Introduction

Imagine a customer pointing their phone at your shop in T. Nagar and instantly seeing a virtual try-on of jewellery or a 3D preview of your new restaurant menu. This is the power of Augmented Reality (AR) advertising. In 2025, AR ads are giving local businesses in Chennai a unique way to stand out, engage customers, and drive conversions.

What Are Augmented Reality Ads?

AR ads combine digital elements with the real world using smartphones or AR glasses. They let customers:

• Try on products virtually (clothes, jewellery, sunglasses).
• Preview items in their own environment (furniture, décor).
• Experience interactive filters, games, and branded effects.

These ads can appear on Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, or custom apps, making them accessible to businesses of all sizes.

Why AR Ads Matter in 2025

1. Immersive Engagement – Customers don’t just see your ad, they interact with it.
2. Higher Conversions – Virtual previews reduce hesitation and product returns.
3. Local Buzz – AR filters and campaigns are highly shareable, boosting organic reach.
4. Cultural Relevance – Chennai brands can build AR campaigns around festivals like Pongal or Deepavali for stronger connections.
5. Affordable Tech – Smartphones are AR-ready, making it easier for SMEs to adopt.

Key Strategies for Chennai Businesses

1. Use AR Filters on Social Media

Fashion boutiques or salons can launch Instagram or Snapchat AR filters showcasing “before-after” looks.

2. Integrate AR in Shopping

Retailers in Pondy Bazaar or malls can let customers preview clothing, jewellery, or furniture via AR try-on before purchase.

3. Location-Based AR Ads

Restaurants or cafés in Anna Nagar can create AR campaigns with pop-up offers visible only to users nearby.

4. Event-Driven AR Campaigns

During festivals, businesses can create AR lenses featuring traditional symbols like kolams, sugarcane, or temple visuals integrated with their brand.

5. Real Estate AR Experiences

Builders can showcase virtual walkthroughs of apartments in Chennai without requiring customers to visit the site.

Tools & Platforms to Use

• Spark AR Studio (Facebook & Instagram filters).
• Snapchat Lens Studio for AR lenses.
• 8th Wall / ZapWorks for advanced WebAR experiences.
• Custom AR apps for larger businesses (retail, real estate).

Best Practices & Mistakes to Avoid

✅ Do’s

• Keep AR experiences simple and fast-loading.
• Test on common smartphones used in Chennai.
• Promote AR filters across social media and offline stores.

❌ Don’ts

• Don’t overload with heavy animations that slow down.
• Don’t forget a backup option if AR doesn’t load.
• Don’t spend big before testing with a small campaign.

Conclusion

In 2025, AR ads are not just futuristic—they’re practical tools to engage Chennai customers in fresh, interactive ways. Whether you’re in fashion, food, retail, or real estate, AR experiences make your brand more memorable and trustworthy.

At 7 Miles Per Second (7MPS), we help businesses design AR campaigns that blend creativity, technology, and local culture to deliver real results.

👉 Ready to explore AR advertising for your business? Contact 7MPS today for a free consultation.