Made Available to a Mass Audience
11
Footwear Customization Campaigns
Sergio Rossi's WeChat Campaign Lets People Design Their Own Shoes
10
International Cuisine Pronunciation Guides
Magnet & The Food People Launch an Informative Post
9
Immersive Underwater Parties
Desperados Made the World's Deepest Dance Floor & an Underwater Party
8
AI Fashion Activations
New Balance Used AI to Seek Out Fashionable Individuals at NYFW
7
Radius Targeting Ad Tools
Two Snapchat Geo-Targeting Tools Let Marketers Set Location-Based Ads
6
Mystery Candy Bar Contests
Dylan's Candy Bar is Rolling Out Its 2018 Mystery Flavor
5
Geo-Targeted Taxi Ads
Some NYC Taxis Now Feature American Express Geo-Targeted Ads
4
Cheese Toast Giveaways
Sizzler is Celebrating National Cheese Toast Day with Free Cheese Toast
3
Football Fan Experience Specialists
The Marriott and NFL are Looking to Fill a Special Position
2
Uniting Exercise Challenges
Juntas Imparables is Mexico's First Nike Women’s Just Do It Campaign
1
Geolocation-Based Automotive Ads
Geo-Targeted Honda Ads Aim to Bring Customers In-Store
Related Ideas
Virtual Fashion Contests
Bratz and ZEPETO Launch a Four-Week Avatar Styling Challenge
Interactive Fashion Horror Games
The Room by Gentle Monster Reimagines Brand Storytelling
Creative Retail Competitions
Bricks & Minifigs Launches LEGO Clock Design Contest
Social Media-Inspired Retail Apps
Depop Outfits Lets Users Create Moodboards and Collages
Shoppable TV Ads
Samsung and Amazon Enable Remote-Based Shopping Directly on TV
Nutrition-Forward Treat Shop Pop-Ups
Bloom Nutrition Hosted the Very Successful Treat Shoppe
AI-Driven Shoppable Catwalks
Topshop and THG Studios are Hosting a Next-Gen Fashion Experience
Luxury Eyewear Pop-Ups
Prada Opens an Immersive Eyewear Boutique at The Grove
Community-Driven Shopping Experiences
A TikTok Shop Pop-Up is Coming to Westfield Stratford
Experiential fragrance
CPL Aromas Creates Interactive Scent Worlds for Emotional Engagement
Conversational Shopping Experiences
Ask Pinterest Debuts on the Ask Pinterest App
Immersive Soccer Hubs
adidas Unveiled its Toronto Brand Hub for the FIFA World Cup
Next-Gen Jelly Bean Campaigns
Jelly Belly Bean Appétit Entices a New Generation of Fans
Fashion-Inspired Food Marketing
Magnum Blends Beauty, Music and Luxury Culture into Its Brand
Themed Snack Collectibles
Kinder Joy Evolves its Treat-And-Toy Format with Themed Collections
Immersive K-Beauty Pop-Ups
TIRTIR Brings Jeju Matcha Skincare to NYC with a Sensory Experience
Interactive Advertising Installations
Intimissimi's 'Feel the Billboard' Uses Tactile Advertising
Fashion-Branded Café Experiences
Vogue Blends Retail with Immersive Hospitality Spaces
Interactive Toy Experiences
Spin Master Highlights Opportunities in the Toy Sector in 2026
Experiential K-Beauty Retail
Yepoda Opens an Immersive Flagship Store in Seoul
Gamified Condiment Experiences
HEINZ’s Ketchup Blast Turns Meals Interactive
Fandom Culture Retail Experiences
EB Games x Vibrant Marketing Launch an 'EB Trends' Store Concept
Limited-Edition Chocolate Launches
Hershey’s Debuts Winter Games Tie-In On TikTok Shop
Pop Culture Chocolate Products
These New Kinder Products Embrace Collaborations
Sensory Retail Experiences
Claire’s Launches ASMR-Inspired Stores for Gen Alpha Shoppers
Immersive Video Shopping Experiences
ASOS Live Blends Creator-Led Content with Real-Time Shopping
Real-Food Entrée Giveaways
The Chipotle Realest 30 Will Share a Text-to-Claim Code on Game Day
Geo-Targeted Beauty Campaigns
It's a 10 Haircare Engages Uber Riders Going to Ulta & Sally Beauty
Gen-Z-Targeted Language Platform Campaigns
Duolingo Introduces its Character-Driven 'Duolingo Ads'
Experiential Student Activations
Just Eat's Hey U Up Campaign Coincides with Freshers’ Week
Data-Driven Digital Experiences
