What if you could transport your audience to a new world with just a click? That's the power of 360-degree videos. Unlike traditional video formats, 360 videos allow viewers to explore every angle of a scene, creating a truly immersive experience. Whether you're showcasing an exotic destination, a live event, or a behind-the-scenes look, 360 videos offer unparalleled engagement.
Facebook has enabled users to upload and share 360-degree videos directly in their News Feeds. With millions of users engaging with 360-degree content every day, this format has become a powerful tool for creators and brands to connect with audiences more interactively.
In this article, we'll take you step-by-step through creating, uploading, and optimizing Facebook 360 videosfor Facebook, ensuring your content stands out and captivates viewers.
In this article
Part 1. How to Make Facebook 360 Video
Creating and uploading 360 videos on Facebook is an exciting way to engage your audience and transport them into your world. Here’s how to get started with the process, from capturing the footage to editing it for optimal sharing on Facebook.
Capture a 360 Video
To create a 360 video, you'll need the right equipment and tools to capture all angles of your surroundings. A 360 camera is the primary tool for this, and there are several models available at different price points and feature sets. Popular options include:
- GoPro Max: Known for its high-quality footage and easy-to-use interface
- Insta360 One X2: Offers impressive stabilization and can shoot high-resolution 360 videos.
- Ricoh Theta Z1: Offers excellent image quality for stills and video capture.
Alternatively, you can use mobile devices with 360 video apps, such as Samsung Gear 360 or Google Cardboard apps for 360 video capture. However, a professional-grade 360 camera is recommended.
Once you’ve chosen your equipment, capturing a 360-degree video is as simple as setting the camera in the center of your scene and pressing record. Most 360 cameras have automatic stitching, meaning they will merge the footage from their multiple lenses into one video.
Facebook Live 360
Facebook Live 360 combines the real-time engagement of live streaming with the immersive experience of 360-degree videos. It allows creators, brands, and businesses to share live, interactive content where viewers can explore the surroundings by dragging or tilting their screens.
For a Facebook Live 360 video, connect your 360-degree camera to your device and configure it with Facebook’s app. Start a live stream directly from your profile, page, or group, ensuring the "360 Live" option is selected.
Edit and Optimize Your 360 Videos for Facebook with Filmora
After you’ve captured your 360 video, the next step is editing it to ensure it looks great when shared on Facebook. That’s where Wondershare Filmora comes into play. It’s a powerful video editing software that offers a variety of features specifically designed to enhance your Facebook 360 videos.
One of Filmora's standout features is its ability to handle 360-degree footage with ease. Not only does it support the unique stitching required for 360 videos, but it also offers customizable tools that can help improve the viewer’s experience.
- Vast video/audio effects and creative assets.
- Powerful AI for effortless content creation.
- Intuitive, professional yet beginner-friendly.
- Works on Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android.
Part 2. How to Upload 360 Videos to Facebook
To upload a 360-degree video to Facebook and to ensure that your video is recognized as a 360 video and plays correctly on Facebook’s platform, you need to inject 360 metadata into your video file.
What is 360 Metadata and Why is It Essential?
360 metadata is a special type of information embedded within the video file. This metadata tells Facebook and other platforms that the video is not a conventional flat video but a 360-degree immersive experience. Without this metadata, Facebook will display your 360 video like a standard video, which means users won’t be able to pan around and explore the scene.
Use Tools like Spatial Media Metadata Injector
One of the most popular tools for adding 360 metadata is the Spatial Media Metadata Injector, which is a free software designed to inject the necessary data into your 360-degree video files.
Download Spatial Media Metadata Injector compatible with your operating system (Windows or macOS). Install the tool and open it on your computer. Then, select the 360 video file that you want to upload to Facebook. Click the “Inject Metadata” button. Once the metadata has been injected, save the video file. Now, the video is ready to be uploaded to Facebook with proper 360 recognition.
