Virtual Reality is changing the way we interact with digital media, opening a world of possibilities limited only by a creator’s imagination. There are many forms of virtual reality but when implemented to videos, they take the form of 360° videos. Cinematic VR produces an immersive experience of exploration and wonder in a virtual 360° environment that stands out from traditional video formats. In fact, a 2016 study performed by Google found that 360° videos result in longer viewer interaction, increased watch time, and drives channel subscriptions and video sharing. Now that YouTube supports 360° videos on most devices like desktop web browsers and mobile phones or tablets, VR experiences are opening available to anyone with no VR headsets required.
While VR videos are a great idea on paper, the production can be quite overwhelming. After all, it adds new perspectives to the video that you have to consider. Here are a few examples of great 360° that take full advantage of the technology in creative ways.
The Weeknd – The Hills remix feat. Eminem ( A Virtual Reality Experience)
This VR interpretation of The Weeknd’s hit song is a great example of implementing 360° footage. While it naturally starts facing the lead singer walking out of a building, the constant explosions and flashing lights from off-screen encourage virtual exploration. With action happening all around the 360° camera, there’s plenty of things to discover.
[360 Music Video] This Summer – Roomie (Maroon 5 Cover)
YouTube veteran and creative singer, Roomie, gives us a thrilling 360° video. He uses different locations and scenes to immerse viewers. There’s always someone doing something interesting in this video, and the constant movement pushes the audience to move their perspective to following actors, dancers, or Roomie himself. The video even uses the least interesting shot in the scene to host the lyrics of the song.
SAINT MOTEL – “Move” (360 Virtualizer)
Saint Motel provides a different twist to their 360° music video. 270° of the video consist of computer generated animation that give a 70’s disco feel of bright colored silhouette and moving lyrics. The last 90° is filled with a traditional one shot music video ironically projected on an old-school television set.
While these three examples differ in their approach, they all share certain aspects that lead to a successful VR music video. By taking full advantage of the new perspectives VR unlocks, they give viewers a constantly interesting 360° environment to explore and incentive to do so. With so much to view in one video, 360° music videos make each view unique, boosting the video’s re-watch value.
Vydia’s users are always breaking creative boundaries and we’re excited to see how they use VR technology in future videos. If you want to start experimenting with 360° videos, here’s some information to help you out! While new technology can be pretty expensive, 360° cameras are an exception, with plenty of options that will meet your VR needs at a modest price tag. The LG 360 Cam will give you HD quality footage and full 360° captures for *$120 while or the Kodak PIXPRO SP360 Action Cam at *$270 offers HD quality and a free editing software. The 360fly 360° 4K Video Camera is praised for its 4K video quality and user-friendly interface, but starts at *$485.
*Prices subject to change at vendor’s discretion.
There’s a lot of 360° cameras in the market with various capabilities, video qualities, special features, and price tags. Before committing to a purchase, do your research and find the best equipment to match your VR production needs. Take a look at this comprehensive field guide to cinematic VR by the experienced experts at Jaunt to get a better idea on how a VR production works.
A 360° video is a good thing to have in your artist repertoire. Increasingly popular, VR videos will make your content stand out and when implemented correctly, will provide your audience with a refreshing experience. As virtual reality becomes the next big thing, stay ahead of the curve by implementing the new tech into your videos.