Google-owned YouTube is apparently trialing 360-degree video. The footage will allow users to look up, down and behind themselves, with the clips being optimized for virtual-reality headsets. Whilst the 360-degree footage is apparently being kept private at the moment, it’s thought that YouTube will add the first clips to its service in “the next few days”. It’s expected that the feature will first be used by brands and advertisers.
The new 360-degree-optimised clips will apparently be watchable on mobile devices, desktops and laptops. People will be able to look around by using their touchscreen or mouse. Reports suggest that Google has been investing in new camera technology to facilitate the production of 360-degree videos.
YouTube is also rumored to be readying a subscription-only service. The company has faced strong competition from the likes of Vimeo recently, with rival companies enticing content creators with higher fees, paid subscribers and investment into new programming.
It’s thought that those signing up for a new YouTube subscription service would be given access to exclusive content, with the new facility leading to better deals for content makers whilst allowing the service to compete more convincingly with rivals including Vessel, who apparently give content creators 70% of advertising revenue, 15% more than YouTube offer.