Samsung Unveiled a Color-Changing Installation in London
Experiential Brand Cafés
Nutella Reimagines Its Chicago Café with Digital Ordering and a New Menu
Festival Beauty Activations
Medicube Brings Skincare Tech and Experiences to Coachella
Experiential Brand Stores
New Era Creates Interactive Retail Space With Custom Cap Design
Playful Holiday Tracking Platforms
Google Santa Tracker Returns for Its 20th Holiday Season
Immersive Character Experiences
Sanrio Brings Kuromi to Life with an Interactive KCON Activation
Digital Halloween Games
Google Celebrates Pac-Man’s 45th Anniversary with a Spooky Maze Doodle
AI Shopping Integrations
Sephora’s ChatGPT App Enables AI-Powered Product Discovery
Playable Brand Universes
adidas and Brawl Stars Connect Gaming, Apparel and Live Fan Experiences
Shoppable AR Villages
The Snapchat Winter Village Has Three Immersive Luxury Brand Boutiques
Hotline Beauty Campaigns
Florence by Mills Rewards Ulta Shoppers Through a Branded Hotline
Health-Focused Interactive Pop-Ups
Ancient + Brave Ran the Live Bravely Pop-Up in California
Pop-Up Streaming Service Experiences
EE and Netflix Partnered for an Immersive Experience
Gaming Lifestyle Collections
Toca Boca and MINISO Blend Retail with Digital Rewards
Self-Expression Festival Activations
Barbie Brings Customizable Persona-Building to Coachella
Mobile Luxury Boutiques
Mytheresa Tours the Hamptons with a Curated Mobile Boutique
Mobile Beauty Retail Activations
Cardi B Debuts Beauty Truck for Her Haircare Brand
Mobile Beauty Pop-Ups
Henkel’s göt2b Debuts a Citywide Mobile Beauty Experience
Comprehensive Fast Food Reports
Yum! Brands, Inc. Explores Food Trends Influencing the Industry
Gamified Walking Experiences
Walkable Turns Everyday Walks Into Interactive Adventures
Collectible Fandom Packaging
Spider-Man-Themed Takis Bags Turn Snacks into Fan Collectibles
Content-Driven Flagship Retail
GARAGE Builds an Immersive Flagship in New York's Flatiron District
Gamified Snack Packaging
Hershey’s Released Pokémon Chocolates with 151 Collectible Foil Designs
AI Beauty Apps
Refresh App Combines Hair, Makeup and Styling in One AI Platform
RGB-Themed Pop-Up Activations
Hisense Debuted a Pop-Up FIFA Activation at Hudson Yard
Pop-Up Sports Hospitality
Toronto’s FIFA Fan Festival Turns Urban Spaces into Immersive Fan Hubs
Anti-Algorithm Social Platforms
Buzzfeed’s Branch Office Creates Interactive AI-Powered Apps
Production-Led Live Commerce Events
P.Louise Launches Get Unteddy With Me on TikTok Shop
Limited-Edition Halloween Treats
Kellanova Brands Debut Exclusive Treats for Halloween
Curated Discovery Stores
The Shelf Spotlights Emerging Food, Drink and Wellness Brands
Experiential Grocery Campaigns
No Name launches a multi-city grocery goss campaign
Play-Based Family Campaigns
Pirate's Booty Encourages Screen-Free Family Adventures
Social-First Retail Commerce
Shoezone expands TikTok Shop through creator-led shopping
Mobile Retail Experiences
Duluth Trading Brings Apparel Shopping to Events with a Mobile Showroom
Interactive Tattoo Apps
InkStory Turns Tattoos Into Interactive Memories With Audio Integration
Immersive Queue Displays
Samsung Transforms Everland Wait Lines with Interactive 3D Safari Visuals
Subway Station Fashion Takeovers
Reitmans Hosts its Spring 2026 Lower Bay Station Preview
Bubble Wrap Billboards
Tombola's Interactive Billboards Engage Passersby with a Sensory Activity
Sports Lifestyle Retail
Nordstrom Blends World Cup Fashion with Immersive Pop-Ups
Experience-Enhancing POS Retail Apps
MomentScience Reveals MomentApps
Playful Tokyo Pop-Ups
Duomart Introduces a Themed Convenience Experience in Tokyo
Interactive Convention Activations
LEGO SMART Play Transforms Comic-Con into Immersive Experiences
AI Notetaking Activations
Goodnotes x YMC Launched a Campus Tour Across the U.S.
