The Social Power of Virtual Reality (part 2): Case Studies that Show What’s Possible

In Part 1 we explored how VR is fundamentally social — how it can deepen emotional connection and turn audiences into participants. Now, let’s look at a few real-world examples of brands and nonprofits that have done this brilliantly.

Case Study 1: Mountain Dew’s “#GotHandles” 360° Experience

Mountain Dew teamed up with the street-ball legend The Professor to create a mobile 360°/VR experience where viewers tried to match his basketball moves.

Why it worked:

• Viewers became players, not just spectators.

• The experience invited social competition and sharing.

• Engagement skyrocketed, with completion and click-through rates far above average.

👉 Takeaway: Design for participation. Give your audience something they can do and share.

Case Study 2: Adidas TERREX “Delicatessen” Climb

Adidas used VR to take viewers up a legendary Corsican cliffside climb alongside professional athletes.

Why it worked:

• Viewers felt the adrenaline and presence of real climbers.

• It turned product storytelling into a personal challenge: “Could I do this?”

• The brand became synonymous with courage and community.

👉 Takeaway: Build experiences around human aspiration and shared emotion, not just product features.

Case Study 3: Hope for Haiti VR App

This nonprofit’s VR experience transported viewers into a Haitian school community, letting them explore classrooms and hear stories firsthand.

Why it worked:

• Users experienced the mission’s impact with presence and empathy.

• It became a shared “walkthrough” for donors, volunteers, and supporters.

• The emotional authenticity drove conversations and donations.

👉 Takeaway: For cause-based work, VR is a bridge to empathy, turning awareness into action.

The bigger picture

These examples prove that social VR isn’t science fiction. It’s happening right now and it works because it focuses on people first. When users feel present and connected, your message sticks. Whether it’s a brand campaign, a fundraiser, or an educational story, the formula is simple:

Presence + Emotion + Shared Experience = Connection.

Final thoughts

As VR technology evolves, the opportunity to use it for human connection only grows. Brands and nonprofits that embrace this social side of VR will not just stand out — they’ll stand with their audiences.

If you’re ready to explore how immersive storytelling can connect your organization to people on a deeper level, I’d love to help you create something both meaningful and memorable.

Want to discuss if VR might help your brand or nonprofit better connect with your audience, contact us!