# Virtual Promotion Brands use virtual reality as an educational marketing tool. By [Rebecca Byers](https://www.trendhunter.com/becbyers), Insights Research at Trend Hunter | Published Nov 10, 2015 | Category: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/marketing-strategy) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/virtual-promotion ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.0/10 - Evidence articles: 7 ## What is the Virtual Promotion trend? **Virtual Promotion:** Brands are beginning to use virtual reality technology as an educational marketing tool when introducing new products to consumers. This focus on education helps consumers understand the product's best uses, while creating product awareness in way that is genuinely interesting to consumers. The progression toward the use of virtual reality as an educational and promotional tool speaks to the interest in hands-on experience with a product before purchase as well as the naturalistic relationship between consumers and cutting-edge technologies. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 7 featured examples - Articles from: May 20, 2015 to Mar 24, 2016 - Published: Nov 10, 2015 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Virtual Promotion trend ### Virtual Reality in Retail The use of virtual reality in retail for providing immersive shopping experiences. ### Cinematic Virtual Reality Ads The use of virtual reality for creating cinematic ads and promoting products or services. ### Social Virtual Reality The use of virtual reality for socializing and connecting people in an immersive way. ## What the Virtual Promotion trend means for industry ### For Retail The retail industry can use virtual reality technologies for creating immersive shopping experiences and enhancing customer engagement. ### For Advertising Virtual reality can be used in advertising for creating cinematic ads and promoting products or services in an innovative way. ### For Social Media Social media platforms can use virtual reality to provide their users with immersive and interactive social experiences. ## Workshop question Where can you create hands-on accessibility to your offerings to engage otherwise passive consumers? ## Trend signals for Virtual Promotion Trend score 5.0 out of 10, from popularity 78%, activity 66%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 78% - Activity: 66% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Virtual Promotion trend 7 featured examples from May 20, 2015 to Mar 24, 2016. - [VR Real Estate Tours](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/harrods-estates): Harrods Estates Provided Comprehensive Tours of London Apartments (Category: Tech) Implication: The real estate industry can adopt VR technology to provide consumers with remote tours of properties and enhance marketing strategies. - [Couture VR Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dior-eyes): Dior Eyes is a Branded Virtual Reality Headset for Interacting with Clients (Category: Business) Implication: Fashion brands can leverage virtual reality to provide unique and innovative experiences for their customers, whether it's for fashion shows or online shopping. - [VR Runway Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-reality-retail): Tommy Hilfiger's Virtual Reality Retail Store Provides a Runway Experience (Category: Business) Implication: Integrating virtual reality technology in fashion retail stores provides a competitive edge by offering customers an innovative and engaging shopping experience. - [Social VR Teleportation](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/social-vr): Facebook & Oculus Technology Will Provide a Teleportation Station by 2025 (Category: Marketing) Implication: The VR industry will benefit by providing new social interaction experiences that mimic in-person meetings, which can extend to industries such as retail, entertainment, education… - [Immersive Hockey VR Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vr-popup): Reebok Hosted a VR Pop-Up at the 2016 NHL All-Star Weekend (Category: Marketing) Implication: Sports equipment and apparel brands can leverage immersive VR campaigns to showcase products and engage consumers. - [Immersive Insurance Videos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/insurance-video): Liberty Mutual's 360-Degree Clip Simulates a Car Breakdown in the Woods (Category: Tech) Implication: Insurance providers can adopt virtual and immersive experiences as marketing tools to better engage with potential customers and promote their services. - [Cinematic Virtual Reality Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cinematic-virtual-reality): MINI Used Virtual Reality Short Films in Its New Campaign (Category: Marketing) Implication: Utilizing virtual reality in car commercials to enhance brand storytelling and provide unique experiences for potential customers. ## Recent trend clusters - [Festive Fusions](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/festive-fusions) (Lifestyle) - [Engineered Layers](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/engineered-layers) (Fashion) - [Embedded Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/embedded-intelligence) (Tech) - [Crafted Timepieces](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/crafted-timepieces) (Luxury) ## Trending in Marketing - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Athlete Beauty Ambassadorships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/athlete-beauty-ambassadorships) - [Nostalgic Beauty Mascots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bliss-girl-series) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) All articles: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing)