# Virtual Bar Alcohol-branded virtual bars give people the opportunity to socialize as they once did. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published May 5, 2020 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/virtual-bar ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.1/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## 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. ## 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. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Apr 6 to Jun 26, 2020 - Published: May 5, 2020 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Themes within the Virtual Bar trend ### 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. ### 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. ### 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. ## What the Virtual Bar trend means for industry ### For 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 for Virtual Bar Trend score 5.1 out of 10, from popularity 80%, activity 63%, freshness 9%. - Popularity: 80% - Activity: 63% - Freshness: 9% ## Examples of the Virtual Bar trend 6 featured examples from Apr 6 to Jun 26, 2020. - [Immersive Virtual Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/my-bar): Budweiser's Virtual 'My Bar' Platform Lets People Visit Favorite Venues (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Implementing immersive virtual bar technology to offer customers an alternative way to engage with their favorite bars and restaurants. - [Online Bar Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/online-bar): BrewDog Open Arms Shares Quizzes, Puzzles and Cook-a-Longs (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The hospitality industry can expand its offerings by providing virtual experiences that cater to guests who prefer to stay home. - [Charitable Virtual Happy Hours](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-happy-hour): Molson Canadian Launched a New Campaign to Support Local Bars (Category: Social Good) Implication: Food and beverage businesses can create similar campaigns to support local bars and restaurants during social distancing policies. - [Virtual Bar Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/online-virtual-bar): The Asahi Online Virtual Bar United 1,000 People Drinking Asahi Super Dry (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Leveraging virtual bar experiences to enhance the hospitality and entertainment industry by offering unique online socializing options. - [Virtual Beer-Branded DJ Sessions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/desperados-and-elrow): Desperados and elrow are Throwing Virtual Parties Every Sunday (Category: Marketing) Implication: 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. - [Virtual Bar Events](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sports-pub-quiz): Bud Light is Hosting a Sports Pub Quiz Featuring Past & Present Players (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: 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. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)