Category
Lifestyle
Assisted Choices
Trend cluster
Category
Virtual
Bar
Alcohol-branded virtual bars give people the opportunity to socialize as they once did.
5.1
Trend score
Trend
What is the Virtual Bar trend?
Virtual Bar: Though not quite as fulfilling as having in-person bar experiences, virtual bars amidst the COVID-19 pandemic are the next best thing for people looking to consume alcohol and socialize with others. These virtual bar experiences are being created by well-known alcohol brands as both a marketing tactic and a way to bring people together.
Insight
The consumer insight behind the Virtual Bar trend
As people around the world continue to live under regulated physical distancing measures, many are longing to take part in the recreational habits that they once did without restrictions. Now, stay-at-home orders have prevented people from engaging with others in the way they’re accustomed to. Turning to virtual experiences gives these consumers a way to connect with friends, loved ones and even strangers—all in order to regain a sense of normalcy.
Trend themes
Themes within the Virtual Bar trend
Three behaviours holding the trend together01
Virtual Bar Experiences
Alcohol brands are creating virtual bar experiences to offer a way for people to connect with others and regain a sense of normalcy during the pandemic.
02
Charitable Virtual Happy Hours
Brands are launching initiatives to support local bars and restaurants during the pandemic while encouraging social distancing and engagement through virtual gatherings.
03
Immersive Virtual Bars
Virtual platforms like Budweiser's My Bar offer an immersive experience for people to visit their favorite venues virtually and connect with friends remotely.
Industry implications
What the Virtual Bar trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFor
Alcohol Industry
The alcohol industry can leverage virtual experiences to create new marketing tactics and platforms that could be continued even after the pandemic is over.
For
Hospitality Industry
Bars, pubs, and restaurants can adopt virtual platforms or initiatives that provide immersive experiences and support local businesses amidst the pandemic.
For
Entertainment Industry
The entertainment industry can explore collaborations with alcohol brands and bars to create virtual events like pub quizzes, live DJ sessions, and more.
Workshop question
How is your brand connecting with its customers right now?
Trend signals
Trend signals for Virtual Bar
Trend score 5.1 out of 10, from popularity 80%, activity 63%, freshness 9%.
Popularity80%
Activity63%
Freshness9%
Audience
50%Men
50%Women
- Gen Alpha (not a primary audience)
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X
- Boomer (not a primary audience)
Market
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific
South America
Africa
Evidence
Examples of the Virtual Bar trend
6 featured examples from Apr 6 to Jun 26, 2020CategoryLifestyle
Immersive Virtual Bars
Budweiser's Virtual 'My Bar' Platform Lets People Visit Favorite Venues
Implementing immersive virtual bar technology to offer customers an alternative way to engage with their favorite bars and restaurants.
CategoryLifestyle
Online Bar Experiences
BrewDog Open Arms Shares Quizzes, Puzzles and Cook-a-Longs
The hospitality industry can expand its offerings by providing virtual experiences that cater to guests who prefer to stay home.
CategorySocial Good
Charitable Virtual Happy Hours
Molson Canadian Launched a New Campaign to Support Local Bars
Food and beverage businesses can create similar campaigns to support local bars and restaurants during social distancing policies.
CategoryLifestyle
Virtual Bar Experiences
The Asahi Online Virtual Bar United 1,000 People Drinking Asahi Super Dry
Disruptive innovation opportunity: Leveraging virtual bar experiences to enhance the hospitality and entertainment industry by offering unique online socializing options.
CategoryMarketing
Virtual Beer-Branded DJ Sessions
Desperados and elrow are Throwing Virtual Parties Every Sunday
Opportunity for alcohol and beverage brands to create virtual DJ sessions to promote their products and engage with consumers in a fun and interactive way.
CategoryLifestyle
Virtual Bar Events
Bud Light is Hosting a Sports Pub Quiz Featuring Past & Present Players
Alcohol brands can use online events as a way to connect with their community and promote their products while also providing entertainment during the pandemic.
