Picture this: You’re walking through a shopping mall when a product suddenly appears in midair—rotating, glowing, inviting you to take a closer look. But there’s no screen, no headset, no gimmick. Just a high-impact, three-dimensional display that commands attention.
This is holographic marketing, and it’s turning heads in ways traditional ads simply can’t. In a world where consumers are bombarded with digital content, 3D advertising breaks through the noise by creating immersive, memorable experiences.
A floating hologram.
But here’s the real question: Is this a marketing tactic only for big-budget brands, or can businesses of all sizes leverage it?
Let’s take a closer look at what holographic marketing is, why it’s effective, and how brands can use it—without breaking the bank.
What Is Holographic Marketing?
Holographic marketing uses 3D projection technology to create lifelike images that appear to float in space. Unlike augmented reality (which requires a phone screen) or virtual reality (which requires a headset), holograms can be seen with the naked eye.
It’s a seamless way to engage customers in the real world.
Businesses are using holographic displays to:
- Showcase products in 3D. Let customers view a product from every angle, zoom in, or even interact with it before making a purchase.
- Create interactive experiences. Some holograms allow touch-free controls, responding to gestures or movement.
- Capture attention in high-traffic areas. Whether it’s at a trade show, a storefront, or a corporate event, a floating, moving 3D object naturally draws interest.
- Go viral. People love cool visuals. A stunning hologram setup practically begs to be recorded and shared on social media.
In short, it’s the kind of next-level engagement that makes people actually remember an ad—instead of mindlessly scrolling past it.
A look at how it works.
Why Brands Are Investing in 3D Holographic Advertising
High engagement, low competition
Consumers have learned to tune out traditional advertising—they ignore banner ads, skip TV commercials, and only scan their cluttered social media feeds.
But a 3D projection in a physical space? That’s something people stop and watch.
Stronger brand recall
Studies show that interactive and immersive marketing increases memory retention—which means people are far more likely to remember a holographic ad than a traditional billboard or Instagram post.
Built-in social media buzz
Holographic displays naturally encourage people to take photos and videos—which means free user-generated content and organic social sharing. A single eye-catching 3D display can turn into hundreds (or thousands) of social media impressions.
Potential for high ROI
While initial costs can be steep, holographic marketing can increase sales and foot traffic significantly. When used strategically—like showcasing a high-ticket product in an interactive way—it can lead to higher conversions and a measurable return on investment.
Examples of what’s possible with interactive holographic technology.
How Brands Are Using Holographic Marketing
This isn’t just theory—major brands are already integrating 3D advertising into their marketing strategies.
Billboards
Brands like Coca-Cola and Nike have used holographic billboards in major cities, creating larger-than-life, animated advertisements that stand out even in crowded urban environments.
Product launches and trade shows
Mercedes-Benz used a full-scale holographic car projection at an auto show, letting attendees experience the vehicle’s design before it was even available in showrooms.
An early hologram display by Mercedes-Benz.
Retail and in-store displays
Companies like Adidas and Samsung have installed holographic product demos in stores, allowing shoppers to explore new items without needing to keep physical inventory on hand.
Holographic marketing in retail settings.
Is Holographic Marketing Affordable?
Let’s talk numbers. How much does it actually cost to get started with 3D advertising?
Here’s a rough breakdown.
While large-scale campaigns can be expensive, there are affordable entry points for businesses that want to experiment with this technology.
Holographic marketing in a Korean supermarket.
How Small Businesses Can Get Started
The cost might seem prohibitive, but smaller brands can implement holograms in pop-up shops, corporate events, or even social media-friendly retail spaces to create memorable customer experiences.
Start small with holographic fan displays ($500–$2,000)
These LED-based “hologram fans” create floating 3D visuals that are affordable, portable, and perfect for retail stores, trade show booths, or pop-up shops. Check out options from Holofan, Hypervsn, or Amazon for budget-friendly models.
Rent a holographic display for events ($2,000–$10,000)
Instead of buying, rent a pre-made hologram setup for a short-term marketing push. This is great for trade shows, product launches, or corporate events. Vendors like PORTL and Holocube offer rental options.
Use projection mapping as a hologram alternative ($1,000–$5,000)
Instead of a true hologram, projection mapping creates a similar 3D illusion on a flat surface. This works for storefronts, product demos, or immersive experiences. Services like Lightform or Christie Digital offer budget-friendly setups.
Partner with a local venue or event
Offer a holographic display as a sponsorship at a local event, splitting costs with another brand. This gets visibility without the need to carry the full expense alone.
Bottom Line: Holographic marketing doesn’t have to be a six-figure investment. With creative thinking and smart tech choices, even small businesses can get in on the action.
Note: The dollar amounts above are realistic estimates based on industry pricing, but they can vary depending on factors like vendor, location, rental duration, and customization needs.
Marketer Takeaways
Holographic marketing is more than just a gimmick—it’s a high-impact strategy for engaging customers in the real world.
- For big brands. Large-scale 3D advertising can create buzz, increase brand recall, and drive high engagement.
- For mid-sized businesses. Trade shows, events, and interactive retail displays are great starting points.
- For small businesses. Renting a holographic display for a single pop-up event could generate buzz without long-term investment.
If your marketing strategy relies on capturing attention, standing out in competitive spaces, or driving in-person engagement, holographic marketing is worth exploring.