What is AR photo frame? Introducing hints to make PR easily with utilization examples

AR photo frames, which allow users to easily take photos with frames and characters using their smartphones without having to install large signs or panels, are often used as part of tourism and fan marketing.
In this article, we will provide an easy-to-understand explanation of AR photo frames, which have been gaining attention in recent years, including examples and effective ways to use them.

What is an AR photo frame?

AR Photo Frame is a photo frame that utilizes AR (Augmented Reality). Simply use your smartphone camera to scan a URL from a 2D barcode or AR marker to easily use frames and filters that use images, videos, and 3D materials. You can take videos as well as photos, so you can dance with characters or play quizzes.

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AR Photo Frame Usage Examples

We will introduce some examples of how photo frames are used in a variety of fields, including tourism, entertainment, and branding.

Yorunoyo "PreCure AR Photo Rally"

Yokohama City's illumination event "Yorunoyo 2023" held an AR photo rally event in collaboration with the anime "PreCure" series.
The rally format allowed participants to take photos with different characters at 20 locations using GPS location control. Participants could take photos with PreCure characters at designated areas such as Yokohama Station, Osanbashi Pier, and Yokohama Chinatown, making it an effective plan for increasing visitor mobility and fan engagement.

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Hirai Big Beach Festival Event "THE BEACH TRIP 2024"

An AR photo frame was unveiled at singer-songwriter Dai Hirai's beach festival event "THE BEACH TRIP 2024," held from April to May 2024. This
exclusive content can be launched from the official app, allowing users to take photos with the original characters displayed on the screen. Available exclusively at the venue, the character's color changes daily, allowing fans who came to the concert to capture precious memories of the event in photos.
Since it's only available on the official app, it's content that effectively increases fan engagement.

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Calbee "Jagabee 'Green Project'"

Calbee, Inc. has collaborated with Moomin on its popular snack food "Jagabee" as part of its "Green Project," which promotes environmentally friendly activities.

The "Green Project" involves initiatives such as supporting forest conservation activities and switching to new packaging formats that reduce petroleum-based plastics, and this collaboration has led to campaigns such as the sale of limited edition packaging designs and the release of AR photo frames.

If you want to raise awareness and understanding of your company's initiatives and products among users, AR photo frames, which can be spread on social media, can be used as an effective campaign tool.

Bandai "Tamagotchi Store"

Bandai Toy Division distributed limited edition AR photo frames at Tamagotchi's official shop, "Tamagotchi no Mise."
By scanning the 2D barcodes installed in the store, customers can take photos that make it seem as if they are inside a Tamagotchi.
Since the photos can only be taken in person at the store, this is an ideal measure for attracting visitors, fan marketing, and celebrating the store's opening.

Benefits of using AR photo frames for business

The events and campaigns introduced in the use case studies are filled with hints for using AR photo frames in business. Below we will explain the benefits of AR photo frames so that you can use them effectively for promotions.

Increased brand awareness

AR photo frames allow users to enjoy taking photos and posting them on social media. This creates a stronger two-way relationship between companies and customers than traditional advertising and promotions, making it easier for users to feel closer to and attached to the brand.
In addition, the ease of posting on social media is expected to help spread the word about brands and campaigns.

Improved customer engagement

AR photo frames are also effective for campaigns that utilize your own brand, content, IP collaborations, etc. By using the world of a work, characters, or actual athletes in AR photo frames, you can increase fan engagement and even promote UGC (User Generated Content) through social media posts.

Attracting visitors and increasing visitor turnout and circulation rates

When running campaigns at brick-and-mortar stores, events, tourist spots, etc., installing original AR photo frames that can only be used at the local site or venue can encourage customer visits.
In addition, installing them in multiple locations can also lead to increased visit rates and traffic.

Data analysis and policy improvement

AR Photo Frame can collect information on user usage, so the collected data can be used to effectively optimize future marketing initiatives and design new ones.

Easy implementation and cost savings

AR photo frames can be taken with just a two-dimensional barcode. All it takes is a simple flyer or poster, eliminating the need to set up large signs or panels on-site or distribute photo frames and videos to each user, leading to reduced installation and labor costs. Web AR photo frames also eliminate the need to develop expensive dedicated apps.
Furthermore, they can be launched on a standard smartphone browser, allowing users to easily experience them.

Make promotion easy with impressive AR photo frames

AR photo frames are highly customizable, allowing you to easily create designs tailored to your target audience, allowing you to provide users with the opportunity to "experience" and "preserve memories" at low cost. This means that users can expect to share their photos on social media immediately after taking them, spreading the excitement of that moment far and wide.
Promotions that "surprise" and "inspire" users can be easily realized, deepening their attachment to brands, events, and more.

Our specialized AR production team provides full support

AR Works is supported by a specialized team with extensive experience in AR production. Rather than simply "making what is requested and then finishing," we handle everything from planning to production and delivery.
With experience providing AR-based planning and content to clients in a variety of industries, we can provide custom-made proposals to resolve any issues or concerns you may have. Please feel free to contact us regarding your project ideas, production timeframe, fees, etc.

AR photo frame sample

By scanning the 2D barcode below with your smartphone camera, you can try out a sample of the AR photo frame created by AR Works.

This is a fun photo frame that allows you to change the frame with just a tap of a button and add stamps depending on your mood.
AR photo frames are flexible and can be equipped with a variety of functions, allowing you to realize original projects that are different from those of other companies.

▼Web AR | AR Works
https://promotion.ar-works.jp/web-ar/

Introducing AR Works achievements

You can see the track record of AR Works production below. We introduce a variety of situations, including promotions, events, and attracting attention, so please take a look.

▼List of achievements | AR Works
https://promotion.ar-works.jp/achievement

Summary of AR Photo Frames

AR photo frames are a technology that allows you to overlay images, videos, effects, etc. onto photos, and can be easily taken with a smartphone or tablet camera.
Because they allow you to create flexible content at low cost, effective promotions can be carried out by clarifying the purpose and target of the project in advance.

There's no need to go through the hassle of installing an app or logging in, and participation is easy, so it's used in a variety of situations, including product promotions, events, tourism, and fan initiatives.
If you're looking to implement a promotion aimed at increasing brand awareness, fan engagement, or spreading your message on social media, why not consider it as one of your new projects?

What are the key points to consider when choosing a company that is likely to lead to results?

[Latest in 2025] 7 recommended AR photo frame production companies!

We've compared seven companies that produce AR photo frames, providing a thorough comparison of their strengths, features, budgets, and other points of interest.
If you're considering an AR photo frame or aren't sure what to look for when choosing a company, be sure to check this out.