Creativity with 360

If you've been making engaging videos for a while and thinking about experimenting with new ways of capturing your world, you should consider giving 360 a try. 360 video gives your fans the chance to experience your world just as you see it, which means they can hold up their viewing device and move it around, turning in any direction to see what you see all around you. So rather than worrying about framing up your shot perfectly, take your fans with you and let them decide what to watch - whether they focus on you as you tell your story or everything surrounding you.

360 cameras have come a long way in the last couple of years. Now there are plenty of simple cameras out there to try, so it should be pretty easy to find one that suits your budget and experience level.

Through these apps you can take 360 photos, 360 video and even go Live in 360 degrees with direct uploads to Facebook so you can take your fans into the action with you. We've even added automatic stabilization on Facebook Live360, so if your Live 360 is detected as a little shaky, we'll stabilize it for you so your fans have a great viewing experience! You can check out other cameras we recommend at facebook360.fb.com.

Now that you've got the right gear, let's get you started off on the right foot with some guidlelines for when, why and how to use 360 to tell your story.

Use 360 for interactive, exploratory experiences

Since 360 gives your fans a chance to take control and look around the scene on their own, make sure your video gives them plenty to explore and interact with. Something like a make-up tutorial is better suited to regular video framing, but a walk through a city or a 3D art installation definitely make sense in 360.

Be there in the frame to direct your fans

Since people are still getting used to watching 360 videos, it's helpful if you're right there in the frame, guiding them by pointing out things around you and encouraging them to pan around to see what you're seeing.

Don't put important stuff in the stitch lines

Most 360 cameras are stitching together two 180 degree frames and generally the most unflattering place to stand in a 360 video is right in the stitch line between the two frames. You've got a whole 360 degrees to use, so make sure the best parts of your video are anywhere but the stitch lines so you don't risk cutting anything out.

To make this type of framing a habit, think of it this way: as you position yourself, think about aiming the camera so that the most interesting things are often at 45 degree angles to your body versus directly to your left or right. The same goes for the vertical aspect.

Use text to augment your video

With Facebook's new 360 Director tool, you can now add text and images easily into a 360 video. Simply upload your 360 video to and add text and graphics to help explain the environment and guide your fans as they watch.

Visit https://facebook.com/360_media/create to get started!

Why not go for a walk around your neighborhood — point out your favorite places to eat and hang-out — it'll be like your fans are exploring with you. Get inspired by 360 creators like Ariel from The Urbanist and his infectious enthusiasm for city life, history and travel. And if you want to interact with your fans in real-time, try Live 360.

Check out our new 360 Community Page for some great video tutorials, meet-ups to hang out with our team, and a Camera Loaner Program to get you access to the latest 360 gear.

We can't wait to see what you create in 360. Check out facebook.com/groups/facebook360community and show us what you've been working on.