360° Video Platforms: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

As technology advances, the way we capture and share experiences has evolved significantly. The recent advent of widely-available 360 degree cameras has enabled an entire new way to capture immersive experiences. However, sharing those experiences can be challenging, as 360 video is not supported by most standard video platforms.

However, a few cloud platforms allow users to create, share, and view videos in a spherical format, providing an unparalleled interactive experience. In this guide, we will explore the different types of 360° video platforms, distinguishing between general-purpose video platforms and purpose-built 360 platforms, with a special emphasis on Avatour, the one we know best :)

General-Purpose Video Platforms Supporting 360° Video

YouTube

YouTube is one of the most popular video-sharing platforms globally and supports 360-degree videos. It allows users to upload, stream, and share 360 videos, providing a vast audience reach. Features include:

• User-Friendly Interface: Easy upload and viewing of 360 content.
• Live Streaming: Capability to broadcast live 360 videos, at a maximum 4k resolution and ~30 second delay.
• VR Compatibility: Native YouTube app on Meta Quest VR headsets for an immersive experience.
• 8k support: Permits ingest and playback of 8k videos (so far, playback only on Meta Quest devices).

Vimeo

Vimeo is another well-known platform that supports 360-degree videos. It offers high-quality video hosting and advanced customization options. Features include:

• High-Quality Streaming: Ensures smooth playback of high-resolution 360 videos.
• Customization: Advanced privacy and customization settings for tailored viewer experiences.
• Analytics: Provides detailed insights into viewer engagement and performance metrics.

Purpose-Built 360° Video Platforms

Kuula

Kuula specializes in creating and sharing 360° photos and videos, making it an excellent choice for virtual tours and real estate showcases. Features include:

• Virtual Tours: Tools to create interactive virtual tours with ease.
• User-Friendly Interface: Simple and intuitive platform for both creators and viewers.
• Customization: Options to add hotspots and annotations for enhanced interactivity.

Panotour

Panotour focuses on creating interactive virtual tours with multimedia elements. It is widely used in the tourism and real estate sectors. Features include:

• Multimedia Integration: Ability to add various media types, including images, videos, and audio.
• Interactivity: Supports hotspots, maps, and other interactive features to enrich the user experience.
• VR Support: Compatible with various VR headsets for an immersive viewing experience.

Avatour

Avatour is a purpose-built 360° video platform designed for enterprise applications. It stands out for its unique features tailored to specific industry needs. Key features include:

• Direct Cloud Integration: Avatour integrates 360 cameras directly with the cloud, simplifying video and image capture. No more confusing settings, cable transfers, or desktop stitching software – just click and share.
• Real-Time 360 Videoconferencing: Avatour enables real-time 360 videoconferencing, allowing up to 20 remote users to connect via web or VR devices, all looking in different directions.
• Geolocation: Avatour can ingest Google Street View 360 videos with accompanying GPS metadata and display a synchronized map track.
• Multi-User Collaboration: Built for collaboration, Avatour permits multi-user annotation threads attached to 360 videos and images.
• Support for VR Headsets: Native app on Meta Quest and WebXR support on Apple Vision Pro.

Why Avatour is Different

Ease of Use

Only Avatour offers a truly integrated 360 camera platform, designed to make 360 video and image capture as easy as possible. The Avatour app runs directly on compataible LabPano cameras, and our iOS/Android app pairs directly with most Insta360 cameras, and connects to the cloud for a seamless capture experience. By integrating 360 cameras directly with the cloud, it eliminates the need for complicated settings, cable transfers, and desktop stitching software. Users can capture and share content with a single click.

Real-Time 360° Collaboration

Unlike any other video platform, Avatour supports real-time 360 videoconferencing. This feature allows multiple remote users to join an Avatour session from anywhere in the world, using a web browser or VR headset. Each participant can independently explore the 360 environment, making it ideal for collaborative inspections, tours, and training.

Geospatial Integration

Avatour's ability to ingest Google Street View 360 videos and their GPS metadata sets it apart. This feature provides a synchronized map track with the video, offering an enhanced context for remote viewers. This is particularly useful for site inspections and audits.

Built for Enterprise Applications

Avatour is especially valuable for enterprise applications such as health & safety audits, continuous improvement for manufacturing, and site inspections. Its robust toolset supports a wide range of use cases, from virtual gemba walks to marketing tours to complex process training. The platform's focus on reducing travel costs, lowering carbon emissions, and increasing collaboration makes it a superior alternative to traditional videoconferencing and digital twin technologies for many applications.

Choosing a Platform for You

When choosing a 360 video platform, it's essential to consider your specific needs and the features each platform offers. General-purpose platforms like YouTube and Vimeo provide broad support for 360 videos, while purpose-built platforms like Kuula, Panotour, and Avatour offer specialized tools and features for more focused applications. Avatour, with its unique capabilities, stands out as a powerful solution for enterprise use, enabling real-time collaboration and seamless integration with 360 cameras and geolocation data.

To learn more about Avatour, check out our pages on how Avatour works or an overview of Avatour features.

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