Allie McDowell
Throughout 2016, the big social networks like Facebook, YouTube and now Twitter, have been advancing users’ video capabilities to give their fans and followers a front-row seat to their experiences with live video. Yesterday, Twitter and Periscope announced a new feature that would allow users to share immersive experiences with their followers: live 360 video.
According to Periscope, live 360 video gives users “front-row access at exclusive events, traveling to places across the glove and getting up close with well-known personalities.”
According to Twitter, live 360 videos can be identified with a “LIVE 360” badge. “When you see a video marked with a LIVE 360 badge, you can interact with it to change what you see by moving your phone or swiping the screen – all while watching live. See what’s unfolding behind, above, or below the broadcaster’s view for an immersive experience.”
The announcement came with a preview of what live 360 video will be like from live-streamer Alex Pettitt. During the broadcast, Alex pointed to a variety of directions prompting users to tilt or scroll to the other areas of the broadcast on their desktop or mobile devices.
What does this mean for brands?
This is huge for brands that want their followers up front and center with their brand. Unlike traditional live video, live 360 experiences put users in the director’s chair. Through 360 video, users can choose what part of the broadcast they want to follow, which is especially great for brands that want to showcase an event or give users VIP access. For brands with a larger budget, it provides them a new outlet to develop innovative viral content that will increase their brand awareness.
Much like Facebook’s recent announcement of live 360 video, the feature is currently only available to “select partners,” giving the rest of us a lot to anticipate for what is to come in 2017.
For more information about what social media can do for your own brand, contact The frank Agency today.
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