from the experts at Samsung VR

The Worldwide Semiannual Augmented and Virtual Reality Spending Guide from IDC forecasts worldwide revenues for the augmented reality and virtual reality (AR/VR) market to reach $13.9 billion in 2017, an increase of 130.5% over the $6.1 billion spent in 2016. That’s incredible growth for an already-established industry. Why so much excitement? Because while the technology is already here, the content stream is only just starting to flow. Everyone from customers to investors to creators knows the best is still to come.

Here at Samsung, we’ve watched a tremendous amount of VR, and we know what makes for great content. Our 360 video service, SamsungVR, is already seeing a steady stream of innovative content with more videos from brands, studios and independent creators alike added to the platform every day.

Right now in this industry, the ability to create compelling, creative content is THE competitive differentiator—both for any individual pursuing a role in the field, and for any brand working to establish a presence in the VR/AR space. Here are 4 tips on how to do it right!

4 Tips for Making Compelling Virtual Reality Video

Choose the right subject matter

Our research shows that people want content that makes them feel present. Action-adventure, sci-fi, animation, outer space, and horror are popular genres for obvious reasons, as well as travel. But a lot of the travel content still has too much of a documentary look, and lacks feeling. There are also quite a few thrill-seekers out there—so roller-coaster, high wire pov, and skydiving videos still get a lot of plays in VR today.

Create real stories

VR creators can learn a great deal from the technologies that precede it—remember, it’s all about storytelling. Television—and radio before that—have been successfully entertaining the world for a long, long time. So before developing content, ask yourself, “What would bring a TV viewer back next week?” While you don’t have to create a cliff-hanger, viewers are looking for addictive, episodic content that keeps them coming back for more. If you can make something that inspires people to put on a headset and watch another episode each week or month, you have yourself a winner.  

Never forget you’re developing for VR

Remember to always ask yourself, “Why is VR the best way to tell this story?” VR is not an easy environment to get into, or stay in for long periods of time, so you always have to design with the guiding principle of user experience in mind. Also, VR is not flat-framed content. There have to be interesting things going on all around you at all times. The content creator who understands and optimizes for this is head and shoulders above the competition.  

Build an immersive experience

Regardless of the scene you build, you have to give viewers the opportunity to immerse themselves. Keep in mind that your 360 camera is the equivalent of the viewer’s head, so it needs to move the way a real person would naturally move their own head. Put your camera in the middle of the action, and be careful that the camera moves with slow, smooth, linear movement. With any dialogue, it’s also best if people talk over the camera as it puts the viewer in the middle of the action. From a quality control perspective, it’s essential that you vet your own content in–headset. Watching a video an inch from your eyes will help you see things you never would otherwise.

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Never be afraid to try new things. Design it. Create it. Produce it. See the feedback. Repeat. The tips above, while hopefully helpful, are just guidelines. Where VR really comes alive is when you apply your own creativity.

That being said, make sure you’re in contact with experts in the field. Understanding the market, and the key players in the space, is critical for the success of your content. Samsung VR is extremely developer-friendly, and can help you get the visibility you need to advance your career. Available on Gear VR, mobile and web platforms, and in over 50 countries abroad, Samsung VR provides you a viable path for reaching a global audience.

There is a wealth of opportunity in VR today, and there are many resources to help you get on your way. We encourage you to sign up for the Samsung Developer Program. It has a wealth of tutorials, program guides, and tools for developing great VR content. Also, if you have an interest in VR, be sure to join us at the 2017 Samsung Developer Conference (happening on October 18-19 in San Francisco) where you can attend a variety of VR content sessions and meet and mingle with other VR creators. Finally, consider enrolling in the Udacity VR Developer Nanodegree program. We partnered with Udacity to develop this groundbreaking learning experience, and it allows VR creators to master all the skills needed to launch a career in this incredible space.

We are always looking to showcase exemplary content, so if you have the talent and skillset to create experiences that can immerse someone in a different reality, we have the resources to help you take full advantage with curation, marketing, promotion, global notifications, and more.