Facebook actually has had an option to post 3D content for a while now, but they've been not as significantly present as photos or videos on the site. But there will now be better reasons to post such content moving forward.
Facebook has now introduced support for the standard gITF 2.0 3D file format that delivers objects with more realistic properties, and offers users easier ways of sharing. Also, new developer options in Facebook's Graph API make it easier to share 3D objects on the site, such as content created right within one's phone. For instance, the 3D creation-capable Xperia XZ1 allows users to produce 3D content and share them directly to their Facebook profile.
There are also options to share objects from the Oculus Medium library and, later on, Google Poly, a smattering of free virtual and augmented reality objects.
Facebook Announces Support For gITF 2.0 3D File Format
"With glTF 2.0 compliance comes support for textures, lighting, and realistic rendering techniques - so from rough to shiny, metallic to soft, beautifully detailed 3D art can now come alive on Facebook," the company said in a blog post. "3D posts also support unlit workflows for photogrammetry and stylized art."
Below is a an example of a Facebook post with a 3D object in it. Click and drag the object using a mouse or a trackpad to rotate or turn it around.
Aside from LEGO, other companies have also posted their own 3D content, such as Jurassic World, Sony, Wayfair, and several other brands as well. 3D content sharing will most likely be a great avenue for publishers and content creators to promote products in an entirely innovative way — especially toys and other geeky stuff. The possibilities are endless.
Why Is Facebook Doing This?
Meanwhile, Facebook has already stated in the past that it wants users of Facebook Spaces to share their wacky 3D creations on the site, and it will most certainly enable Oculus Rift users to do the same thing soon, perhaps even without having to remove their VR headsets.
Facebook didn't state why it's chosen to make sharing 3D content on the site easier. Perhaps it's subtly encouraging people to proliferate newsfeeds with 3D objects, which in turn could make Facebook a more VR-friendly avenue. Maybe the thinking is, the more one sees 3D objects, the more they're likely to pick up an Oculus Rift headset just to get a more immersive experience.
Thoughts on 3D posts on Facebook? As always, feel free to sound off in the comments section below!
