This article explores how to watch and interact with 360 videos on Vimeo.
You can watch 360 videos on Vimeo on your desktop and mobile devices. Next to every 360 video’s title on vimeo.com, a 360 badge will appear. For example, this collection of 360 videos was handpicked by our curation team.
Visit System Requirements for viewing, browsing, and apps to learn our minimum requirements for playing videos across our website, iOS app, and Android apps.
In this article:
- 360 vs. VR
- Watching 360 videos on a desktop device
- Watching 360 videos on a mobile device
- Vive Video and Vimeo
360 vs. VR
Vimeo supports 360 video (monoscopic and stereoscopic), not true VR. While the terms are often used interchangeably, 360 video and VR are considered two different experiences.
- A 360 video is recorded from all angles using a special rig of multiple cameras or one omnidirectional camera. Users can dictate the direction or view of the video based on a central point in space, dictated by the camera.
- VR (virtual reality) refers to a simulated digital environment in which a user can physically move around and interact using equipment such as a headset and body gear. Users can navigate, control, and influence the environment beyond their line of sight.
Vimeo supports both monoscopic and stereoscopic 360 video. Vimeo does not support mobile headset viewing for 360 videos in the Vimeo App (iOS or Android).
Watching 360 videos on a desktop device
On a desktop, you can explore a 360 video with your arrow keys, mouse, or trackpad. On the right side of the player, you’ll see a compass that indicates the direction you are facing in the video. Selecting the compass will reorient you to the original positioning of the video.
Watching 360 videos on a mobile device
You can watch 360 videos with the Vimeo app on Android and iOS.
Gyroscopic 360 playback is only on Android devices with gyroscopic sensors; the iOS app doesn't support this.
On devices without a gyroscopic sensor or on the Vimeo iOS app, 360 videos won't display in 360 degrees and will appear flat, requiring manual panning during playback. Vimeo doesn't support mobile headset viewing on either platform.
Vive Video and Vimeo
Vive supports curated Vimeo content on their Vive Video app, which means that staff-picked Vimeo videos are available to watch on Vive and Oculus headsets. You can download the app on Steam and Viveport to discover staff-picked videos.