In real life, 2D flat ads are one of the most common ad formats we see. They’re everywhere, from the roadside, buildings along the street, to bus stops and subway stations. Most are images, and some are videos. But do you ever stop to really look at what product they’re promoting? Most of the time, you just glance at them during a boring wait, and soon forget what the ad was about.

However, in recent years, people seem to be paying more attention to street ads. This change is thanks to the use of 3D advertising billboards. Remember the MSG Sphere in Las Vegas that sparked heated online discussions in 2023? It’s the world’s largest 3D LED display with amazing glasses-free 3D effects. Microsoft used the MSG Sphere to showcase a giant Xbox ad, turning the sphere into a 3D Xbox logo. It quickly became a popular attraction, drawing tourists from around the world to take photos. Even those who couldn’t make it there were eager to see the spectacular LED display on social media.

Microsoft’s MSG Sphere 3D ad captivated audiences worldwide and significantly boosted brand influence. It was undoubtedly a very successful ad. Besides MSG Sphere delivering amazing ad effects, 3D billboards in other cities also sparked high discussions, creating an impact very different from flat ads. As early as 2022, Nike used 3D billboards for advertising. March 26, 2022 is known as Nike Air Max Day for those who love sneaker culture. To celebrate its 35th anniversary, Nike displayed a creative 3D ad on a 3D LED billboard in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Lifelike Air Max sneakers seemed to burst out of the screen and float in mid-air, stopping pedestrians and making them take photos and videos with their phones. Many fans exclaimed, “This is so cool!”

As there are more and more successful cases of 3D advertising, it is not surprising that more and more cities are building 3D advertising billboards in bustling neighborhoods.

At this point, some people may wonder why people don’t like to watch 2D print ads compared to 3D ads?

While 2D ads have a relatively lower production cost, they may lead to poor ad performance due to their lack of appeal and interactivity, reducing the cost-effectiveness ratio. Traditional 2D screen ads mostly use static images or simple animations, leaving viewers passively receiving information with little sense of engagement or immersion. Limited to two-dimensional expression, 2D ads struggle to fully showcase product features and advantages, especially for complex or three-dimensional products, making it hard to fully reveal their charm.

In the age of information overload, people’s attention is incredibly valuable. 2D ads, due to their repetitive and unimaginative format, often fail to stand out among the crowd. In contrast, 3D billboards, as an emerging media form, are gradually changing people’s traditional perception of ads. They transcend the limitations of two-dimensional displays by utilizing advanced 3D imaging technologies, such as dynamic LED screens, holograms, or augmented reality (AR), to present ad content in a three-dimensional and interactive manner. This immersive experience often captures pedestrians’ attention instantly, prompting them to stop and even actively engage with the advertisement.

With constant technological advancements, the advertising industry is openly embracing the emerging form of 3D billboards. In recent years, a series of stunning 3D billboards have continuously emerged, not only showcasing leaps in technology but also becoming an integral part of the urban landscape.

In 2017, the Coca-Cola Times Square 3D billboard was recognized by Guinness World Records as “the world’s largest 3D billboard.” Made up of 1,760 independently moving LED screens, it stands about six stories tall, measuring roughly 21 meters in height and 13 meters in width. It’s both “the world’s largest automated 3D billboard” and “the world’s first automated 3D billboard.” Each LED screen can be edited and displayed individually, creating dynamic changes through programmed control. The result is a flowing effect like water ripples, making people marvel that “the building seems to come to life.” This 3D billboard generated more buzz for Coca-Cola, further sparking consumers’ desire to buy.

Nike 35th Anniversary 3D Ad
To celebrate the 35th Air Max Day, Nike projected a 3D dynamic ad onto a giant curved 3D billboard outside Shinjuku subway station in Tokyo. Various colored Air Max shoes seemed to float in mid-air, creating a novel and fun effect. The ad showcased the classic charm of the Air Max series while incorporating cutting-edge technology. This creative idea was refreshing and drew countless passersby and tourists to stop and admire, becoming a stunning sight on Tokyo’s streets. It perfectly embodied Nike’s deep understanding and pursuit of innovation, quality, and commemorative significance.

