360 Video

360 video – often seen as distinct from virtual reality – is a format that provides spherical or immersive videos. When viewing, users have control of the direction of the gaze. Using a mobile VR headset such as Google Cardboard, the Samsung Gear VR, or smartphone, you have 3 degrees of freedom (or 3DOF), which tracks the position of your head, but not the full movement of your body as in high-end VR headsets with 6 degrees of freedom (6DOF). It provides a partially immersive experience which can still be powerful and is generally less expensive to create.

360 video requires an omnidirectional camera which can be a consumer version such as the Ricoh Theta or Insta360 One, or a professional model such as Google’s Jump camera. The most recent consumer 360 video cameras will automatically stitch the seams, not as well as using post-production software, but serviceable.

Some of the “classic” early immersive experiences of the modern VR revolution were done in 360 videos, including Clouds Over Sidra and The New York Times, The Displaced. The format remains the easiest access point for students and the public to begin creating immersive experiences.