Athletic Event-Timed Tech Campaigns
TCL Ran a Comprehensive Ad Campaign During the Olympics
Science-Backed Adventure Collaborations
Toyota, AllGear Digital & Immersion Neuroscience Partner
Shoppable Recipe Collaborations
ALDI and Digitas Launch ALDIfy to Deliver Trendy Shoppable Recipes
Mobile Brand Experiences
M&M's Brings an Interactive Caravan to the Tour De France
Interactive Traveling Marketing Initiatives
Heinz Pllayfully Spotlights the Heinz Ketchup Zero
Customized Restaurant Campaign Platforms
OpenTable Has Launched OpenTable Media
Mexican Cuisine Halloween Promotions
The Chipotle Chip-or-Treat Promotion Offers Free Rewards
Shoppable Microdramas
Crocs and SuperOrdinary Turn TikTok Storytelling Into Shopping Experiences
Localized Retail Media Platforms
Snappy Shopper Launches Connect, a Retail Media Network
Empowering Vibe Coding Campaigns
Paris Hilton is the First Android Icon in Residence
Personalized Telehealth Service Platforms
Enhanced Reports Success of the Inaugural Enhanced Games
Creator-Led Toys
Bonkers Toys Transforms Toys and Colors into a Retail Toy Line
Branded App Takeovers
TikTok Introduces Logo Takeover Ads That Dominate the App’s Opening Screen
Soccer-Themed Entertainment Events
Sky Zone Turns Global Soccer Excitement into Active Play
AI-Native Advertising Platforms
Criteo Expands ChatGPT Ads with Prompt Smart Ads Globally
Competitive Trivia Games
Trivia Tiles Offers Fast-Paced, Image-Based Multiplayer Challenges
Fandom Retail Experiences
TOUS les JOURS Transforms Bakery Cafés into BTS Fan Destinations
Interactive Content Sharing
STIK App Lets Users Publish Content Directly On Physical Products
Gamified Destination Tourism
Connecticut Launches Rewards Platform for Local Exploration
Interactive Robotic Demonstrations
GoLabs and GOTRAX Partner to Spotlight a New Golf Cart
Social-First Beauty Retailers
Sally Beauty Joins TikTok Shop
Destination-Branded Transportation
Themed Taxis Promote Scottish Travel During Major Soccer Events
Grocery Retail Intelligence Platforms
Eileen Expedites Business Operations on the Retail Floor
Interactive Game Advertisements
Samsung Ads GameBreaks Encourage Deeper Engagement
Gamified Discount Events
Build-A-Bear Uses Mystery Offers to Drive Engagement
Franchise Commerce Marketing
poppi Connects Retail Products with Love Island Experiences
Interactive Live Shows
Cirque du Soleil's Interactive Experience Offers Multi-Device Exploration
Shopping-Friendly Ad Formats
Equativ Shoppable Ads Allow Consumers to Seamlessly Make Purchases
Social Media-Inspired Salad Campaigns
The Florette #SaladTok Campaign Marks the Summer of Salads
Dynamic In-Game Integrations
Adrenaline Interactive Unveiled Brand Fusion AI
Attention Economy Agencies
VaynerX Launches Tamara Group to Drive Social-First Brand Relevance
Social Food Delivery Apps
The 'Zesty' App from DoorDash Helps Users Find New Restaurants
Experiential Tabletop Launches
MindWare Brings Immersive Game Demos to Gen Con 2026
Shoppable Swimsuits
Sports Illustrated Launches Its Shoppable Swimsuits