3D tricolor cat on the street at Shinjuku Station in Tokyo, Japan
A 3D tricolor cat has appeared on the “Cross Shinjuku Vision” 3D billboard at the East Exit Plaza of Shinjuku Station since July 2021. This tricolor cat sometimes lazily dozes off and sometimes curiously looks around. Every tiny movement is so lifelike that people mistake it for being truly in the real world. It has now become another must-visit spot in Tokyo for social media enthusiasts.

3D Wave Wall of SM Building in South Korea
The 3D LED Billboard at SM Building in Korea uses Samsung’s Smart LED, which adjusts its brightness automatically based on the sun’s movement. It mainly displays videos and ads of SM artists. Initially, it didn’t draw much attention, but when it switched to a rolling 3D wave ad, it quickly gained a lot of buzz online. The dynamic effect of the rolling waves is very visually impactful, a stark contrast to usual static or flat ads, giving people a sense of coolness in the hot summer.

3D spacecraft in Taikoo Li, Chengdu, China
In 2020, a 3D LED Billboard in Taikoo Li, Chengdu, showed an impressive scene lasting just a few dozen seconds: a realistic 3D spaceship “docked,” then a huge, mysterious “strange hand” slowly emerged and reached out to the crowd from the screen. The whole scene was full of futuristic and sci-fi vibes, reminding people of “cyberpunk.” It attracted countless viewers to stop and marvel, making Chengdu unlock another new landmark.

These top-notch 3D advertising billboards not only showcase the rapid development of technology, but also become stunning sights in the city landscape with their unique creativity and stunning visual effects. They not only grab people’s attention but also spark endless imagination about future outdoor advertising forms.

As traditional advertising forms lose their novelty, 3D LED Billboards are becoming the new favorite for brand promotion, thanks to their unique visual impact and interactivity. Some 3D billboards not only create realistic, immersive scenes for viewers but also capture their movements through sensors for personalized interactive experiences. This innovation not only boosts ad appeal but also significantly enhances brand recall, allowing businesses to stand out in fierce market competition and lead the advertising industry towards a more diversified and intelligent future.

Why can 3D billboards change the form of advertising? Why do more and more big brands choose to spend a lot of money on just a few dozen seconds of 3D advertising? The reason lies in the unparalleled advantages of 3D technology.

Strong visual impact

3D advertising billboards break the flat limits of traditional 2D ads with three-dimensional visual effects, bringing viewers a more realistic and vivid sensory experience. Whether through special LED screens or using physical structures to create 3D effects, they make viewers feel like they’re right in the ad scene. This unprecedented visual impact easily sparks people’s interest and curiosity, deepening their memory of the brand.

Enhance brand image and style
3D digital billboards often show a brand’s pursuit of innovation and cutting-edge technology. This trendy ad format not only highlights a brand’s strength and taste but also builds a high-end, modern image in consumers’ minds. In a competitive market, such a brand image is definitely an invisible asset, helping the brand stand out among many competitors.

Enhance interactivity and sense of participation
Many digital billboards include interactive elements, like AR technology. Viewers can scan with their phones to watch 3D animations or play interactive games. This engagement makes ads more fun and easier to remember. Today, with social media so popular, such interactive experiences often prompt users to share, spreading the ads further.

Flexible to adapt to various scenarios
3D LED Billboards are used everywhere, from business districts, shopping malls, transportation hubs to outdoor events. They can change content and form based on different settings and needs, ensuring the best visual effects and communication efficiency. This high flexibility makes 3D ads the perfect choice for brands to show creativity and deliver messages in various settings.

In this visual-driven age, 3D technology is the key to unlock a new world, leading us to explore new realms of advertising. For brands that pursue innovation and aim to leave a lasting impression on consumers, choosing 3D billboards is definitely a wise move.

The stunning 3D billboards we see on the streets are actually outdoor LED displays with 3D display effects, usually made up of two or more LED screens. Simply put, they’re outdoor LED digital billboards with customized 3D video content.

These 3D street billboards offer realistic 3D effects without needing any special glasses. They not only provide a breathtaking visual experience for viewers but also become new landmarks in the city, drawing the attention of countless people.

