How to Upload VR180 and VR360 Videos to YouTube (Correctly)

Metadata is everything

YouTube determines how to play back a video based on embedded spherical or VR180 metadata in the file itself — not the filename, not the description, not a tag you type in manually. If that metadata is missing, YouTube has no way to know the footage should be shown as immersive.

Exporting VR180 correctly

Most VR180 cameras' companion apps export directly to the correct format with metadata already attached, which is the easiest path. If you're editing in a third-party NLE, make sure your export preset is specifically labeled for VR180 (not standard 360), since the two use different metadata standards.

Exporting VR360 correctly

For VR360, export as a standard high-bitrate MP4 first, then run the file through a spherical metadata injection tool if your editor doesn't add it automatically. Confirm the injected metadata specifies "equirectangular" projection so YouTube maps the video onto a sphere rather than displaying it as a warped flat frame.

Recommended export settings

• Codec: H.264 or H.265 for broad compatibility.
• Bitrate: Higher than you'd use for flat video at the same resolution — immersive footage compresses less efficiently since the entire sphere or half-sphere is packed into the frame.
• Frame rate: Match your source footage; converting frame rates in post can introduce judder that's more noticeable in VR.
• Audio: Use an ambisonic-compatible format if you captured spatial audio; standard stereo works fine otherwise.

Before you hit publish

Preview the uploaded video in YouTube's own player (ideally in a headset or the mobile app) before sharing it widely. This catches metadata problems, stitching seams, and depth issues that are much harder to spot in a desktop editing timeline.