CoolBox Films - The Definitive Guide to Creating Effective 360-degree Video Ads (+ 5 Cool Examples)

The Definitive Guide to Creating Effective 360-degree Video Ads (+ 5 Cool Examples)

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Whether you are showcasing a product, service, or location, a well-crafted 360-degree video ad can help drive conversions and increase brand awareness.

Creating a 360-degree video ad can be a powerful way to engage and connect with your target audience. According to Google, 360-degree video ads have the potential to increase viewer engagement and drive conversions. In fact, they report that these types of ads can lead to a 41% increase in the likelihood of viewers taking action compared to traditional ads.

However, creating a high-quality, professional 360-degree video ad can be a complex process that requires specialized equipment, software, and expertise. Wondering how to create one for your brand? Look no further! In this guide, we will provide you with the information you need to create an effective and engaging 360-degree video ad that resonates with your target audience, along with some inspiring examples. But before we dive in, let’s understand what a 360-degree video ad is, why it’s effective, and where it can be used.

 

What is a 360-degree video ad?

A 360-degree video ad is a type of video advertisement that allows viewers to interact and engage with the ad by looking in different directions and exploring the environment. These ads are typically viewed on a virtual reality (VR) headset or through a web browser on a computer or mobile device. They can be used to showcase products, services, and locations in an immersive and interactive way.

360-degree video ads can be distributed through various platforms, such as YouTube, Facebook, and VR app stores, and can be targeted to specific audiences based on demographics, interests, and behaviours. They are a great way to create an engaging and memorable experience for the viewer, and they can be a powerful tool for driving conversions and increasing brand awareness.

 

Why should you create a 360-degree video ad?

There are several reasons why a business might choose to create a 360-degree video ad:

Immersive experience: 360-degree video ads provide a fully immersive experience for the viewer, allowing them to look around and explore the environment. This can help to create a more memorable and engaging experience, which can lead to greater brand awareness and more conversions.

Make your ad stand out: 360-degree video ads are still relatively new, so creating one can help a business stand out from its competitors.

Specific targeting: 360-degree video ads can be targeted to specific audiences, which can increase the chances of the ad being seen by the right people.

Measurability: The view, engagement and conversion can be measured and analyzed for the improvement of the next campaign.

Versatility: 360-degree video ads can be used for a wide variety of industries and applications, such as real estate, tourism, and automotive. They can be used to showcase products, services, and locations in an interactive and engaging way.

VR Support: 360-degree video ads can be used to support the VR experience, allowing the user to feel like they are inside the ad.

Cost-Effectiveness: 360-degree video ads can be more cost-effective than traditional video ads, as they can be distributed through multiple platforms and reach a wider audience.

Overall, 360-degree video ads can be a powerful tool for businesses looking to create engaging and memorable experiences for their target audience.

 

Where to use 360-degree video ads in marketing?

There are a few ways that businesses can use 360-degree videos for marketing:

Virtual tours: 360-degree videos can be used to give customers a virtual tour of a business or product, allowing them to see it from all angles and get a better sense of what it looks like.

Event coverage: 360-degree videos can be used to cover events and conferences, allowing viewers to feel like they are there in person.

Product demonstrations: Businesses can use 360-degree videos to demonstrate their products in action, allowing customers to see all aspects of the product and how it works.

Social media: 360-degree videos can be shared on social media platforms such as Facebook and YouTube, allowing businesses to reach a wider audience and increase engagement.

Virtual reality: 360-degree videos can be used in virtual reality experiences, allowing customers to immerse themselves in the product or experience.

Here are some example use cases for a 360-degree video ad:

 

 

How to Create a 360-degree Video

Step #1: Create a Detailed Brief

Develop a brief that clearly outlines the campaign’s mission and key messages, as well as your brand’s ethos. This will guide the agency’s work and help ensure alignment from the start.

Step #2: Learn About the Team

Get to know the agency’s creative production team, including their roles and skills. This will help you determine if they have the expertise to meet your specific needs.

Step #3: Choose Your Format: Monoscopic or Stereoscopic

When deciding on a camera, you must also choose between monoscopic and stereoscopic formats. Monoscopic is more common and supported by major platforms like Vimeo, Facebook, and YouTube, but it does not offer depth perception. Stereoscopic offers a 3D, virtual reality experience but requires professional expertise and is more difficult to execute correctly.

Step #4: Obtain the Appropriate Camera Equipment

If you choose to create stereoscopic 360-degree videos, it is recommended to hire professionals with their own equipment.

Step #5: Plan Your Shot

Before you start filming, plan out the composition of your shot and think about what you want to showcase. This will help you to achieve a more polished and professional final product.

Step #6: Record the Footage

There are several ways to create 360-degree videos. One popular method is to use a 360-degree camera, such as the Samsung Gear 360 or the Ricoh Theta, to record the video. These cameras have multiple lenses that capture a full sphere of footage, which can then be stitched together using specialized software.

Another way is using a normal camera and stitching multiple videos together using specialized software, such as Autopano Video, Kolor Autopano, or VideoStitch. Additionally, you can use virtual reality tools such as Unity or Unreal Engine to create a 360-degree video in a virtual environment.

Step #7: Convert and Export Your Footage

When exporting footage from a 360-degree camera, it will not display correctly on regular video players. Editing software is needed to convert the footage into the equirectangular format.

Step #8: Stitch and Edit Your Footage

Raw footage from a 360-degree camera needs to be combined and overlapped to create a single panoramic video, a process known as stitching. Stitching software, such as Mocha VR, StereoStitch, and Adobe Premier Pro, can be used to achieve this.

Step #9: Incorporate Sound Design

Sound design is crucial in creating an immersive experience and evoking emotions in the viewer. Incorporate music and sound effects to enhance the overall perception of the video.

