To
watch 360 degree videos, you'll need the latest version of Chrome,
Opera or Firefox on your computer. On mobile, use the latest version of
the YouTube app for Android or iOS.
YouTube supports uploading and playback of 360 degree spherical
videos on desktop Chrome. In order to upload a 360 degree video file,
you'll need to modify the file with an app or script before uploading.
You can also watch 360 degree videos on YouTube apps for Android and
iOS. For an immersive experience, you can even watch 360 degree videos
with
Cardboard and the YouTube Android app.
Create the video
The following 360 cameras are compatible with YouTube and are available today or coming soon:
For the best results, encode your video at a high resolution and according to
YouTube's advanced specifications.
YouTube currently supports 360 degree videos with 24, 25 or 30 frames
per second. Support for higher frame rates is coming soon.
Apart from the above mentioned cameras, 360 degree videos can also be
created using custom camera rigs and third party stitching software
like
Kolor Autopano.
Prepare for upload
Your video file needs to include certain metadata for 360 degree
playback to be enabled. Follow these instructions to install an app that
will add the necessary metadata into a new file for you.
Create a 360-enabled file with an app
- Download the 360 Video Metadata app for Mac or Windows
- Un-zip the file, then open the 360 Video Metadata app. If you're
on a Mac, you may need to right-click the app and then click "Open"
- Select the video file
- Click "Inject and save"
- Enter a name for the file that will be created
- Save the file. A new file will be created automatically in the same location as the original file
- Upload the new file to YouTube
- Wait for the 360 degree effect to process. This may take up to an hour.
You can also add the metadata using a Python script.
Upload the file
Upload the file.
Before publishing, you can verify that the file has 360 degree
playback enabled by checking the video by watching it on your computer.
It may take up to an hour for 360 degree playback to be available.
360 degree videos feature a pan button in the top left, and can be
rotated using the WASD keys, so look for these features to confirm your
video is in 360.
Be sure not to make edits to the video itself using the YouTube Video
Editor and Enhancements tools on desktop or mobile apps, as these tools
don't currently support 360 degree videos.
Google
Cardboard lets you experience virtual reality in a simple and fun way.
With Cardboard and the YouTube Android app, you can even watch
360 degree videos for an immersive experience.
- Get Google Cardboard and assemble it
- Open the YouTube app
- Go to the 360Video house channel by searching for "#360Video" and visiting the channel. You'll know it's the right one if it has this avatar:

- Pick a video on the channel, and start playback
- Tap the cardboard icon
. You'll notice that the screen splits into two smaller screens
- Insert your phone into Cardboard
- Look around to view the video in 360 degrees