Predictive Mobile Advertising Features
T-Mobile Advertising Solutions Unveiled Contextual AI Ads
Ad-Friendly Vertical Video Feeds
Instacart Debuts the Immersive Feed Feature on Its Platform
City-Focused Influencer Platforms
Storytime Launches Storytime Marketplace in Cities
Social-to-Outdoor Campaigns
Tribesigns Extends TikTok's Super Wish Campaign to Times Square
Interactive Travel Publications
Destination Niagara Combines Storytelling with Trip Planning
Physical-World Data Marketing
WPP Uses Google Earth AI to Predict Real-World Consumer Behavior
AI Beauty Marketing Platforms
Coty Uses Pencil to Scale AI-Generated Campaigns
Interactive Streaming Ads
Spotify Turns Listening into Engagement with Carousel Ads
Mobile Creator Experiences
Nikon Connects Creators Through Interactive Multi-City Events
IP-Based Kids Games
Netflix Turns Shows into Play Experiences
Omnichannel Retail Media Networks
Target's Roundel Expands Advertising Across Streaming and Stores
Expressive App Icons
The Instagram Teen Icons Deliver Vibrant Customization for Younger Users
Phygital Loyalty Experiences
Lush Links App Rewards to In-Store Events and Services
Omnichannel Seasonal Support Campaigns
Bestway Wholesale Launches 'Buzz About the Sweetest Deals'
In-Store Retail Media Networks
Raley's Expands Shopper Advertising Through Grocery TV
Conversational AI Advertising
Snapchat Introduces AI-Powered Chat-Based Brand Interactions
AI-Powered Native Video Ads
TripleLift Powers GUESS FRAGRANCES Big Game Campaign
Local Restaurant Activations
Pepsi Hosts Community Events to Drive Restaurant Discovery
Interactive Knowledge Plays
TriviaBlaze Offers Engaging Quizzes To Test Knowledge in Categories
Event-Centric Camping Experiences
Huttopia Hosts World Cup Viewing and Activities at Its Campsites
Month-Long Sales Competition
Bazooka Brands® Teases The Great Candy Battle: MomTok Edition
Halloween Season Candy Campaigns
World Business Chicago is Promoting Chicago-Based Candy
Interactive Traveler-Focused Campaigns
Tessan Will Spotlight the 100 Travelers Campaign
Interactive Demo Platforms
Arcade Enables Fast Creation And Embedding Of Interactive Product Demos
Interactive Holiday Games
Easter Quest 2025 Creates Digital Scavenger Hunts For Families
In-Game Music Experiences
Toca Boca Integrates Music From Major Artists Into Gameplay
Event-Driven Instant Retail
JD Sports Delivers England Shirts Through Uber Eats Before Kick-Off
Social Entertainment Apps
BuzzWheel Turns Group Gatherings Into Interactive Challenge Experiences
Immersive Narrative Tourism
EF Ultimate Break Turns Ashridge House Into a Live Murder Mystery Game
Interactive Cinematic Attractions
Disney Expanded Star Wars Storytelling Across Theme Parks
Retail Conversation Marketing Campaigns
Tesco Launches 'Need Anything From Tesco' Platform
Immersive Festival Art
Absolut and Yinka Ilori Create an Interactive Experience at Tomorrowland
Phone Software Updates
Google Launches March Pixel Drop With New Pixel And Android Features