Key Differences Between Worldcast and Blippar

  • Worldcast prioritizes ease of access, enabling creators across sectors to develop immersive/interactive experiences without requiring coding skills.
  • Blippar, once UK’s first tech unicorn, focuses on building strategic partnerships and creating AR content for enterprises.
  • While Worldcast offers a spatial editor feature and integration with platforms like Sketchfab and Canva, Blippar has evolved into a SaaS platform with its free-to-use Blippbuilder.
  • Blippar ventured into facial recognition and location-based AR Tech, but faced financial trouble and a restructuring. Worldcast maintains a straightforward business model, charging $10/cast/month.

For professionals looking for an easy and affordable AR platform, Worldcast stands out with its no-coding, varied integration, and geospatial features. On the other hand, enterprises that require complex AR projects and value strategic partnerships may gravitate towards Blippar.

Worldcast and Blippar compared

Comparison WorldCAST AR Blippar
Type of Service AR web platform AR content creation and publishing
Features Spatial editor, Immersive/interactive experience creation, No coding required Augmented reality, Content creation, Design studio
Partnerships Sketchfab, Canva GSK, Porsche, Jaguar Land Rover, PepsiCo, Cadbury, L’Oréal, Procter & Gamble
Application sectors Education, Non-profit organizations, Tourism, Retail, Real estate Advertising, Tech, Automotive, Retail, Cosmetics
Editing options Change/Modify messaging No specific detail provided
File Support Images (.PNG, .JPG), Audio/Video (.MP3, .MP4), 3D models (.GLTF/GLB) No specific detail provided
Platform Accessibility Browser-based, Supports iOS and Android platforms, Available via link/QR code No specific detail provided
Launch year No specific detail provided 2011

What Is WorldCAST and Who’s It For?

WorldCAST is a potent AR web platform that effortlessly transforms your array of experiences into interactive and immersive spectacles. The portal eliminates the complexities of coding, allowing creators, artists and businesses from sectors such as education, non-profit organizations, retail, tourism and real estate to create AR content with simplicity and precision.

With its versatile content placement strategies, WorldCAST seamlessly imports 3D models, animations and 2D images to manifest diverse experiences that enhance online retail, cinematic pre-visual/storyboarding, education, brand awareness, and training functionalities.

Colorful craftsman digitally designing dioramas with WorldCAST

Pros of WorldCAST

  • No Coding Required
  • Spatial editor feature for accurate positioning
  • Sketchfab integration for 3D model availability
  • Supports iOS and Android Platforms for broad accessibility
  • Offers Audience analytics for data-driven insights

Cons of WorldCAST

  • Lack of software/app download may limit offline access
  • Fee of $10/cast/month for business use imposed
  • Fbx/OBJ/DAE support not currently present but soon to be introduced

What Is Blippar and Who’s It For?

Blippar stands tall as the UK’s first tech unicorn, specializing in AR content creation and publishing. Yielding significant partnerships with renowned businesses, including GSK, Porsche, Jaguar Land Rover, and PepsiCo, Blippar creates historical vertices in AR technologies, such as devising the world’s first AR product launch with OnePlus Nord.

CEO, Faisal Galaria, has led Blippar in developing groundbreaking innovations such as the launch of the visual search engine using AR in 2016, AR car recognition, and location-based AR technology. Founded in 2011, Blippar has dramatically ascended from its initial smartphone-based AR tech developed for advertisers to a revolutionary conglomerate in AR domain.

Colorful innovator curating future-forward displays with Blippar

Pros of Blippar

  • Groundbreaking augmented reality innovations in multiple sectors
  • Partnerships with premier companies for diversified collaboration
  • Shift towards SaaS model for AR creation post-2019 reconstruction
  • No-code AR creation tool Blippbuilder available for free
  • Recognized by global platforms such as CNBC, Bloomberg, and Fast Company for its disruptive AR innovations

Cons of Blippar

  • Hit financial troubles, filed insolvency proceedings in 2018
  • Shift in focus from AR experiences creation to AR creation platform may deter creatives seeking ready-to-launch experiences
  • Future profitability largely based on shifting from innovation budgets into primary marketing budgets

Worldcast or Blippar: Your AR Strategy Decided

As heavyweights in the world of AR, Worldcast and Blippar serve distinct needs. Let’s dissect who should pick what.

Developers & Game Makers

Worldcast, with its code-free platform, is perfectly geared for beginners or those seeking agility over complexity. The integration with Sketchfab and Canva provides a plethora of 3D models and templates, while Geocast and easy integration of audio and video sources add versatility for game developers.

A developer coding on multiple screens with an AR headset on desk

AR/VR Creators

AR/VR creators targeting complex and purposeful projects should lean towards Blippar. It allows the creation of more advanced AR experiences with its unique technologies such as facial recognition and location-based AR. It’s not just about fun here, it’s about functional and innovative AR creation.

An AR creator designing a futuristic virtual reality landscape

Entrepreneurs in Retail, Real Estate or Tourism

For entrepreneurs, Worldcast is the go-to. No contracts, GeoCAST features for location-based experiences, applicable in retail, real estate and tourism, and pricing at just $10/cast/month for businesses makes it a cost-effective and business-ready solution.

An entrepreneur in a stylish suit, viewing AR presentations of properties on a holographic screen

For those seeking simplified yet compelling AR experience creation, Worldcast reigns supreme. However, if the aim is complex, innovative, and purposeful AR, Blippar has the edge. Ultimately, your goal dictates your tool.

Logan Bellbrook

Content writer @ Aircada with a knack for nature & AR/VR/XR. Blogging the intersection of tech & terrain.