The principle of glasses-free 3D technology is based on the parallax effect of human eyes. It uses the principle of perspective to alter the shape of the content, creating a sense of space and depth. The key to achieving this effect lies in the screen. These landmark-sized screens are usually made up of panels folded at 90° from different angles, and curved corners work better than sharp angles at the joints. Additionally, the clarity and size of the digital billboard directly impact the realism of the glasses-free 3D effect.

Creating a glasses-free 3D billboard isn’t just about using regular big screen video content. For the best effect, custom digital content is needed. High-definition cameras are used to ensure sharpness and color saturation during filming, and later adjustments are made to depth, perspective, and other parameters. This makes glasses-free 3D billboards far superior in image quality to traditional 2D ads.

From a business perspective, glasses-free 3D LED billboards have a wide range of applications. They can be used not only for outdoor advertising but also for online promotion and product display and sales on e-commerce websites. More importantly, with their unique visual impact, glasses-free 3D billboards capture the attention of numerous viewers, bringing significant exposure and conversion rates to advertisers.

In the field of outdoor advertising, glasses-free 3D advertising billboards really shine. They’ve become popular spots for social media check-ins and offer advertisers a new marketing platform. More and more advertisers, from luxury goods to tech products, and from internet brands to fast-moving consumer goods, are trying out this novel ad format.

A 3D billboard is usually made up of two or more outdoor LED screens. So, if you want to create your own 3D billboard, you need to start by choosing outdoor LED screens. But with so many types of outdoor LED screens on the market, how can you pick a high-quality one? Don’t worry, I’ve compiled a detailed buying guide for you, including all the parameter requirements. You can use it as a reference.

5.1 Display Effects
Brightness & Clarity: Since outdoor lighting conditions are complex, choosing LED screens with high brightness and clarity is crucial. Generally, outdoor LED screens should have a brightness of 5000 nits or more to meet display requirements under direct sunlight.

Resolution: High resolution is also an important indicator of picture quality. It’s recommended to choose digital billboards with at least P10 (10mm pixel pitch per square meter) or higher resolution to ensure clarity even when viewed from a distance.

Refresh Rate: LED screens with a high refresh rate can effectively reduce flickering and trailing, enhancing the viewing experience. This is particularly important when displaying fast-moving content.

3D Display Effect: Since you’re creating a 3D LED Billboard, glasses-free 3D display functionality is a must. Glasses-free 3D LED screens are cutting-edge display technology that leverages the parallax of the human eyes to allow viewers to experience realistic 3D images with depth and spatial perception without any assistive devices. When selecting, pay attention to whether the digital billboard supports glasses-free 3D effects and understand the implementation and results of related technology.

Viewing Distance & Angle: The viewing angle is mainly determined by the LED chip packaging method. Modern LED screens can now provide a wide viewing angle while maintaining high brightness, meeting the needs of various application scenarios. When choosing, determine the appropriate viewing angle based on specific application requirements and budget. The viewing distance is related to the resolution and size of the digital billboard. Generally, screens with higher resolution and larger sizes have a longer viewing distance.

5.2 Protective Performance
Dust & Water Resistance: Outdoor LED screens often face erosion from rain and dust, so they must have good waterproof and dustproof capabilities. High-quality outdoor LED screens should have an IP rating of IP65 or above, meaning they can effectively resist the intrusion of rain, wind-blown sand, and other natural factors, ensuring long-term stable operation.

Wind Resistance: Outdoor environments can have strong winds, so the structure of digital billboards should have a certain level of wind resistance. When choosing, pay attention to factors like the screen’s material, thickness, and installation method.

Heat Dissipation: LED screens generate heat when in operation. Poor heat dissipation not only affects picture quality but may also shorten the lifespan. Therefore, when purchasing, pay special attention to the product’s heat dissipation design, such as the layout of ventilation holes, the configuration of fans or heat pipes, etc.

Temperature Adaptability: Outdoor temperatures can vary widely. In tropical regions, summer temperatures can reach over 40°C, and under direct sunlight, temperatures can be even higher. In cold regions, winter temperatures can drop below 0°C. Therefore, digital billboards should have a certain level of temperature adaptability. When choosing, pay attention to the screen’s operating temperature range and whether it has temperature regulation functions.

