Messenger recently announced a unique partnership with Universal Monsters to provide fans a series of Halloween experiences. Since Halloween will be different this year, the brands are offering virtual experiences with AR features, meaning users won't need to worry about finding a costume or decorating their homes, since the filters will do it for them.
The virtual Halloween experiences include the Dr. Madhaus Halloween Mansion each Friday night for the month of October. Fans can use the 360° backgrounds in Messenger chats, video calls, or Messenger Rooms–a free, shareable video chat that can host up to 50 people with no time limit.
Each background corresponds with a different theme including the swamp, the mansion’s hallway, the ballroom with a masquerade Halloween party, Dr. Madhaus’ bedroom, and the lab. Messenger also designed backgrounds with Universal Monster’s Crash McCreery that feature 'Frankenstein' and his bride, and characters from 'Creature from the Black Lagoon.'
Those looking to take advantage of the virtual costumes (made from custom filters) have an array of spooky options– Frankenstein and his bride, Jack-o-lanterns, headless waiters, fortune tellers and silly monsters. These virtual costumes can be used in Messenger Room and video chat, offering a safe and fun way for users to celebrate Halloween.
Image Credit: Messenger, Universal Monsters
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Virtual Halloween Experiences
- There is a growing trend of offering virtual experiences for Halloween, providing users with an immersive and safe way to celebrate the holiday.
- AR Filters for Virtual Costumes
- The use of augmented reality (AR) filters for virtual costumes is becoming popular, allowing users to transform their appearance without the need for physical costumes.
- Collaborations Between Brands for Halloween
- Brands are increasingly partnering with each other to create unique Halloween experiences, combining their expertise and resources to offer innovative and engaging content.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Entertainment
- The entertainment industry can explore opportunities to create and promote virtual Halloween experiences, leveraging technologies like AR to enhance user engagement.
- Social Media and Chat Platforms
- Social media and chat platforms can capitalize on the virtual Halloween trend by developing AR filters and collaborative partnerships to provide users with interactive and memorable experiences.
- Retail and E-commerce
- The retail and e-commerce industry can tap into the virtual costume trend by offering digital clothing options and filters for users to virtually try on costumes before making a purchase.
