360-degree video creates a more immersive experience in viewing digital contents if compared to the ordinary and traditional screen viewing. When YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and several others have embraced the trend for some times now, Vimeo wants to be next.
On March 8th, 2017, the popular video-sharing website rolls out support for 360-degree video. At its launch, the feature can be accessed on the web as well as using Vimeo's mobile app, Samsung GearVR, Zeiss VR One, and Google Daydream.
For video creators, Vimeo provides a set of tools to help them, like field of view, outro and more, as well as the ability to upload videos to up to 8K, said the company. And with stereoscopic (3D) option, they can create a full-fledged VR experience.
Just like other video platforms, users can move their mobile phone or VR headset around to experience and emerge with 360 videos. Users can also experience it using their mouse by clicking and dragging the cursor along the video. Vimeo added a little tweak that allows users to use their keyboard to control the view.
360-degree video contents have the 360 badge that appear beside video titles everywhere they are shown on Vimeo. The 360 compass appears in-player to help users in their viewing angle and help them in engaging with the experience.
Vimeo also allows users to save the videos on their devices if they want to. To do this, they can tap on the ellipse next a video on mobile, followed by "Make available for offline viewing." The video will be saved in the user's Library - "Offline" section.
Vimeo, while competing in the same industry with many similar services, it's focus has long been on videographers and film makers. But it's late to enter the 360-degree content trend. It's support for this type of contents should please long-time Vimeo users as competitors are already enjoying much of the market.
To at least make up to its late arrival, Vimeo is the first one to add a dedicated option to sell videos in the format via its Vimeo on Demand platform. With this, it aims to differentiate itself from rivals by focusing on creators’ ability to make money from their contents.
As a jump start for users, Vimeo's 360 Video School is meant to guide them through practices and creative ideas in creating their own 360-degree videos.