What is the difference between a 360-degree video and a 360-degree product photo?

This is a question we are asked repeatedly. Therefore, here’s our explanation for better understanding. Simply put, a 360-degree video allows you to rotate and move within a video. It is recorded with a special camera that has not just one lens, but multiple. Depending on the quality of the equipment, there can be anywhere from 2 lenses at 180 degrees to 72 lenses in the corresponding hardware. Once such a video is completed, you can rotate and move within the playing video using your mouse. This makes it possible, for example, to view rooms and scenes by rotating all around. However, such 360-degree videos are not suitable for pure product views.

For a 360-degree product photo, multiple high-resolution photos are taken while the product rotates. This can happen on one axis (standard) or on multiple axes. In standard shots, 24 photos are taken, sometimes 36 or 48 photos to further improve the rotation. More is generally possible (up to 360 photos), but due to internet loading times, this is only realistic in exceptional cases. The finished and internet-optimized images are then played consecutively using a special player. The 360-degree product view can then be controlled by the customer using the mouse. This allows customers to view products from all sides in the best possible way. The higher the quality of the player, the smoother and more consistent the final 360-degree product image appears in the view. For high-quality players, 24 photos are always sufficient, which significantly reduces production costs. For product views, 360-degree product photos are the best choice in terms of cost and benefit.

360-degree product photos are favored by search engines, as they optimize the viewing possibilities of all kinds of products for the user. As a further alternative, 3D views are also worth mentioning, which are becoming increasingly popular, not only because of the even better view (all around), but also because they have been considered in searches since the beginning of 2020.