Ever walked past a billboard and wondered if it could do more than just exist? What if it could come alive—playing videos, revealing hidden messages, or even launching an interactive AR game? That’s not just sci-fi anymore. With augmented reality (AR), billboards can transform into immersive experiences, turning everyday advertising into something magical.
So, how does it all work? Let’s break it down.
The Tech Behind AR Billboard Activation
To experience AR from a billboard, a user needs a device (smartphone, tablet, or AR glasses) equipped with the right tools to recognize and display digital content. These tools include:
• A “library” of AR content (animations, videos, 3D objects)
• Activators—computer vision software that detects images, surfaces, or even specific locations where AR content should appear
There are two main ways to get these tools onto a user’s device:
Option 1: The AR App Approach
• Users download an app that contains all the necessary AR libraries and activators.
• When they open the camera inside the app and point it at the billboard, AR content appears.
Option 2: The WebAR Approach (No App Needed)
• Users scan a QR code or click a link to open a WebAR experience in their browser.
• The website loads the AR libraries, allowing the camera to recognize activators and display AR content without needing an app.
Why WebAR is Game-Changing:
• No app downloads = Less friction for users
• Works across most modern smartphones
• Perfect for one-off campaigns and interactive OOH (Out-Of-Home) advertising, cinemas signage etc
How to Guide Users to an AR Billboard Experience
The challenge isn’t just making AR possible—it’s making it easy for users to access. Here’s how brands can seamlessly guide people into an interactive billboard experience:
Step 1: Providing Access to AR Libraries
The first step is to get users onto the right platform where AR can work. This can be done through:
✅ QR Codes – The most common method. Users scan a QR code that redirects them to an AR-enabled webpage or an app store download.
✅ NFC Tags – Small physical stickers embedded with a chip. When users tap their phone against it, the AR experience launches automatically.
✅ SMS/Email Links – Sending users a short link via text or email that takes them straight to the experience.
🎯 The Goal? Make access as simple as possible. No one wants to manually type in a long URL or search for an app by name.
Step 2: Activating AR with the Billboard
Once the user is in the AR enabled environment (app or WebAR), they can trigger the experience in various ways:
🚀 Image Tracking (e.g., using a logo as an activator)
• The user opens their AR camera.
• They point it at a specific image (like a logo or product visual on the billboard).
• The system recognises it and overlays AR content on top.
🚀 Surface Tracking (placing content in the real world)
• Instead of using an image, the AR system detects a flat surface (like the ground or a table).
• The user taps the screen to place AR objects in their space.
🚀 Location-Based AR (geofencing AR experiences)
• When users enter a specific location, the AR experience unlocks automatically.
• Perfect for city-wide treasure hunts or interactive brand activations.
What Won’t Work? Common Misconceptions About AR Billboards
🚫 Opening a regular camera app and pointing it at a billboard
• Your phone’s default camera doesn’t have the AR libraries needed to recognize activators.
• That’s why a QR code or link is necessary—it acts as a “router” directing users to the AR experience.
🚫 Expecting AR to just “appear” without a trigger
• Even the best AR experiences require some form of activation (QR, NFC, geolocation, etc.).
• Without a way to connect users to the content, the experience won’t launch.
Why This Matters for Brands & Advertisers
OOH Billboards have been a staple of advertising for decades, but let’s be real—static ads aren’t enough anymore. People are glued to their phones, scrolling past traditional marketing messages without a second thought.
By integrating AR, brands can:
🔥 Increase engagement – People are 4x more likely to interact with an AR ad than a standard one.
🔥 Boost memorability – Studies show AR experiences increase brand recall by 70%.
🔥 Create shareable moments – Users love sharing cool AR experiences on social media, giving brands free organic reach.
We’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible. The real question is: Is your brand ready to make billboards come alive?
Want to learn more?
Share this with someone who needs a creative advertising boost—and let’s chat about how AR can transform your next campaign!
