In today’s crowded digital landscape, cutting through the noise requires more than just catchy subject lines and flashy images. Extended Reality (XR) emails—which blend augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and 3D interactive elements—are transforming email marketing from a one-way communication tool into an immersive, engaging experience. When done right, XR emails don’t just capture attention—they build deeper, more meaningful connections with your audience.
Here’s how to leverage immersive email to create lasting engagement and foster stronger relationships with your subscribers.
Traditional emails often struggle with low engagement rates because they feel static and impersonal. XR emails change that by:
A study by HubSpot found that interactive emails generate 73% higher click-through rates than static ones. When you incorporate XR elements, that engagement multiplies.
One of the biggest barriers to online shopping is the inability to touch, feel, or test products. XR emails solve this by embedding:
Example: A sunglasses brand used an XR email to let users virtually try on different frames. Customers who engaged with the AR feature had a 40% higher conversion rate than those who didn’t.
People love games—they’re engaging, fun, and memorable. Adding gamified elements to emails boosts interaction and brand recall.
Example: A travel agency used an XR email with an interactive “scratch-off map” where users revealed hidden travel deals. The campaign saw 3x more engagement than their standard emails.
Static personalization (like using a first name) is outdated. XR emails take it further by:
Example: A fitness brand sent an XR email with a personalized workout demo. The AI adjusted exercises based on the user’s fitness level, leading to a 50% increase in click-to-open rates.
Instead of just describing a product or story, let users experience it.
Example: A luxury resort used an XR email with a 360° beach tour. Recipients could “look around” the resort, leading to a 25% boost in bookings.
When an email is fun, interactive, or surprising, people share it. XR emails naturally encourage:
Example: A cosmetics brand included an AR filter in their email, letting users “try on” makeup looks. The campaign went viral, with 1,000+ social shares in 24 hours.
Most modern email clients (Apple Mail, Gmail, Outlook) support basic interactive elements. For full AR/VR, users may need to open the email on a mobile device with a compatible browser.
Platforms like Zakeke, ByondXR, and Taxi for Email offer drag-and-drop tools to build immersive emails without technical skills.
Absolutely! B2B brands use XR emails for:
Track:
Costs vary. Simple 3D previews are affordable, while custom AR immersive web experiences require more investment. However, the higher engagement often justifies the cost.
XR emails aren’t just a novelty—they’re a relationship-building tool. When users interact with your brand in a fun, immersive way, they remember you. They engage longer. They trust you more.
Start small: Test one interactive element (like a 3D product view) in your next campaign. Track results. Scale what works.
The future of email isn’t just about sending messages—it’s about creating experiences. And XR emails are leading the way.