A 360-degree video is an immersive recording that captures every direction simultaneously, allowing viewers to pan around in any direction.
360° videos require special encoding and streaming to achieve their spherical format. With Wistia 360° video hosting, we handle encoding, delivery, and playback.
Currently, we support inline playback on Android browsers and on desktop in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Microsoft Edge. iOS devices do not currently support 360° video.
Got a 360° video handy? Let’s get started!
Upload a 360° video
360° video uploads should follow our optimal export settings: we suggest an MP4 file with an H.264 video codec. This way, our encoding process goes smoothly, and your 360° videos play well for any viewer.
Tip
360° video files will be much larger than most. Export your video in the equirectangular format (a 2:1 aspect ratio) that most 360° cameras and editing tools produce. For resolution, upload at 1080p or higher; 4K is recommended for the sharpest 360° playback, since the frame is stretched across the viewer's entire field of view.
Enable the 360° player
Once you’ve uploaded a 360° video file, you’ll need to let our player know it’s a 360° video. To do this, click "Customize" from a video's Manage page.
Then, select the "Controls" tab and scroll down to the Format controls section to check off "This is a 360° video." Then, click "Save."
Now, your viewers will get the full 360° experience, no matter where your video lives.
Customize and embed a 360° video
Customizing and embedding your 360° video works the same way as any 2D video uploaded to Wistia. 360° videos use the same embed code types and have the same customization options. Check out our customizing and embedding help pages for a full breakdown.
Play a 360° video
The 360° video player looks like the normal Wistia player, but lets viewers look around inside the player.
Embedding a 360° video is super easy — pop the embed code into your website like any 2D Wistia video, and you’re all set. Check out this page for more information on embedding.
The playback experience differs slightly depending on whether you’re watching on desktop or mobile, so let’s walk through both.
Note
While headset playback is not officially supported, it may work on some devices. For example, Wistia 360° currently works on the Meta Quest 2 in the browser. Navigate to the video you want to watch in the headset browser and hit play. Please note that some users may need to use the pointer to look around the video.
Desktop viewing
On desktop browsers, you can look around a 360° video by clicking and dragging within the video player, or by using the arrow keys. You can look in any direction: left, right, up, or down.
Wistia 360° videos work on desktop in Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge. We recommend uploading videos at 1080p or 4K resolution to avoid grainy footage.
You can also use these keyboard shortcuts while the Wistia player is selected:
Arrow keys or W / A / S / D — look up, left, down, or right
R — reset to the starting view
Pinch on a trackpad — zoom in or out
Mobile viewing
On Android browsers, you can look around a 360° video in two ways: tap into the video and drag with your finger, or simply move your phone. The view follows the direction your device is pointing. Pinch to zoom in or out.
360° playback isn't supported on iOS devices. Videos will still play, but as a standard flat video without the look-around experience.
Advanced 360° video
Check out our developer documentation for advanced embed options for 360° video.