Facebook introduced 360-degree photos to its newsfeed last week and the spherical photos can be uploaded by all users. App updates for iOS and Android devices have brought 360-degree photo support to smartphones as well.
“We’re improving photos on Facebook so that people can share more immersive views of their world,” wrote Andy Huang, a product manager at Facebook. “For the first time, you can now easily share 360 photos on Facebook.”
Uploading 360-degree photos is simple: take images using a VR camera or piecing together several images and then upload it on Facebook as you would any other image. On the upper right-hand corner of the uploaded image, there will be a compass icon indicating the image is a 360-degree photo. By clicking and dragging on the image, the user can explore the photograph on their desktop. On a smartphone, selecting the image and moving your gadget around will allow you to explore.
While Facebook can support the spherical photos, it does not have the capacity to take 360-degree photos. Huang recommends taking photos “using a 360° photo app or 360° camera.”
For users with a compatible Samsung smartphone, Facebook will have a virtual reality feature. By selecting the “view in VR” button and connecting their device to a Gear VR headset, users can receive an immersive experience.
Users will have the opportunity to share moments in 360° with their social network and also discover content from friends, family, public figures, organizations and publishers.
“This medium enables new opportunities for creativity, and we’re excited to see what kinds of 360° photos get shared on Facebook,” said Huang in a post.
