Virtual reality isn’t just for gaming anymore. The immersive technology is making its way into the marketing world, and B2C as well as B2B companies have started to use this technology as a marketing tactic.

What does Virtual Reality mean? A computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional image or environment that can be interacted with in a seemingly real or physical way by a person using special electronic equipment, such as glasses, a helmet with a screen inside or gloves fitted with sensors. Early adopters reach back into the year 1838 where Charles Wheatstone used a Stereoscopic to view two photos from two sides which gave the viewer a sense of depth and immersion. 

VR is fascinating, memorable, and fresh. An animated infographic produced by Marketo and Column Five explains how the emerging technology is being used by a couple of brands and predicts where the journey of this technology will g in the near future.

Read in the details in the infographic more about:

• VR product revenue is forecast to reach $4.6 billion in 2017
• VR active-user growth is projected to reach 90 million in 2017 and grows more over 171 million in 2018

These numbers illustrate a strong presence and for sure something marketers should consider in the near future. While is still seen as a trend we see easier adoption than other technologies.

Brands such as Samsung, Tom’s, HBO’s Game of Thrones, and Lowe’s are already cashing in on the VR trend. We can see the first use cases for customer acquisition. For gaming and electronic companies like Samsung brand-affinity enhancement strikes the market. But also we can see already prdocutivity usage like point-of-sale assistance.

To get ideas for how your brand might use virtual reality.Are you using already the virtual reality for marketing purpose? Let us know your thoughts in our commenting section below.