YouTube Gets 360-Degree Live Streaming and Spatial Audio

Video sharing behemoth YouTube on Monday introduced 360-degree live streaming and spatial audio to its platform. The company last year in March introduced the 360-degree video support for both mobile and Web but those were pre-recorded videos. Google's new 360-degree live video effort should be a boon to both the viewers and organisers of events and festivals.

The YouTube 360-degree live videos will be used for select performances from the Coachella music and arts festival this weekend. "And after years of live streaming Coachella for fans around the world who can't attend the festival, this year we're bringing you the festival like never before by live streaming select artist performances in 360 degrees this weekend," said Neal Mohan, Chief Product Officer, YouTube in a blog post.

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The company has also launched spatial audio for on-demand YouTube videos. According to Mohan, alongside the immersion of 360-degree videos, spatial audio will deliver a surround sound effect akin to "real life, where depth, distance and intensity all play a role." He also points to a spatial audio showcase in the form of a special YouTube playlist, recommending consumption on Android devices.

Mohan adds that YouTube has also been working with companies like VideoStitch and Two Big Ears to make their software compatible with 360-degree live streams or spatial audio on YouTube. "We'll also make 360-degree live streaming and spatial audio technologies available at all YouTube Space locations around the globe, so you can take it for a spin," he said.

YouTube earlier this month launched its YouTube Gaming service in India, which the company introduced in the US and the UK back in August last year.