On Wednesday, Twitter has announced that live 360 videos are now available on both Twitter and Periscope.
Based on a report from Alex Pettitt, the responsiveness of the 360 video is smooth, providing a whole new element to the Twitter video consumption experience. It will no doubt add another consideration for live broadcasters and their content.
Of course, Twitter’s going to compete with its bittersweet rival, as Facebook announced 360 live-streaming a couple of weeks back. Similar to Facebook, 360 streaming will not be available to all users initially, with only “select partners” able to go live in 360 via Periscope at first. Still, even if they are working to stay in touch, it’s an important step, as Facebook, with their much larger audience and reach, could quickly overwhelm Periscope as the live-stream destination, which would be a big blow for Twitter’s ongoing live ambitions.
Live videos will be highlighted by a new icon – as explained by Periscope:
“Live 360 videos are marked with a badge. When you see a 360 broadcast on Periscope or Twitter, you can change the point of view by moving your phone or tapping and scrolling around the screen?—?all while watching live.”
In terms of how users can capture content in 360 degrees on Periscope, in the video Pettitt’s broadcast partner Brandee Anthony shows the equipment they’re using and how it works, with an Insta 360 camera that plugs into your phone. The Insta 360 camera retails for around $US150 to $US250.
Periscope also notes that while live 360 videos will only be available to a small group of partners initially, the feature will be rolling out to more users in the coming weeks. You can sign up to be among the first to get access here.
In this sense, it’s worth getting a handle on it now – having 360 live content on both Facebook and Twitter will accelerate the medium’s adoption, so taking it in and considering how your brand might use it could be well worth the time and effort.