360-degree video (360) and virtual reality (VR) are hot topics--but what are they and how do they work? Learn why 360 and VR are changing how video is watched and produced.
360-degree video and virtual reality: a new landscape
You’ve probably heard of or seen a new type of video that offers viewers the opportunity to explore a video in 360-degrees with their mouse or mobile device. They can even put a headset on and look around in all directions. This medium is called spherical video and two popular categories are “360-degree video”(360) and “virtual reality” (VR).360 and VR were created with the intention that viewers interact with and experience the content, instead of just sitting back to watch. They offer an immersive view that lets each person choose where to look. Both 360 and VR are shot using cameras that record in all 360 degrees. The main difference between them is whether or not you put on a headset to view. While this technology can definitely wow an audience, remember, it’s in its infancy and evolving fast. The information found here is just a guide and not meant to be concrete rules for where and how to use 360 and VR--that part is up to you!To watch 360-degree video (360) on YouTube, a headset it not required--all you need is a mobile device or desktop computer. Instead of putting on a headset, you can explore the video in all directions with a few simple gestures. On desktop, you can click and drag with a mouse or click the arrows in the upper left corner of the screen. On a mobile device, you can drag your finger across the screen or move it around in different directions. (While 360-degree video doesn’t require a viewing accessory, you can watch with an accessory like Google cardboard.) The screen is monoscopic because there is only one set of images displayed.Watching virtual reality (VR) can make you feel present in the action of the scene because you must cover your entire field of vision with a viewing device like a headset, or head-mounted display (HMD). When you look into a head-mounted display, the screen is split, so that each eye sees a slightly different perspective, just as in real life. This perspective gives a sense of stereoscopic depth that you won’t get in 360-degree video alone. It’s the key element that distinguishes virtual reality from 360 and other types of video.By nature, all virtual reality videos are shot in a way that lets you see 360-degrees around you. However, because a headset or viewing device is required for virtual reality and not required for 360, 360-degree video cannot always be categorized as VR.The future of video is upon us--diverting from traditional ways of shooting and watching to innovative production and experiential videos. We’re just at the beginning and YouTube is excited to be a platform that supports and encourages the evolution of creators utilizing these new technologies to bring their creative visions to life and share them with the world. Don’t worry if a fancy head-mounted display seems out of reach, affordable VR viewer options, like Google Cardboard, are now available globally.
See it in action
Rollercoaster ride in 360-degrees Try interacting with this video from your desktop by clicking with a mouse, or, on mobile by pressing play and rotating your phone in different directions. From YouTube, you can click and view from monoscopic to stereoscopic Stereoscopic is used for VR video when you put on a headset, whereas, a monoscopic view allows you to watch 360-degree video without a headset.
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