Nerfies: The future of the selfie

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• June 10, 2022

Insight summary

Imagine capturing a photo that lets you explore its subject from multiple angles with just a smartphone—welcome to the world of nerfies. This technology has the potential to reshape how we interact with social media, advertising, and entertainment by offering a more dynamic and engaging visual experience. From creating interactive billboards to enhancing TV shows and theme park rides, nerfies could also lead to new social norms, privacy regulations, and even applications in industries like insurance.

Nerfies context

Researchers from the University of Washington and Google Research have devised a method for capturing a more detailed picture of a specific object, person, or viewpoint. Instead of simply seeing a 2D image, nerfies allow the user to zoom in and pan around the photo’s subject in 3D without any extra equipment. The only requirement is a smartphone equipped with a camera and the required processing capability. 

As of 2022, a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) scanner that employs lasers to determine the distances between objects is usually required to capture an image in 3D. LIDAR sensors are now embedded into smartphones like the iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max. To capture a Nerfie using this technology, a user can video themselves on a smart device from various angles while moving the device back and forth in front of them to ensure they are constantly in the picture. These videos can be used to create a 3D model through a Nerf, which in short, takes a series of images of an object or subject from different angles. 

These different images are used to create a 3D representation of that subject that can be manipulated and seen from various perspectives. When viewing a nerfie, the subject or object’s different sides will become visible as the viewer moves their devices at various angles.  

Disruptive impact

Nerfies could significantly alter the landscape of social media by offering a more dynamic way to engage with content. Content creators, from food bloggers to fashion influencers, could use this technology to showcase their subjects from multiple angles, making their posts more engaging and detailed. For instance, a food blogger could capture the various layers and textures of a lasagna dish, while a fashion influencer could highlight the intricate stitching or fabric quality of a garment. 

In the advertising world, nerfies could serve as a powerful tool for creating more interactive and engaging outdoor campaigns. Imagine walking past a billboard and seeing the image change perspectives as you move, offering a faux 3D experience. Companies specializing in outdoor advertising may find nerfies to be a valuable addition to their toolkit, allowing them to offer something unique to clients looking to make a lasting impression on potential customers.

Beyond social media and advertising, the impact of nerfies could extend to the entertainment industry, specifically in television production and theme park design. For example, a TV show could use nerfies to create more immersive scenes, allowing viewers to explore different angles of a setting or character through their remote control. Similarly, theme park ride designers could integrate nerfies into rides to offer a more dynamic visual experience, such as changing perspectives of a storyline or character as the ride progresses. 

Implications of nerfies in media

Wider implications of nerfies being used within the visual media industries may include: 

• New social norms being created by youth around the creation of nerfies on their smartphones.


• Skilled bloggers enhancing their content through the use of nerfies, thereby leading to increased user engagement, followers, and increased interest from brands. 


• Digital artists employing nerfie tech into their digital works in ways that promote a deeper engagement with art consumers.


• New privacy regulations being introduced governing how nerfies can be used when photographing a person or public space.


• The production of novel forms of image and video media for virtual reality headset users.


• Innovative advertising campaigns and consumable media being produced to reach new customers.


• The insurance industry using nerfies to gather more information on insured objects that have been damaged and where these objects’ owners are making a claim.

Questions to consider

• Beyond social media and entertainment, in which other industries could nerfies be used?


• What are the implications of nerfies for smartphone manufacturers and social media more broadly?