Virtual Reality or 360 videos- Which One Suits Your Business? Know the differences!
Have you ever wondered how to wow your customers?
Technology has the answer for you!
Virtual reality and 360-degree videos are right now among the most talked about topics in the field of technology. A number of companies have started exploring these technologies in order to give their brand an edge over the competitors.
These two tech-formats have great potential in impacting and engaging your target customers. So, once you have made a marketing plan for your product, your next obvious move will be to choose the right format for your content. Many people often mix them up, calling 360 videos VR, but actually they are quite different. Here, we will help you understand the advantages of each one of these 2 tech-formats.
Virtual reality is a computer-generated simulation of a 3D environment in which the participant (viewer) can move around and interact with the surrounding using special electronic devices. 360-degree image or video, on the other hand, is a pre-recorded video, which is shot with an omnidirectional camera or a collection of cameras to give a panoramic view of every direction.
Here, we’ve discussed some of the basic differences between VR and 360 videos.
Cost:
The first thought that will come across your mind before making any decision is the investment. So, it’s important to know the cost of these 2 formats in order to estimate which one will be suitable for your business. There are a few Apps that can turn your videos into a 360-degree format. If you want a higher quality video, you may use cameras having 360-degree feature in it. The starting price of such cameras would be $150 onwards. Or you can use websites like kuula to turn your videos into the 360-degree format, whereas buying VR gadgets will be more expensive. The two most famous high-end VR headsets, for example, Oculus Rift and HTC Vive are priced around $600 to $800. However, the VR tours are far more interactive and the experiences would be far more real and engaging for the customers. So, if you can afford, you can provide an unforgettable experience to your customers by adopting Virtual Reality to your marketing strategy.
Devices:
You don’t need to buy any special device for projecting a 360 video. 360 videos can be run on PC and smartphone or headsets like Google cardboard. For Virtual reality, special headsets are required. These devices should be connected to your PC (for higher graphics quality). Two most popular and best headsets for virtual reality are Oculus Rift and HTC Vive.
Interactivity:
In terms of interactivity, VR tours are far more real and thrilling than 360 videos. In VR tours, the customers embark on a completely different world. It’s a whole new experience for anybody taking a VR tour for the first time. They can walk, explore and interact with the VR environment. For example, if you are showing your customers any new model of a car or a yacht, they can even change or customize the features, change colors or interiors according to their choice. In a nutshell, 360 videos are meant to be watched while virtual reality is meant to be experienced.
The following infographics shows in more detail the difference between 360 videos and virtual reality.
Since 360 degree videos are cheaper and easy to make, its use is more common than the use of virtual reality. However, big brands are inclining more towards the use of virtual reality these days, because VR has given them a means to stand out in the crowd. Luxury brands using VR in their marketing strategy include Dior, Prada Fragrance, Tommy Hilfiger, Swarovski, Audi, Tag Heuer. Needless to say, VR not only enhances the luxury status of these brands but also gives them a technological edge over their customers.
So, if you are also looking for that wow-factor for your brand in order to engage more customers and keeping your brand name on top of their minds, the immersive world of virtual reality would be the best choice for your company.