Remote communication, while being a pandemic necessity, can trigger anxiety, psychological discomfort, and ‘Zoom fatigue’. But face AR (augmented reality) can change that. Standard meeting screens can be augmented with interesting backgrounds, ‘talking heads’ can be switched to 3D avatars or complemented by face masks. People worried about their appearance can apply beautification filters to adjust the way they look on the screen instead of putting on actual make-up or turning to more radical methods. In this article, we will tell you how face AR engages video chat users and streamers and helps app developers keep their products at the top.
More immersive game streaming
Live game streaming is a popular mode of entertainment for many people worldwide: 8.8 billion hours were streamed in the first quarter of 2021 alone. But the options for personalization and immersive engagement for streamers and gamers are limited. Users can communicate via live text chats, but the streaming process lacks more profound forms of online interaction and shared virtual experiences.
To address this problem, some live gaming platforms are considering augmented reality. For example, Twitch introduced Snapchat filters, also known as lenses. By applying them, gamers can overlay video with additional graphical elements, such as face masks or backgrounds, which can be customized for each stream. Viewers can then access these lenses via QR codes and use them on their own.
Services like GeForce Now and Stadia heralded the next trend in the gaming industry — transition to a cloud-based gaming ecosystem. Developers will no longer be bound by the limited resources of the end-user device and would be able to use immersive experiences like face AR without compromising performance.
These face AR features (masks, color filters, virtual makeup, etc) are still relatively new, but developers can already introduce them in their game streaming platforms. One of the options for this is the integration of ready-made SDKs, such as Banuba AR Video Conferencing and Agora that enable face AR filters and AI video effects for live gaming.
Banuba SDK enhances game streaming with customizable AR face filters, avatars, and graphic overlays, while Agora facilitates user engagement with real-time audio and video communication tools that can be seamlessly added into the streaming process for more immersiveness and fun.
Growing engagement in mobile live streaming
While mobile users are able to stream and participate in the streams of others, they might be lacking tools to express themselves in creative ways, engage with content, or participate in shared virtual activities.
This is especially important since user-generated content accounts for 51% of all video streaming on mobile devices. Huawei was one of the companies that tried to capitalize on this demand for user engagement and personalization by launching an AR-integrated live streaming platform for retailers.
A combination of face AR and live streaming and has proven beneficial for e-commerce, enticing users to engage with virtual try-on and live unpacking videos. Streamers used beautification filters, face masks, avatars, as well as graphic and sound overlays to promote cosmetics and all kinds of products in real-time. Other industries, e.g. sports, education, and entertainment, can likewise benefit from AR live streaming.
Streaming apps and platforms can get the most out of user engagement by integrating video editors that support face AR technology. A free trial of Banuba Video Editor SDK is a good place to start, as it contains ready-made modules that enable users to apply filters and masks to transform their appearance, edit audio and video, and customize content on the go.
Less stress and more fun during video calls with AR lenses
Currently, 43% of Americans choose to video chat with businesses, while more than 50% of European bank clients turn to remote channels. Approximately 25% of U.S. patients used video chat to speak with a therapist, and these numbers are expected to increase in the near future. This data suggests that video chat will most likely stick with us for good.
While video interaction has become routine, it’s also brought new problems. Stress, anxiety, screen fatigue, and privacy problems are among the major issues. Those working from home during lockdowns found themselves in constant need of looking fresh and energized on video while presenting their environment as clean and professional.
Some users even turned to cosmetic procedures because they did not like the way they appeared on screen during remote meetings. This recent phenomenon has been referred to as ‘Zoom envy’ and accounts for a 10% increase in cosmetic surgery in the USA and a 20% increase in France. Other countries and regions also report growing demand in this sector. With face AR, users can instead apply beautification filters, put on virtual make-up, adjust facial features, and hide behind animated avatars if they feel uncomfortable during a video call.
Another trend is the use of automated AI avatars, like Zoombot, that deal with simple responses during video chats. Zoombot was created by Matt Reed as an ‘AI digital twin’ that can do some small talk, respond to greetings, and ask the interlocutor to repeat the last phrase on Matt’s behalf during video meetings. While this feature was made mostly for entertainment, just imagine what these face AR-powered AI bots could possibly do in the future when they learn to communicate better.
Face AR tools combined with AI such as Banuba AR Face Filters SDK can be easily integrated into any video chat app. They can save people from ‘Zoom envy’ with natural beautification filters, cover up the mess and unexpected cameos of children or pets with a professional-looking background, protect user privacy during public online meetings with interactive avatars, and do much more.
Conclusion: Face AR boosts collaboration and user engagement in video chats
The demand for augmented reality tools is growing in live gaming, mobile streaming, and video conferencing. Embedded video editors provide users with essential features for interactive collaboration, creative self-expression, and immersive collective experiences.
Face AR is also useful in fighting stress and anxiety, as it helps participants look good and professional with natural beautification filters and virtual backgrounds. Streaming platforms and video chat apps can benefit from integrating augmented reality SDKs that empower users with more personification and engagement options during online real-time interactions. Try ours for free!