Step-by-Step Guide to Upload 360 Videos to Facebook
Now that your 360 video has the necessary metadata, it's time to upload 360 video to Facebook. Here’s a guide on how to upload your 360 video to both desktop and mobile devices.
Uploading 360 Video on Facebook
Open Facebook and log in to your account. On your profile or page, click on the “What’s on your mind?” to create a new post. Click the Photo/Video button to select the 360 video from your computer.
Facebook will automatically recognize the metadata and display it as a 360 video. If not, you can manually select the “360 Video” option that appears under the video preview in the post-creation section. Write a compelling caption for your 360 video. Once you’re satisfied, click Post to share the video with your followers.
Recommended Video Specifications for Smooth Uploads
Facebook has specific video requirements for 360 videos to ensure the best quality and smooth playback. To avoid issues during upload, make sure your 360 video meets these specifications:
- File Type: Facebook supports MP4 and MOV video files.
- Resolution: Facebook recommends a resolutionof up to 5,120 x 2,560 pixels for 360 videos.
- Bitrate: Aim for a bitrate between 25-60 Mbps for optimal quality. A higher bitrate maintains quality during playback.
- Frame Rate: Facebook supports 30 fps (frames per second), which works well for most 360 videos. Higher frame rates, like 60 fps, can be used for smoother motion, but they increase the file size.
- File Size:Facebook allows video files up to 10GB in size. However, the larger the file, the longer it will take to upload.
Part 3. Why Your 360 Videos Not Displaying Properly on Facebook
Even after uploading your 360 video to Facebook, you may sometimes encounter display issues. Instead of appearing as a spherical, interactive video, your 360 content may show up as a standard, flat video, making it impossible for viewers to explore the scene.
Common Reasons for Display Issues & How to Fix Them
- The most common reason your 360 videos may not display properly is a lack of 360 metadata. If your video isn’t displaying as 360, make sure the metadata has been injected correctly.
- If the video resolution doesn’t match the format or specifications required for 360 videos, Facebook might not process it correctly. Ensure your video is exported at a resolution that is compatible with Facebook's specifications.
- Facebook prefers MP4 and MOV file types for 360 videos. Using incompatible file formats may cause playback problems.
- Sometimes, a slow or incomplete upload can result in issues with the video display. If the upload is interrupted or doesn’t complete fully, re-upload the video, making sure the file format and metadata are correct.
Tips for 360 Video Uploads Without Any Trouble
- Always export your 360 videos using the recommended resolution and file format in Filmora. This tool also allows you to directly schedule and upload your 360 videos to Facebook and other platforms.
- Before uploading, always double-check that the 360 metadata is correctly injected into your video.
- Once your video is uploaded, verify it by playing it in the preview. You should be able to interact with it (e.g., panning around) before sharing it with your audience.
Part 4. Can I Download a 360 Video From Facebook?
You can’t download a 360 video from Facebook directly except for videos you’ve uploaded yourself. If you want to download a 360 video that isn’t your own, you’ll need to use third-party tools or websites.
Popular websites like SaveFrom.net, FBDOWN.net, and GetfVid offer services to download Facebook videos, including 360 videos. These tools are relatively simple to use—just paste the video URL, select the download option, and you’re good to go. However, you should remain cautious when using these sites, as they may not always be secure or safe.
Alternatively, you can use the Filmora screen recording feature to capture 360 videos from Facebook. While this method works, it's less ideal for 360 videos, as it won't retain the interactive experience.
Conclusion
In this guide, we’ve explored how to create, upload, and troubleshoot 360 videos on Facebook. By capturing immersive content, injecting the correct 360 metadata, and adhering to Facebook’s video specifications, you can share your 360 videos effortlessly.
If you're looking to optimize your videos for better engagement, Wondershare Filmora offers powerful editing tools to enhance your content before uploading. Whether it's trimming, stabilizing, or adding effects, Filmora helps ensure your 360 videos shine on Facebook. Start creating and sharing stunning 360 videos today with ease!