Step #10: Publish Your Video

All major video platforms now support 360-degree videos, including Vimeo, Facebook, YouTube, and VeeR. Choose the platform that best suits your goals and brand considerations.

 

Tips for creating 360-degree videos for a business

When creating 360-degree videos for a business, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Tip #1: Determine the purpose of your video

Before creating a 360-degree video, it is important to have a clear purpose for it. This will guide the content and production process.

Tip #2: Define your objectives

It’s important to clearly outline your goals for the video. This allows you to hire professionals who have experience achieving similar objectives and provide them with direction for your campaign.

Tip #3: Set specific goals for your video

To measure the success of your 360-degree video, set specific, measurable goals for it. This will help shape the content and allow for easy evaluation of the video’s effectiveness.

Tip #4: Decide whether you want to create a single video or an entire campaign

Consider whether a single 360-degree video or a campaign would be the most effective for reaching your goals. A good video production agency can help you determine the best approach.

Tip #5: Consider your target audience

Keep in mind who your target audience is, and create the video accordingly. This will help ensure that the video resonates with them and is more likely to be shared.

Tip #6: Research potential companies

Thoroughly review the portfolios of each potential agency to ensure they have the experience and capability to achieve your vision.

Tip #7: Set a realistic schedule

Keep in mind that the schedule for a video production may be longer than expected, factoring in planning, scriptwriting, storyboarding, and feedback at every stage. Also, unforeseen events can cause delays. This is why it’s best to establish a realistic timeline.

Tip #8: Use high-quality equipment

Investing in high-quality equipment will help ensure that your video looks crisp and professional. Use a 360-degree camera or multiple cameras with a high resolution and good lenses.

Tip #9: Use a tripod or stabilizer

Using a tripod or stabilizer will help keep your shots steady, which is especially important when filming in 360 degrees.

Tip #10: Add interactive elements

360-degree videos offer the opportunity to add interactive elements such as hotspots, which can be used to provide more information about a product or service.

Tip #11: Be open to professional input

Once work begins, be open to the agency’s suggestions and opinions. Treat the collaboration as a partnership and seek common ground in case of disagreements

Tip #12: Promote the video

Once your video is complete, promote it on your website, social media, and other platforms to reach your target audience.

Tip #13: Test and optimise

Test your video on different devices and platforms, and optimize it for the best viewing experience.

 

Should you DIY or work with a video production agency for your 360-degree video project?

Even though you can have your in-house team work on your 360-degree video project. However, there are several reasons why a business might choose to work with a video production agency to create a 360-degree video ad:

  1. Expertise and experience: Video production agencies specialize in creating high-quality, professional videos and have the expertise and experience needed to produce a polished and engaging 360-degree video ad.
  2. Access to professional equipment: Agencies typically have access to the latest equipment and technology needed to create a high-quality 360-degree video ad, such as 360-degree cameras and specialized software.
  3. Creative input: Agencies can provide valuable creative input, helping to shape the overall concept, script, and visual design of the video.
  4. Project management: Agencies can handle all aspects of the production process, from pre-production to post-production, including planning, filming, editing, and finishing.
  5. Cost-effective: Working with a video production agency can be cost-effective, as they can handle all aspects of the production process and have access to the necessary equipment and technology.
  6. Save Time: Agencies have the resources, team, and experience to complete the project in a faster time frame.
  7. Better Quality: Agencies have experience and expertise in creating high-quality videos that engage the audience, which results in higher conversion rates.

 

5 Cool Examples of 360-Degree Video Ads

Samsung

This 360-degree video ad from Samsung highlights the Super Slow-mo feature of the Galaxy S9 smartphone. The video showcases the phone’s ability to capture slow-motion footage in a creative and fun way, by filming a group of friends playing musical instruments and dancing. The video uses a combination of 360-degree and traditional footage to create an engaging and immersive experience for viewers, it’s a great example of how 360-degree video can be used to showcase a product feature in an entertaining and creative way.

GoPro

This 360-degree video ad from GoPro showcases the HyperSmooth stabilization feature of their HERO7 Black camera. The video takes viewers on a thrilling ride through various outdoor environments, including mountain biking, surfing, and skydiving. The video is an excellent example of how 360-degree video can be used to showcase a product in action and provide an immersive experience for the viewer

Volvo

This 360-degree video ad from Volvo provides a virtual tour of the interior and exterior of the XC90 luxury SUV. The video uses high-quality 360-degree footage to showcase the car’s features and luxurious design, making it an effective tool for promoting the vehicle to potential buyers.

Star Wars

This 360-degree video ad from Star Wars uses a combination of live-action footage and computer-generated imagery to provide an immersive experience for viewers. The video takes viewers inside the Star Wars universe, showcasing iconic locations and characters from the film. It is a great example of how 360-degree video can be used to promote a film and provide an immersive experience for fans.

The New York Times

The New York Times uses 360-degree video to provide an immersive experience for its readers. The Daily 360 is a series of 360-degree videos that cover a wide range of topics, from news and politics to art and culture. Each video provides a unique perspective on the topic, making it an excellent example of how 360-degree video can be used to tell stories and provide a different perspective.

 

Final Thoughts

Be creative and have fun with your 360-degree video project. At the same time, be realistic with your budget for the project. When it comes to professional 360-degree video production, quality comes at a cost. Cutting corners, especially when it comes to equipment, tools and software, may not get you the kind of quality you’d be expecting.

We hope the information shared in this guide will help you create an impressive 360-degree video. However, if you feel that creating a 360-degree video by yourself is a challenging task, we can help! At CoolBox, we have a team of video production experts who have all the necessary skills, equipment and tools to ensure that your 360-degree video is of high quality, engaging, and effective in reaching your target audience.

To learn more about our video production services, contact us today!

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