What Are The Different Types of Digital Holograms?

Digital holograms are rapidly emerging as one of the most powerful tools in modern marketing, bringing campaigns to life in ways that traditional media simply can’t match. From mesmerising 3D projections to interactive digital characters, these high-tech illusions are transforming live events, product launches, and brand activations. If you are weighing a projection against a conversational option, see how an AI character compares to a hologram. But not all digital holograms work the same way.

So, what are the different types of digital holograms? In this guide, we’ll break down the different types, how they function, and where they shine to create immersive brand experiences.

Traditional Holography: The Science Behind the Magic

Holograms have been around far longer than you might think. Entertainers and innovators have been experimenting with holographic effects for centuries, from Victorian-era stage tricks to the security holograms you see on banknotes and credit cards today.

Traditional holography works by capturing and reconstructing light waves to create a true 3D image – impressive, but limited. These static holograms require precise lighting, specific surfaces, and offer no interactivity. It’s modern, digital holograms that are so attractive for live events and marketing.

Digital holography builds on these principles with cutting-edge technology, producing breathtaking 3D visuals and interactive avatars that can engage audiences in real time. If you’re looking for a show-stopping brand activation, digital holograms are the way forward.

Pepper’s Ghost

One of the oldest and most widely used holographic techniques is Pepper’s Ghost, which creates an optical illusion of a 3D figure floating in space. 

In traditional holography, the Pepper’s Ghost hologram uses a real, physical object or person placed in a hidden area, brightly lit. A glass or transparent surface is angled between the audience and the hidden area. The light reflection on the glass makes the hidden object appear to be floating in space.

This method is used today for highly impactful and visually stunning digital holograms. A high-quality video is projected onto a transparent screen, which reflects the image so it appears to float in mid-air. Companies like Mirage use modular holographic boxes to deliver immersive experiences in both professional and entertainment spaces.

Where a Pepper’s Ghost Hologram Shines:

• Virtual keynote speakers – Allows executives or celebrities to “appear” at events without being there.
• Live digital characters – AI-driven brand mascots or virtual assistants can engage attendees.
• Stage presentations – Dramatic product reveals and storytelling moments.

Best Use for Marketers:

If you want a stunning visual moment – like unveiling a new product or having a high-profile guest “appear” on stage – Pepper’s Ghost delivers.Companies big and small have used Pepper’s Ghost holograms to great effect, such as Ralph Lauren’s unique New York window display. The fashion brand used holographic video displays to create a realistic boxing scene.

Volumetric Displays

A volumetric display is a 3D display that creates images with actual volume, meaning they exist in three-dimensional space rather than being an optical illusion (like a Pepper’s Ghost). Unlike traditional 2D screens or projections that only give the illusion of depth, volumetric displays allow viewers to see the image from multiple angles, just as they would with a real object.

There are many different types of volumetric displays, but these are the two main systems:

Type	How It Works	Best For
Spinning LED Fans	Uses fast-moving LED blades to create a 3D illusion.	Trade shows, product showcases, retail displays.
Voxel-Based Systems	Projects light into a defined 3D space, forming real volumetric pixels (voxels).	Cutting-edge exhibitions, futuristic installations.

This type of digital hologram can instantly grab attention in busy spaces, creating high-tech, futuristic brand activations. 

Where Volumetric Displays Shine:

• Product demos – Have your product on hand for a demo, without physically needing it at your event.
• Dynamic presentations – Display animated data, campaign highlights, or explainer content in 3D space.
• Gamified brand activations – Visitors can participate in 3D games or experiences tied to a brand campaign.

If your goal is to stop people in their tracks with eye-catching visuals, volumetric displays are a strong choice. Companies like Hypervsn produce high-resolution LED fan displays with high brightness – up to 3000 nits – ensuring visibility in even brightly-lit spaces. As part of the Mall at Emirates, Nike created a stunning digital hologram of their newest trainer using a volumetric display, providing a stunning centrepiece to their new store.

Light Field Displays

Light field displays are the future of holograms. These displays create realistic, three-dimensional images by replicating the way light behaves in the real world. Unlike traditional 2D screens or even some holographic projections, light field displays allow viewers to see depth, perspective, and parallax (how an image changes when viewed from different angles) without the need for special glasses or headsets.

Where Light Field Displays Shine:

• Unique marketing events – Create visual displays that truly stand out. 
• Immersive storytelling – Bring a brand’s history or future vision to life.
• Hybrid & virtual events – Provides remote audiences with a more realistic experience.

Light field holograms are an emerging technology, so their full commercial use is still being developed. These holograms require high-quality 3D assets for best results, which could be costly. 

For brands looking to invest in next-generation engagement, light field displays offer a glimpse into the future. Take a look at this stunning example from Lightfield Lab, who are leading the way with their cutting-edge holography technology.

Interactive Holograms: Real-Time Audience Engagement

For brands the holy grail of digital holography are real-time interactive holograms that engage audiences dynamically. This type of hologram can increase dwell time at event booths, create memorable engagement where attendees can interact, and drive lead generation.

How It Works 

1. Motion Capture or Motion Streaming – A performer or AI system controls a digital character.
2. Real-Time Rendering – The character moves and responds instantly.
3. Holographic Projection – The character is displayed on a Pepper’s Ghost system or volumetric screen.
4. Audience Interaction – Attendees can talk, ask questions, and engage directly.

Where it Shines:

• Live brand ambassadors AI-driven or human-led digital mascots.
• Personalised conversations  Engages attendees one-on-one.
• Gamified experiences  Encourages audience participation.

If your goal is engagement, interactive holograms are the most powerful solution available.

A great use of an interactive hologram includes Valentino’s Smart Mirror, a digital hologram that allowed customers to try their new lipstick shades via a smart mirror.

The Role of Performit Live in Interactive Holography 

Performit Live takes interactive event technology to the next level by allowing brands to incorporate real-time, motion-streamed digital characters into their activations. Performit Live enables performers to control digital characters live, creating authentic and personalised interactions with attendees and delivering truly immersive brand experiences.

Bringing Your Brand to Life with Digital Holograms

Eye-catching, unique and engaging – digital holograms bring your brand to life in new and exciting ways. 

Whether you’re looking to captivate event attendees, showcase a product, or create a futuristic brand activation, choosing the right technology is key to making an impact.

At Performit Live, we specialise in cutting-edge solutions that deliver unforgetting brand experiences. From initial concept to flawless execution, we’ll work with you to create an activation that wows your audience and aligns perfectly with your brand’s vision.

Ready to make your next event unforgettable? Request a demo today and let’s create something extraordinary.