Choosing Between 18, 36, or 144 Shots: What’s Right for Your Product Spin?

Creating a compelling 360° product spin involves one key decision — choosing the number of images to photograph. Whether you opt for 18, 36, or 144 shots, each option has its advantages and trade-offs.

Here’s how to decide which is the right choice for your product, presentation goals, and audience expectations.

18 Shots Per Spin – Basic and Efficient

Overview:
This involves capturing a product photo every 20 degrees, totaling 18 images.

Pros:

• Faster to shoot and process

• Lightweight for faster website loading

• Budget-friendly

Cons:

• Slightly jerky rotation

• Limited detail from certain angles

• Less immersive experience

Best For:

• Entry-level products

• Budget-conscious brands

• Fast-loading product pages

36 Shots Per Spin – The Sweet Spot

Overview:
With one photo taken every 10 degrees, this format offers smoother interaction and more detail.

Pros:

• Balanced quality and performance

• Smooth rotation for most products

• Reasonable file size

• Popular industry standard

Cons:

• Requires more time and storage than 18 shots

• Not as fluid as high-frame spins

Best For:

• Fashion accessories, electronics, home decor

• E-commerce platforms aiming for premium presentation

• Brands balancing quality and efficiency

144 Shots Per Spin – Premium Experience

Overview:
One image every 2.5 degrees creates an ultra-smooth, almost video-like effect.

Pros:

• Seamless rotation with exceptional detail

• Perfect for high-end or intricate products

• Creates a luxury impression

Cons:

• Requires significant storage and bandwidth

• Slower to load on low-speed connections

• Higher production cost and editing time

Best For:

• Jewelry, watches, luxury goods

• Brand showcases, lookbooks, and catalogs

• Products with fine detailing

Key Considerations Before Choosing

1. Product Complexity:
Highly detailed or luxury items deserve more angles to show craftsmanship.

2. Website Performance:
Heavy spins (like 144 shots) demand optimized hosting and fast loading speeds.

3. User Experience Expectations:
Your audience’s comfort with tech and quality standards should influence the shot count.

4. Budget and Time:
More shots mean more time, editing, and investment. Balance with your ROI.

Conclusion

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. While 18 shots are great for speed and affordability, 36 shots offer the best balance of quality and efficiency. 144 shots are ideal when showcasing detail and providing a premium online experience.

Choose wisely based on your product’s complexity, customer expectations, and budget — and you’ll create a 360° spin that truly sells.

Need help choosing the right 360° spin format for your product?
Let’s connect and create a tailored solution for your brand.