Indian events have taken a lively turn in recent years-interactive entertainment is no longer just a trend, it is an experience. Whether it’s a buzzing college fest, a glitzy corporate gala, or a big wedding, hosts pull out all the stops to make the event unforgettable. At the centre of this transformation, we can find two show-stoppers: the innovative marvel AI sketchbot and the ever-loved traditional photo booth.
However, a vital question remains: which one is stealing the spotlight at the events? Let’s explore and find out what’s clicking with the desi audience now!
What are Traditional Photo Booths?
At Indian events, traditional photo booths have long been a favourite item, offering attendees lively entertainment, fun and instant keepsakes. For over a decade, popular options, such as Caricature stations, Mosaic Walls, iPad booths, and Magic Mirror booths, have elevated the event experience. The simple setup, playful props, and instant prints evoke a nostalgic sense. However, the experience can be predictable and does not have an advanced technological factor. As a consequence, audiences often lack the interactive, modern event elements of these photo booths.
What are AI Sketchbots?
These sketchbots are advanced event attractions, blending facial recognition, robotics, and artificial intelligence to create guests’ real-time sketches. These bots deliver personalised, futuristic and fresh keepsakes on digital screens or paper. Additionally, their interactive nature and novelty grab the attention of the crowd, adding an exclusive buzz. However, they often need higher setup time and investment in comparison to traditional booths.
Comparing the Two: Key Factors
1. Engagement and Experience
An AI sketch robot gives a personalised and futuristic experience; the experience is so memorable and exclusive that people would love to have repeat visits. On the other hand, traditional photo booths offer instant fun and nostalgic charm. However, these photo booths may lack the novelty that keeps participants engaged even after capturing the photo.
Entertainment Value for All Ages
Traditional booths are always loved for their fun and simplicity, specifically among seniors and children. They enjoy dressing up and capturing instant photos with family or friends. In contrast, AI Sketchbots are quite popular among tech-savvy youth due to their artistic flair.
Guest Reaction and Interactivity
Traditional photo booths encourage playful moments and laughter with props; however, the interaction is quite mechanical and brief in nature. On the other hand, AI Sketchbot makes people mesmerised when it draws their live portraits, evoking a sense of awe.
2. Social Media Appeal
Instagram-worthy moments
While posed shots in traditional booths offer amusement, AI-generated sketches give a creative flair. In an AI sketch photo booth, final artwork and live sketching procedure make for compelling Instagram posts and stories, grabbing the attention of a large number of people.
Sharing online
In comparison to traditional booths, event attendees are more likely to share innovative creations as these digital portraits are visually engaging, artistic, and exclusive. So, these creations are ideal for sharing as social media feeds.

3. Personalisation
Traditional booths produce generic prints with the help of preset filters and templates, offering limited personalisation. Besides, AI Sketchbots offer one-of-a-kind sketches, based on exclusive facial expressions and features of every guest. This custom, artistic approach adds a special emotional effect. In this way, rather than being just a photograph, every takeaway becomes a personalised, cherished keepsake.
4. ROI and Cost for Organisers
Repeatability for agencies and brands
Nowadays, brands are more likely to prefer AI Sketchbots than traditional booths for their shareability and novelty. Though traditional booths are easily repeatable in multiple events, they lose impact over time due to their familiar format.
Perceived Value vs. Initial Investment
Traditional photo booths are quite budget-friendly with predictable returns through guest engagement and prints. In contrast, an AI Sketchbot needs a higher upfront expense; however, high perceived value through technical appeal and personalised art. They are quite popular in high-energy events, such as tech-savvy weddings, fests, and product launches.
5. Event Suitability
Traditional booths are suitable for nostalgic, intimate settings with different age groups. So, they are generally used in social, corporate celebrations, family functions, or casual gatherings. On the other hand, AI Sketchbots are ideal for modern, upscale events where organisers need an all-in-one experience- social media buzz, guest engagement, and innovation.
What Indian Audiences Are Choosing Today
As Indian events evolve, audience preferences are shifting, driven by industry trends, regional tastes, and a growing appetite for immersive technology that leaves a lasting impression.
Regional preferences
In metro cities, such as Bangalore, Delhi, and Mumbai, AI Sketchbots are becoming popular at upscale events for budget flexibility and technology awareness. On the other hand, tier-2 cities still lean towards traditional photo booths for their familiarity and affordability.
Current trends based on event planners
Vendors and event planners in India report growing demand for the AI sketch photo booth, especially at high-end launches and weddings. Event participants love the exclusivity, while organisers see them as an attention-grabbing, fresh alternative to traditional setups.
Gravitating toward immersive tech
Today’s audiences want memorable and interactive experiences that go beyond passive entertainment. Immersive technology, such as AI Sketchbots, delivers personalisation and engagement. They align perfectly with the desire and selfie culture for content that stands out on social media platforms.
Wrapping Up
Traditional photo booths deliver a budget-friendly setup, instant prints, and nostalgic fun, making them perfect for casual gatherings and family events. In contrast, AI Sketchbots offer a highly shareable, personalised, and futuristic experience. They captivate tech-savvy audiences and elevate the modern event vibes. While both photo booths have their advantages, currently, AI sketchbots are winning favour in metro cities of India. The reasons are strong social media appeal, immersive engagement and novelty. In the current experience-driven era, opting for memorable, interactive entertainment is not just a trend—it is an expectation.
Are you ready to wow your guests with the future of event entertainment?
You can rent our advanced AI Sketchbot from Photo Master India and turn your event into an unforgettable experience! Whether it is a corporate gala, wedding, or brand activation, our Sketchbot delivers real-time engagement, personalised keepsakes, and viral moments your guests will love.Book your AI Sketchbot today with Photo Master India – where tech meets celebration!