What is 360-degree video, and how is it used in VR experiences?

A 360-degree video is a recording that captures a full spherical view of a scene, allowing viewers to look in any direction—up, down, left, right, or behind—during playback. It is created using cameras with multiple lenses or an array of synchronized cameras that capture overlapping fields of view. The footage is stitched together in post-processing to form a seamless spherical environment. Unlike traditional video, which has a fixed frame, 360-degree video immerses the viewer in a panoramic environment, making it a key component of many virtual reality (VR) experiences. The final output is typically stored in an equirectangular format, which maps the spherical view onto a 2D plane for playback compatibility.

In VR, 360-degree video is used to create immersive environments that users can explore using VR headsets like the Meta Quest or HTC Vive. When viewed through a headset, the video responds to the user’s head movements, enabling them to “look around” the scene as if they were physically present. Developers integrate these videos into VR applications using platforms like Unity or Unreal Engine, which render the equirectangular footage as a 360-degree environment. For example, a real estate app might use 360-degree videos to let users virtually tour properties, while a training simulator could place users in a hazardous industrial setting for safety drills. However, unlike fully interactive VR experiences built with 3D models, 360-degree video is typically pre-recorded, limiting real-time interaction.

Developers working with 360-degree video in VR must address technical challenges like high-resolution streaming and optimizing performance. Since 360 video files are large—often requiring 4K or 8K resolution to maintain clarity—compression techniques like H.265 or VP9 are used to reduce bandwidth. Spatial audio can also be added to enhance immersion, syncing sound directionality with the viewer’s head movements. Tools like Google’s VR180 Creator or Adobe Premiere Pro provide workflows for stitching and editing footage, while SDKs like WebXR enable browser-based playback. A common use case is in education: medical students might watch 360-degree surgical videos to study procedures from multiple angles. Despite its limitations in interactivity, 360-degree video remains a practical way to create accessible, photorealistic VR content without requiring complex 3D modeling.