Ever wished your visitors could explore a place virtually, or see a product from every angle?
At WPBeginner we know the power of captivating visuals, and 360 degree images are a surefire way to grab the visitor’s attention. As Virtual Reality (VR) devices become more accessible, you can even use 360 degree images to create truly immersive and fun experiences for potential subscribers and customers.
In this article, we will show you how to easily add interactive 360 degree images in WordPress.
Why Use Interactive 360 Degree Images in WordPress?
If you run an online store, then high-quality product images can help you get more sales.
Some large brands take this to the next level by creating an interactive 360 degree image that allows shoppers to explore a product from every angle.
This is much more engaging than asking customers to scroll through an image gallery showing the item from different angles.
If you have a real estate website, then you can use 360 images to create virtual tours so potential buyers can explore the property. This can help convince people to book appointments and viewings.
You can also use 360 degree images to create new and engaging experiences. For example, if you have a travel blog, then readers can use interactive images to explore different locations.
With that being said, let’s see how you can add an interactive 360 degree image to your WordPress blog or website. We will cover 2 methods, and you can use the quick links below to jump to the one you want to use:
Method 1: How to Add a 360 Degree Interactive Image in WordPress
The easiest way to add 360 degree rotating images to WordPress is by using Algori 360 Image. This free WordPress plugin simply adds a new block, which makes the plugin very easy to use.
However, the plugin doesn’t help you create a 360 degree image, only display it. This means you’ll need to create the image using a smartphone app or web design software. 360 degree images can also add a lot of weight to your website, so it’s vital you optimize this image for the web.
With that done, you need to install and activate the Algori 360 plugin. For more details, see our step-by-step guide on how to install a WordPress plugin.
Upon activation, there are no settings for you to configure, so you can start using the plugin straight away.
Once you have a 360 degree image, simply go to the post or page where you want to show that interactive image.
Here, click on the ‘+’ button and start typing ‘360 Image’. When the right block appears, give it a click to add it to the page.
You can now click on ‘Media Library’.
Next, either choose a 360 degree image from the library or upload a new file from your computer.
Depending on the size of the 360 degree image, you may need to wait for WordPress to process it. After a few moments, you’ll see the 360 degree image in the post editor.
You can then simply click the ‘Update’ or ‘Publish’ button to make the image live.
Now, if you visit your WordPress website, you can drag to rotate the 360 degree image.
If you have a VR headset, then you can click on the ‘VR’ button to explore the 360 image in virtual reality.
Just be aware that interactive images can slow down your website. With that being said, you may want to see our ultimate guide on how to boost WordPress speed and performance.
It’s also a good idea to test how the 360 degree image looks and acts on mobile devices. For step-by-step instructions, please see our guide on how to view the mobile version of WordPress sites from desktop.
Method 2: How to Add a 360 Degree Product Image to Your WooCommerce Store
Interactive images allow shoppers to see a product from every angle, so they are particularly useful for online marketplaces and stores.
If you have a WooCommerce store, then SR Product 360° View allows you to create a 360 degree rotating product image for every item in your store.
Simply take a photo of the product from every angle and then upload the pictures in the order you want to show them.
The plugin will then combine these images into a 360 degree rotating animation that shoppers can see on your WooCommerce product page.
First, you’ll need to install and activate the SR Product 360 view plugin. If you need help, then please see our guide on how to install a WordPress plugin.
Then, go to Products » All Products and open the product where you want to add a 360 degree image.
In the product editor, scroll to the new Product 360 Degree View section. Here, click on the ‘Add 360 images’ button.
You can now select all the images you want to include in the 360 degree animation.
Make sure you select the images in the order they should appear in the animation.
SR Product 360° View will now show all these files in the Product 360 Degree View section. You can re-order the images using drag and drop.
When you’re happy with these images, either click on the ‘Update’ or ‘Publish’ button to make the 360 degree animation live.
Bonus: Want to take your WooCommerce store to the next level? Try using the FunnelKit funnel builder and automation platform to add dynamic upsells, cross-sells, order bumps, and full sales funnel in WooCommerce.
We hope this article helped you learn how to add interactive 360 degree images in WordPress. You may also want to read our guide on how to create flipbox overlays and hovers in WordPress, and our expert pick of the best slider plugins.
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Jiří Vaněk
For travel blogs or real estate agencies, this is a great feature. Personally, I really like it, but it never worked properly for me. Thank you for the detailed guide. This is exactly what I needed for my travel articles on my blog, so I can insert 360 photos from my visited places. Thanks.