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360º video

The 360 degree videos they are a new form of video art that has almost surpassed 3D technology. The key feature of 360º video is the ability to get a panoramic view. YouTube has been offering these types of videos since March 2015, but this video creation dynamic is also gradually establishing itself in the business world.

General information

Whereas classic videos are limited to a two-dimensional view, 360-degree videos offer a view from all perspectives, so you can look around you to the left, right, up and down and feel like you are participating in a way. direct in action. However, unlike virtual reality technology, there is no opportunity to influence what is seen or what has happened. For example, the company of a sports pilot, in which different cameras have been mounted, allows him to participate in the flight from take-off to landing. But you cannot choose in which direction the plane flies, because the movie was shot before and the plot or flight path cannot be changed. Of course, you can freely select the perspective from which you want to see the flight.

Differentiation and delimitation of 360º videos and virtual reality

360ºs videos and virtual reality are often equated in meaning. However, as mentioned above, the two methods differ from each other. The Virtual reality it is a PC-caused and interactive world that absolutely surrounds the user and appeals to one or more of their senses. One can also speak of immersive perception. Immersion here describes a state in which the perception of oneself in the real world is reduced and at the same time identification with the virtual world increases. Even if 360-degree videos cannot actively influence the environment or action, we often talk about a immersion experience.

360º videos can be summed up under the term 360º media, which means not only videos, but also images. Companies use these techniques, for example, to present virtual tours of your business on your website. The opportunity to choose for oneself which perspective is taken or which of the offered photos is called user-centric view. This immersion applies, even when in different ways, to both virtual reality and 360-degree videos.

Unlike virtual reality, 360-degree videos do not require virtual reality glasses; they can be viewed on a computer or mobile device without the need for tools. Apart from this, the virtual reality content can only be consumed with the help of virtual reality glasses. With 360-degree video, on the other hand, there is no real-time calculation that regularly displays or updates the created world.

Apps, Opportunities and Limits of 360 Degree Videos

The advantages of 360-degree video are not only the world-building experience and the associated immersion, but also the intuitive use and simplicity for the user and the opportunity to see beyond the superficial. However, compared to conventional videos, 360-degree videos require a lot of production and setup effort. Using 360-degree videos also requires some technical expertise. This applies not only to the producer of the video, but to some extent also to the user.

360-degree videos are used many times at trade shows, for presentations of all kinds, as well as for contests and previews. At the same time, more and more companies decide to include them on their websites or directly on the YouTube channel. Especially when the user cannot find everything they are supposed to see at a glance, 360-degree videos are ideal for providing a more complete image.

Importance for social media

Since images and videos can have a great impact and reach on social media, 360-degree video is ideal for marketing measures. However, this requires technical requirements or, if these are lacking, the help of a professional or an agency.