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To make a 360-degree video, capture overlapping views of a scene with a dedicated 360 camera or a camera array, stitch them into a spherical image, edit in software that supports 360 footage, and export a file compatible with the player where people will watch it. Decide first whether you need monoscopic video, which lets viewers look around without stereo depth, or stereoscopic video, which uses separate views for the left and right eyes.
What 360-degree video is—and what it is not
360-degree video, also called spherical video, surrounds the viewer with a recorded scene. The viewer chooses where to look by turning a mobile device, scrolling a desktop view, or moving their head in a compatible headset. Apple describes capture using multiple cameras or a dedicated 360-degree camera with overlapping views from multiple fisheye lenses (Apple Support).
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“360 video” does not automatically mean stereoscopic 3D or a complete virtual-reality application. The viewer can look around within the recorded scene, but whether the image has stereo depth depends on how it was captured and processed. A headset is one way to watch, not a requirement: compatible 360 video can also be viewed on a standard screen.
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Monoscopic 360
Monoscopic (2D) 360 video maps one view around the sphere. It allows the audience to look in different directions, but the image itself does not provide stereo depth. It is the simpler choice when navigable coverage matters more than a 3D effect, and it can be watched on ordinary screens as well as compatible headsets.
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Stereoscopic 360
Stereoscopic (3D) 360 video provides separate left- and right-eye views to create a sense of depth. That requires suitable capture and processing, as well as playback equipment that can present the views correctly. Because those requirements narrow compatibility and add workflow complexity, check the intended platform and viewing device before choosing stereo.
How capture becomes a spherical video
A 360 camera or camera array records different, overlapping angles. Stitching combines those angles into a single image that represents the surrounding sphere. Some systems stitch automatically; others use separate camera-vendor software. Seams can show where the views meet, so inspect the joins and stabilization rather than assuming the combined image is seamless. Apple’s guidance recommends camera-vendor software for operations such as stitching and stabilization in the workflows described in its WWDC25 session (Apple WWDC25).
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A common way to store the sphere is equirectangular projection: the spherical scene is mapped into a rectangle, much as a map lays out the globe. The rectangle can look distorted when viewed flat, especially near the top and bottom; a compatible 360 player interprets it as a sphere so the audience can look around.
For the developer workflow documented on its 360 Media page, Google describes monoscopic video with a 2:1 aspect ratio and stereoscopic video with a 1:1 aspect ratio, and recommends MP4/H.264 (Google 360 Media guidance). These are recommendations for that documented workflow, not universal requirements for every platform, camera, or profile. Confirm the target player’s current requirements before exporting.
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- 360° video conferencing camera with built in ominidirectional microphone
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A practical production workflow
- Choose the viewing destination and format. Decide where the audience will watch—on the web, a mobile device, or a headset—and whether mono or stereo is appropriate. Check destination compatibility before buying equipment or planning a stereo workflow.
- Capture the scene. Use a dedicated 360-degree camera or a multi-camera array to record overlapping views around the scene. The cameras and lenses need to capture enough shared area for the views to be stitched together.
- Stitch and inspect. If the camera has not already stitched the recording, combine its views using the camera system’s supported software. Review seams and stabilization in the spherical view; defects that are hard to judge in a flattened image can be conspicuous when viewers look around.
- Edit in a 360-aware editor. Use an editor that can preview the sphere and handle the footage’s 360 or VR properties. Adobe documents 360- and 180-degree monitoring, VR-property detection, and VR-aware sequence behavior in Premiere; Apple documents a 360 viewer and dedicated 360 projects in Final Cut Pro. These are vendor-described capabilities, not independent performance comparisons (Adobe Premiere guidance; Apple Final Cut Pro guide).
- Export for the intended player. Preserve the projection and the metadata the destination needs to recognize the file as navigable 360 video. A normal flat-video export may not retain the intended 360 playback behavior. Apple’s WWDC25 session discusses Apple Projected Media Profile signaling in QuickTime and MP4, using equirectangular projection for 360 video. That is guidance about Apple’s profile, not a universal format mandate; check support across the camera, editor, operating system, and destination platform.
- Test playback before sharing. Open the exported file in the actual web, mobile, or headset player your audience is likely to use. Check that viewers can look around and, for stereo footage, that the left- and right-eye presentation is correct. YouTube’s Help search result says 180- and 360-degree videos can be watched in the YouTube app or YouTube VR app on supported headsets; consult YouTube’s current instructions for exact upload and compatibility steps.
Pick equipment and software around the output
There is no single best camera or editor for every creator. Match the setup to the kind of footage you need, your comfort with stitching, and the destination’s playback requirements.
- Capture and stitching: An integrated workflow can reduce manual steps; separate stitching software may provide a different workflow. Check what the camera system supports and inspect the resulting seams.
- Image format: Mono is navigable without stereo depth. Stereo adds depth but requires appropriate capture, processing, and playback.
- Delivery compatibility: Confirm the projection, metadata, container, resolution, and player or headset requirements for the specific destination rather than treating one platform’s recommendations as universal.
- Editing: Look for spherical preview, recognition of 360 or VR properties, and export controls that preserve the intended output. Vendor feature descriptions establish what their software documents, not comparative quality or ease of use.
A dedicated multi-fisheye 360 camera is one equipment category; Apple’s WWDC25 session names GoPro MAX and Insta360 X5 as examples. Those examples do not establish current availability, price, or comparative performance. Choose based on verified compatibility with your capture, editing, and playback workflow.
Quick Recap
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- Lightweight & Portable (165g): A sleek 165g* camera bursting with potential. Ultralight, easy to use, full 360 creativity—you won't even notice it's there. *Actual weight may vary slightly depending on configuration and production.
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- 5.7K 360° Video: AKASO 360 action camera captures fully immersive 360° video in stunning 5.7K clarity, ensuring you never miss the action. Unleash your creativity to record your adventures like never before. This 360 camera does not support HDR functionality. Video quality may be limited in low-light conditions.
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- 360° Horizon Steady: Unlock a new level of stabilization—360° Horizon Lock keeps your footage level all the time, no matter how you flip or spin.
- Invisible Selfie Stick Effect: Yes! You can create unbelievable third-person shots on your own! The selfie stick automatically disappears from your footage like magic. No photographer? No problem! Invisible Selfie Stick is not included.
- Dual 1/2" 48MP Sensors: Equipped with two massive 1/2" 48MP sensors, AKASO 360 captures more pixels for sharper, clearer images, bringing your action to life.
Common workflow mistakes to avoid
- Choosing stereo before checking playback: Separate eye views only help when the processing and destination device can handle them correctly.
- Judging the image only as a flat rectangle: Equirectangular footage is a spherical scene mapped to a rectangle. Inspect it in a 360 viewer to assess seams and the viewer’s experience.
- Assuming a standard export remains navigable: Projection and metadata matter. Verify the exported file in the target player.
- Treating one platform’s settings as universal: Google’s aspect-ratio and codec guidance applies to its documented developer workflow; Apple’s projected-media profile guidance addresses Apple’s ecosystem. Check the actual destination’s current requirements.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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