The integration of computer-generated imagery (CGI) into marketing is transforming the way brands communicate and capture audiences’ attention. This evolution has fueled a groundbreaking trend known as Fake Out-of-Home (FOOH or Fake OOH), which uses CGI to create impressive, often surreal visual scenarios that go viral on social media.
Platforms like Instagram and TikTok, with their focus on visual and shareable content, are ideal grounds for these campaigns, promoting fast interactions and high organic reach. Recent campaigns demonstrate how this strategy increases engagement and redefines the visual communication experience.
In this article, we will explore how Fake Out-of-Home with CGI is revolutionizing digital marketing, analyzing practical examples, its competitive advantages and how to implement this strategy effectively to leverage campaigns and maximize results.
Fake Out-of-Home: What is it and why does it work?
Fake Out-of-Home involves creating hyper-realistic images or videos that simulate physical installations in public spaces, but which exist only in the digital world. For example, a recent campaign simulated a giant balloon of a product floating over a famous tourist spot, attracting thousands of views and shares because it looked realistic and striking. This approach combines unlimited creativity and visual impact, generating curiosity and spontaneous sharing on social media.
Recently, the video of Barbie bag as activation for watch the movie gained prominence in Brazil, as an activation for HBO Max and Vivo. Although it was not a real installation, the CGI gave realism to the scene, resulting in thousands of shares and consolidating the brand's presence in the popular imagination. In Brazil, the campaign featuring flying mortadella and the giant cake honoring São Paulo's birthday also went viral, showing how this strategy has high potential for reach and impact.
Benefits of Fake Out-of-Home with CGI
1. High Visual Impact
Fake OOH campaigns are instantly eye-catching. The richness of detail and realism provided by CGI creates a sense of wonder, which leads the audience to interact and share the pieces.
2. Reduced Costs
Producing a real physical installation can be expensive and logistically challenging. CGI eliminates the need to rent space or build structures, significantly reducing production costs. For example, creating a giant structure for an event can cost tens of thousands of dollars, while the same idea can be simulated digitally for a fraction of that cost, offering greater flexibility and scalability to adjust as needed.
3. Virality
Fake OOH images or videos have a strong appeal on social media. The surreal aspect generates curiosity and discussions, increasing the organic reach of the campaign.
4. Sustainability
By avoiding physical materials and production that generate waste, CGI becomes a more sustainable alternative for marketing, aligning with trends in social and environmental responsibility. In addition, consumers increasingly value brands that demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices, strengthening positive perceptions and increasing brand loyalty.
Success Stories
1. Flying Mortadella and Giant Cake in São Paulo
For São Paulo’s anniversary, brands used CGI to create giant elements that appeared to float around the city. These images attracted attention in both digital and traditional media, generating positive buzz around the brands.
2. Her Code Perfumes, O Boticário
The campaign included giant digitally generated padlocks at tourist attractions in Brazil. The approach generated engagement and connected the public to the concept of the product’s exclusivity.
3. Jacquemus: Giant Bags
Fashion brand Jacquemus used CGI to create giant bags at iconic landmarks in Paris, generating huge engagement on social media and cementing its creative identity.
How to Implement Fake Out-of-Home
1. Creative Planning
Identify the core concept of the campaign and explore how CGI can amplify the message in an impactful and visually appealing way.
2. Choosing the Right Tool
Use software such as Blender, Cinema 4D or Unreal Engine to create high-quality visuals. The choice of tool depends on the level of detail and complexity desired.
3. Integration with Social Networks
Develop a distribution strategy that includes teasers, behind-the-scenes videos, and influencer collaborations to maximize reach.
4. Measurement of Results
Use KPIs such as reach, engagement and social media mentions to assess the impact of the campaign. Tools such as Google Analytics allow you to track the traffic generated by CGI pieces within your website or app, while platforms such as Hootsuite It is Sprout Social Monitor interactions and public sentiment on social media. Specific metrics, such as click-through rate (CTR) on promoted links and the number of shares, help measure effectiveness. In addition, benchmarking analyses can be used to compare performance with previous campaigns or those of competitors.
Impact and Transformation of FOOH in Marketing
CGI brings Fake Out-of-Home to life and thus enhances the power of marketing in general. It expands the possibilities of storytelling, allowing brands to build emotional and impactful narratives. The technology also enables mass personalization, helping companies connect more deeply and relevantly with different audiences.
Companies that adopt CGI have demonstrated high levels of effectiveness and creativity in their campaigns. Visual engagement and the ability to go viral become competitive differentiators, while sustainability and resource savings ensure their relevance in the long term.
The Creative Future with Fake Out-of-Home and CGI
Fake Out-of-Home with CGI combines creativity, cost-effectiveness and impact. By harnessing the power of this visual strategy, brands can create experiences that capture the public’s imagination, go viral on social media and strengthen their brand image. brand awareness. This approach redefines how brands connect emotionally with their consumers. Now is the time to embrace this creative trend and explore the endless possibilities that CGI and FOOH can bring to digital marketing.
