3D VIDEOS: How to create them for YouTube

YouTube has a clever new feature which creates red/blue 3D videos. To create one yourself you’ll need a pair camcorders (preferably identical ones), some video editing software (Movie Maker 2 should suffice) and some 3D glasses to watch the results. You can easily make a home-made pair of 3D glasses if you don’t own a pair already (see link below). Here’s how to make the video:

1. Set up a scene to be recorded on the two cameras simultaneously. You need to arrange the cameras like a pair of perfectly level eyes. Any difference in angle will reduce the 3D effect.
2. Sync the resulting footage using your video editing program by placing the two shots side by side in the same frame. The ‘left-eye’ camera shot should go on the right-hand side and vice-versa.
3. When you upload the video to YouTube, add the tag “yt3d:enable=true”. If it’s in widescreen you need to add “yt3d:aspect=16:9”.
4. YouTube will then analyse the video and create a composite of both sides. When viewed with your 3D specs the video should jump out at you in full 3D greatness.

And that’s all there is to it! If you struggle to create your own 3D productions here’s a list of 3D videos currently available on YouTube.

Related post: How to make 3D glasses

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3D GLASSES: A step by step guide to making your very own pair

Unfortunately 3D specs don’t come cheap. I managed to find an entry level pair in the UK for R214. These do the job but don’t always offer the best results for your money. Far better to make a cheap pair for free! Here’s how to do it.

1. You’ll need some cardboard, some red and blue “gels” or cellophane (this is usually available at art and photography shops), a ruler, some scissors, a scalpel (or card cutting device) and a few blobs of glue (preferably contact).
2. For the frames, fold the card in half and cut a rectangle as wide as your head. This should also be twice as deep as your eyes. When that’s sufficiently sliced, create some appropriately-sized eyeholes.
3. Cut each gel into a square slightly larger than the eyeholes. You’ll also need to cut two long trips of card (about 2cm wide) for the frame’s arms.
4. Open up the frames and glue the lenses on the inside – with the red lens on the right and the blue over the left eyehole. Glue about 1cm of each arm on the sides and seal like a sandwich.
5. Fold and trim the arms and carve suitable shapes for your eyes and nose.
6. Start watching 3D videos! Here’s a list of 3D YouTube videos.

Related post: How to create 3D YouTube videos

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