- Jun 15, 2021
The pandemic has changed our lives. So much so, that we can barely remember what life was like before. However, one of the key things the world has realised is how useful the internet can be at making everyday interactions accessible during a socially distanced time.
The events industry has taken a colossal hit during COVID 19. A year onwards, rubbing shoulders with strangers in a sweaty club feels like something from an alternate dimension. But, many events organisers have decided to overcome barriers put in place by pathogens to give people interactive, inclusive shows virtually through the miracle of live stream.
This format has proven to be so effective, that it is likely to persist even after the pandemic. Organisers are considering the possibility of 'Hybrid' events, events that have both in-person and at-home audiences. With many expected to feel wary about stepping into a crowd as a result of COVID anxiety, this hybridisation of audiences includes all, regardless of social confidence level. Not only this, but the retargeted focus of events towards at home audiences has made many shows far more accessible for people with disabilities. Live interactive video events have given many a new lens to access their favourite artists and brands.
There have been some incredible attempts to recreate the in-person experience of events in the comfort of peoples homes. Check out some of our favourites from 2021 so far...
Bloomingdales X Jimmy Choo: Virtual Shopping Events
Bloomingdales have reached to the internet to sell products to customers through virtual consultations. Their live video shopping events are an example that shows how retailers have combatted obstacles that have kept their bricks and mortar stores shut. They prove that through technology, the in-person shopping experience can be replicated online. Viewers who signed up to the show in advance received complimentary macarons and cocktails and the first 50 buyers received a free fashion sketch. Jimmy Choo's creative director, Sandra Choi then displayed her favourite trends for spring. Choi was able to demonstrate the glittery glamour of the shoes to audiences at home who were able to see the products in 360 degrees. Bloomingdales has also produced 50 more virtual shopping events to their customers during the pandemic.
Oscar Party with Elton John and David Furnish
The Oscars is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year. Perhaps the second most anticipated event would be Elton Johns famous after party! Harnessing the power of live interactive video, viewers at home could purchase tickets for the event to support the Elton John AIDS Foundation and get exclusive, behind the scenes access to a party for the stars. The event took place on the 26 April and was hosted by A-listers, Dua Lipa and Neil Patrick Harris. The show raised over 2 million dollars for the charity.
London Fashion Week 2021: Free Virtual Hybrid Event
With audiences gradually being reintroduced, there are still limits on capacity. So, London Fashion Week 2021 made their shows even more accessible by allowing some in-person viewers, then streaming online to all. The schedule ran from the 12th to the 14th June and streamed a variety of designers and collections. This ranged from the hottest forecasted styles to out of this world, entirely digital collections. The virtual live event gave everyone a front row seat to the most exclusive show in Fashion.
Covid is No Joke: Virtual Comedy Festival
Some of America's biggest comedians got together to encourage audiences to laugh during challenging times. Will Ferrell, Chelsea Handler, Elizabeth Banks and Jack Black were among the star studded line up reaching people at home. The live interactive video was hosted on YouTube with audiences communicating in the chat bar. The event provided much needed comedic relief for viewers.
Live interactive video can come in many forms. If you are interested in hosting virtual shopping events or live video shopping visit Smartzer's website here!
Updated: Aug 24, 2021
See Brown Thomas use interactive video to transform the browsing experience!
To promote Dolce & Gabbana's gorgeous SS21 collection, Brown Thomas created interactive disruptor videos using Smartzer's interactive video platform.
The dazzlingly bright colour pallet paired with elegant florals makes the collection incredibly eye catching and memorable. Dolce & Gabbana encourages audiences to embrace clashing prints this summer to make a fashion-forward statement.
Execution:
Making the collection even more appealing, Smartzer shoppable videos have been used to demonstrate pieces in a seamlessly dynamic format.
As site visitors browse, they come across the shoppable videos which feature a clickable, interactive overlay tagged with product information. Customers can add items to their bag straight from the video, selecting their perfect size.
By showing models wearing the collection, Brown Thomas shows customers pieces through a 360 degree lens. This gives customers a full view of products, giving them the confidence to buy online.
Check out the live video in action here!
Results:
Using Smartzer's interactive video platform, Brown Thomas created a video with the following features:
Seamless integration into product feeds to offer an alternative format for product discovery
Scrollable group popup style with sizing options
Add to bag integration with up to date stock information
Browsable side carousel with all the looks from the video
End screen with shoppable carousel to encourage last minute buys
Shoppable, interactive video with a clickable overlay
Conclusion:
There are many ways to use shoppable video effectively. Brown Thomas shows how you can use interactive video to aid the customer browsing experience on e-commerce collection pages. This makes online shopping far more engaging, exciting and memorable.
If you want to learn more about how you can create shoppable content using Smartzer's interactive video platform click here!
- Jun 10, 2021
With more and more brands incorporating interactive and shoppable formats into their e-commerce, many are looking towards interactive video platforms to succeed.
Luckily, if your brand is on Shopify, you don't need to worry about complicated integrations to incorporate this video content marketing technology.
There are some incredibly simple apps available to help your brand create captivating video on Shopify product pages to encourage site visitors to buy. So, we've broken down the list to give you the top platforms to use to create ridiculously engaging video on any Shopify.
Vimotia
Vimotia brings TikTok style videos to your Shopify store. This video Shopify App allows customers to shop from the content by clicking interactive widgets. You can import product videos from AliExpress, Amazon as well as YouTube, Pinterest, TikTok and Instagram.
Smartzer
Create incredible content - ideal for product discovery like the Bloomingdales UAE example above.
Smartzer's app helps brands to create shoppable video on Shopify product pages and beyond. The app allows merchants to add an interactive overlay to video content to make it shoppable. Customers can click on the video to view product information on pricing, sizing, colour options with the option to add the item straight to their bag. These videos can be shared across social media, implemented on product landing pages and used in email newsletters. Smartzer also offers a live stream shopping solution that allows brands to sell to customers in real-time broadcasts.
VStore
VStore allows brands to display products featured in videos below the content. They also allow merchants to create virtual shop tours as well as how to videos for products in an entertaining and engaging way. VStore makes it clear for viewers to see products with direct links to buy.
These apps are just some of the great shoppable solutions to create exciting, interactive video on Shopify.
Click here for more info on interactive live stream shop solutions!
For more information on Smartzer's shopify app click here!