Manufacturing & Supply Chain

Virgin Media has become the first brand to have a traditional TV advertisement in 360 degree on the Apple TV platform.

Created by leading Irish advertising agency, Irish International BBDO, the new 30-second ad uses virtual reality content to allow viewers to almost become part of the ad themselves. The 360-degree ad will run on US virtual reality specialists Littlstar’s Apple TV app and will be the first of its kind to bring immersive 30 second advertising content to the new Apple TV platform.

The new 360-degree format is designed to optimise audience engagement from an entirely new perspective and to allow them to interact with what they see on screen as they see it. With a simple swipe of their mobile devices or mouse, viewers can experience what it’s like to be in the pilot’s seat and to navigate an aircraft, changing the surroundings with every move.

As well as using regular handheld devices, users will also be able to experience the new 360-degree video on virtual reality headsets such as the Samsung Gear VR, Google Cardboard and on Apple TV by using their remote control via the Littlstar app.

Catriona Devlin, Online Media Manager, Virgin Media Ireland, said, “This is such an outstanding achievement by Irish International BBDO. We have worked with the agency on numerous campaigns and their creativity and expertise never ceases to amaze us. We are so proud to be the first brand to have a 30 second 360-degree TV ad.

“We promised we would bring magic to our customers and this ad brings that promise to life. The 360 degree video has empowered the user to experience what the speed of 360 Mbps feels like in a visually innovative way. It’s truly exciting to see how the collaboration between Irish International BBDO, Littlstar, OMD and Screen Scene, has created an advert that is unique and compelling.”

The Ad is part of a wider Virgin Media 360 campaign that is running across television, radio, press and online to market the launch of Virgin’s new ultrafast broadband. Now available in almost three-quarters of a million homes across Ireland, Virgin Media’s fibre powered network means that new and existing customers can enjoy supersonic broadband speeds of 360Mbps, more than three times faster than competitors’ offers.

Virgin Media is Ireland’s leading digital pioneer and innovator.  It was the first to introduce bundles for digital TV, broadband and phone in Ireland in 2007.  Owned by Liberty Global, the company has invested over €1 Billion in Ireland over the past decade.