5.3 Cost Control
Price: Price is one of the important factors to consider when purchasing. Prices for LED screens vary greatly among different brands and models, so you need to choose the right one based on your budget and needs.
Size: The size of the screen is also a key factor affecting price. Generally, the larger the size, the higher the price. When selecting, determine the appropriate size based on the specific application scenario and viewing distance.
Energy Consumption: Energy consumption is another important aspect of cost control. Choosing a digital billboard with energy-saving features can reduce operating costs. For example, some screens support automatic brightness adjustment based on ambient lighting, which saves energy while ensuring optimal display effects.

5.4 Assembly Materials
For the assembly materials of 3D advertising billboards, the filament material inside the LED bulbs is an important consideration. Copper and gold are two common filament materials.
Copper: It has good electrical and thermal conductivity, but its color is relatively dull.
Gold: It has a brighter and more vivid color, but the price is higher.
When choosing the filament material, you need to decide based on the billboard’s budget and visual effect. If you aim for higher visual effects and quality, gold is a good choice. If your budget is limited, copper is also a decent option.

5.5 Packaging Technology
Packaging technology is one of the key factors affecting the performance and lifespan of 3D billboards. Currently, there are mainly two technologies on the market: COB packaging and SMD packaging.
COB Packaging: It directly encapsulates LED chips onto the PCB board, forming a flat light source. It has the advantages of small size, high pixel density, and uniform brightness, suitable for close-up viewing and high-end applications.
SMD Packaging: LED devices with leads or pads are mounted on the PCB board and welded onto it through surface mount technology. It has the advantages of mature production processes and low costs, suitable for long-distance viewing and cost-sensitive applications.

In summary, when purchasing outdoor 3D LED screens, you need to consider various aspects comprehensively, including display effect, protective performance, and cost control. By carefully comparing the performance of different products in these areas, you can choose the digital billboard that best suits your needs.

We know that standing out in the ocean of advertising information requires not only creativity, but also reliable quality. Therefore, we proudly recommend to you—EagerLED Outdoor LED Displays, a manufacturer with over a decade of production experience. Here, you’ll find top-quality 3D billboards and comprehensive pre- and after-sales technical services. We’ve selected a few 3D LED Billboards for you, hoping you’ll find one you like.

EA3D-VR in 3D Digital Billboard: The EA3D-VR LED display is a groundbreaking product that supports 90-degree seamless splicing, delivering stunning glasses-free 3D effects for an enhanced visual experience. Its advanced display technology not only provides realistic 3D images but also supports high refresh rates and high gray levels, ensuring smooth dynamic scenes and clear details, immersing viewers in a shocking visual world. The display adopts cutting-edge energy-saving technology to reduce power consumption effectively and has passed IP66 dust and waterproof certification, ensuring stable operation in various complex environments, suitable for both outdoor billboards and indoor/outdoor stage scenes.

EA960F3 960×960 Outdoor LED Billboard: The EA960F3 series is a new generation of fixed outdoor LED billboards tailored for outdoor 3D ads. Made of high-strength aluminum, its casing is both lightweight and durable. With high-protection panels rated IP65, it stays stable in all bad weather. Plus, the EA960F3 series generates ultra-low heat and power consumption, saving energy, protecting the environment, and extending equipment life. This digital billboard supports high refresh rates, high gray levels, and HDR technology, offering vibrant colors and sharp contrasts, creating a solid foundation for 3D display effects.

Compared to traditional 2D billboards, 3D billboards are redefining advertising with their stunning visual effects and unique interactive experiences. From amazing visual shocks to technology-enabled diverse creativity, 3D billboards have undoubtedly become the new favorite in the advertising industry.

After in-depth analysis in this article, we understand the advantages, market performance, and buying tips of 3D LED billboards. This innovative and practical advertising form is gradually becoming a crucial weapon for brand promotion. If you want to gain an edge in the advertising war, embrace the endless possibilities of 3D advertising billboards. They are not only a fusion of technology and art but also a bridge to success.

In the future, 3D billboards will continue to push the boundaries of imagination, bringing more creativity and opportunities to the advertising industry. Now is the best time for you to take a crucial step!