This Halloween, augmented reality is giving online shopping a boost on Snapchat

Online shopping has become a new obsession among social media platforms. And, as Halloween approaches, Snapchat has rolled out a feature to help users find the perfect costume.

Looking for the perfect Halloween costume? Look no further than Snapchat. The social network is planning to take advantage of the event's enduring popularity to boost its augmented reality tools and online shopping functions.

In partnership with the specialist e-tailer, Disguise Costumes, Snapchat is offering an augmented reality tool that lets users virtually try on all kinds of different outfits before then being able to buy them directly online. From "The Office" to "Squid Game" or even the eternal favorite "Harry Potter," users will be able to discover the many available costumes on Snapchat by typing "Disguise Costumes" into the search bar or by searching by character, movie or show.

For Snapchat, this "Try-On" feature isn't really new. In April 2022, the application previously allowed the Puma brand to make use of its "Camera Kit for AR Shopping" technology, which let the platform's users virtually try on sneakers before buying them via the brand's e-store.

According to a marketing study conducted by Snap, 80% of the platform's users plan to use the social network during Halloween and 42% plan to buy their costume in early October.

The latest Ipsos "Augmentality Shift" study, commissioned by Snap, reflects the power of augmented reality on the app. In fact, 7 out of 10 people said that augmented reality made shopping easier, and even reduced item returns for 66% of them.

This enthusiasm for augmented reality is also observed among brands. Some 86% of them said that the tool helps increase their sales and allows them to attract new consumers.

By 2025, it is estimated that almost 60% of the American population and almost all social media users will regularly use augmented reality.