Google has launched YouTube VR on Steam for HTC Vive users. This means that you’ll be able to browse and experience every channel, video, and creator in virtual reality rather than simply watching 180 or 360 videos.
YouTube VR is optimized to showcase all of its content in the virtual world. It sort of mimics VR theaters where you’ll have a floating screen in the virtual environment. The screens can be blown up in size to be seen at a bigger resolution.
YouTube VR is available for free on the Steam marketplace. This will be in Early Access through 2018 where the team will look to improve its performance for virtual reality.
Google has stated that YouTube VR will only be optimized for HTC Vive in early access meaning it won’t be perfectly suited for other HMDs such as the Oculus Rift.
Minimum Specs for YouTube VR
OS: Windows 10
Processor: Intel i5-6400 equivalent or better
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 980, AMD Radeon R9 Fury equivalent or better
DirectX: Version 11
Storage: 4 GB available space
Recommended Specs for YouTube VR
OS: Windows 10
Processor: Intel i7-6700 equivalent or better
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 980ti or better
DirectX: Version 11
Storage: 4 GB available space
The required specs are on the lower end which makes it friendly for a lot of PC VR users. Make sure to give YouTube VR a go.
Source: VR and Fun