Twitter to use 360-degree videos to broadcast the NBA finals

Twitter is to enter the world of 360-degree videos by broadcasting exclusive pre and post-match footage from the NBA finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors. Shot using Samsung’s Gear 360 camera, the videos are expected to feature warm-ups, the captain's meeting and any on-court action after the game ends, and will be aired on the NBA account. Twitter is following in the footsteps of Facebook and YouTube, which have also shown 360-degree videos. Samsung promoted tweets, included videos, are expected to appear in users timelines as well.

The likes of Facebook and YouTube have been doing 360-degree videos for some time now. During the NBA Finals that begin tonight, Twitter will also offer the more immersive views for the first time. The social network will post pre- and post-game content, but don't expect to see any in-game highlights. Samsung is sponsoring the videos, which will be shot with its Gear 360 camera.

The NBA Finals 360-degree videos will be exclusive to Twitter and are expected to include warm-ups, teams just before taking the court, the captain's meeting and any on-court activity after the game. If you want to follow along, the NBA account will be posting all of the footage and you can expect Samsung Mobile ads promoted tweets with the videos to pop up in your timeline as well. Game 1 between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors tips off at 9 PM ET tonight.