Insta360
Corporate brand
UnclaimedA Chinese imaging-technology brand known for 360-degree cameras, action cameras, professional VR systems, webcams, gimbals, and related editing software.
Last updated October 9, 2026
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Overview
Insta360 is the consumer and professional imaging brand operated by Arashi Vision Inc., a Shenzhen-based Chinese camera and technology company. Its portfolio centers on cameras that capture 360-degree, wide-angle, stereoscopic, and virtual-reality content, together with software that helps users reframe, stabilize, edit, and publish that footage. The brand serves consumers, action-sports participants, travelers, creators, educators, businesses, and professional production teams. The company was founded in Shenzhen in 2015 by J. K. Liu and co-founders who had met while studying computer science at Nanjing University. Liu became interested in immersive capture after attending a concert and considering how a viewer might record and share the energy of a live event. The founding team initially developed a smartphone live-streaming application and then moved into hardware, creating accessories that enabled smartphones to capture 360-degree imagery. After relocating to Shenzhen, the company began making dedicated cameras because the available products did not meet its expectations for quality, usability, and creative flexibility. Insta360’s early identity was built around 360-degree capture, but the company subsequently promoted 360 video as a source for ordinary flat-screen content as well as immersive viewing. Its ONE series helped establish this approach: users could record the entire surrounding scene and choose the final viewpoint later through software. This workflow became a central differentiator for the X series and other products, including automatic reframing, subject tracking, invisible-selfie-stick effects, stabilization, and AI-assisted editing. The brand’s principal consumer lines include the X series of 360 action cameras, the modular ONE family, the small wearable GO cameras, and the Ace wide-angle action cameras. It also sells professional VR products such as the Pro, Pro 2, and Titan systems; Link webcams with AI framing and subject tracking; Flow smartphone gimbals; and the Sphere aerial camera designed for selected DJI drones. Its software ecosystem includes the Insta360 mobile application for iOS and Android and Insta360 Studio for Windows and macOS. Insta360 has developed technology partnerships and visibility beyond the consumer-camera market. Its collaboration with Leica produced the ONE R 1-Inch Edition and later Leica-associated products such as the Ace Pro and the ONE RS 1-Inch 360 Edition. NASA used Insta360 professional cameras for coverage related to the InSight Mars lander landing in 2018 and the Perseverance rover landing in 2021. The 2018 production received an Emmy. The company has also sponsored or partnered with sports organizations, athletes, and creators, including action-motorsport events. The business expanded internationally through offices in Los Angeles, Tokyo, and Berlin, while continuing to operate from Shenzhen. Apple has hosted Insta360 cameras in stores in more than 100 countries. In June 2025, Arashi Vision completed an initial public offering on the Shanghai Stock Exchange STAR Market, marking a major corporate milestone. The brand remains focused on integrated imaging hardware, software, creator tools, and professional immersive-video applications.
History
J. K. Liu and his future co-founders met while studying computer science at Nanjing University. Liu became interested in immersive recording after attending a concert and thinking about how the atmosphere of a live event could be captured and shared. The team first worked on a smartphone live-streaming application. They then moved toward hardware, developing an accessory that could turn a smartphone into a 360-degree camera. After graduation, the founders relocated to Shenzhen and established Insta360 in 2015. Their decision to build dedicated cameras reflected dissatisfaction with the image quality and practical limitations of products then available. The company initially concentrated on 360-degree cameras, but its strategy soon broadened. Rather than treating 360 video only as a format for virtual reality, Insta360 presented it as a way to record everything around the camera and select the final composition later. This idea became particularly important in action sports, travel, and creator workflows, where the user may not be able to aim a camera precisely while recording. The ONE series embodied this approach. The original ONE brought 360 capture to a compact consumer product, while later generations developed modular hardware, improved stabilization, waterproofing, interchangeable lenses, and software-assisted reframing. The ONE R, introduced in 2020, allowed users to switch between a conventional wide-angle lens, a 360 lens, and a Leica-associated one-inch wide-angle module. The platform was recognized by TIME as one of its best inventions of 2020. The related partnership with Leica continued in subsequent products, including the ONE RS 1-Inch 360 Edition and Ace Pro. Insta360 expanded the consumer range through the X series, which became the company’s main dedicated 360 action-camera family. The X2, X3, X4, and X5 successively emphasized higher resolution, stronger low-light performance, waterproofing, faster frame rates, larger displays, reframing, and more durable designs. The company also developed the GO line, a group of exceptionally small magnetic wearable cameras aimed at hands-free everyday and action recording. The Ace and Ace Pro broadened the portfolio into conventional wide-angle action cameras, competing for users who wanted an action-camera workflow without 360-degree capture. The company’s professional division developed the Pro, Pro 2, and Titan VR cameras. These products use multiple lenses and high-resolution sensors to produce stereoscopic or monoscopic immersive material for professional VR, live streaming, and traditional 360 video. NASA used Insta360 Pro and Pro 2 equipment in coverage related to the InSight Mars lander landing in 2018 and again used Pro 2 for Perseverance rover landing coverage in 2021. The 2018 project received an Emmy, giving the brand visibility in professional production as well as consumer technology. Insta360 later diversified into adjacent imaging categories. The Sphere camera was designed for selected DJI drones and used 360 capture and software processing to make the drone effectively disappear from the footage. The Link webcam introduced a motorized gimbal, AI tracking, and specialized modes for professionals, educators, and streamers. Link 2 and Link 2C continued that line. Flow and Flow Pro extended the company’s stabilization and tracking expertise to smartphones, with Flow Pro adding Apple DockKit integration. Across these categories, the brand’s software is as important as its hardware: the mobile Insta360 app and desktop Insta360 Studio support editing, reframing, stabilization, templates, and publishing. The company established offices in Los Angeles, Tokyo, and Berlin and built a global distribution and marketing presence. It has sponsored sports events and worked with athletes and creators, including action-motorsport organizations. Apple has carried Insta360 cameras in stores in more than 100 countries, increasing the brand’s international retail visibility. In January 2025, a Newsweek report discussed a study alleging potential security risks involving data communications from Insta360 cameras. Newsweek stated that it could not independently verify the findings, while Insta360 said it was committed to user privacy. The episode created additional scrutiny for Chinese-made connected imaging products used in sensitive environments. In June 2025, Arashi Vision completed an initial public offering on the Shanghai Stock Exchange STAR Market. The company’s subsequent direction remained centered on integrated cameras, computational imaging, creator software, professional VR, and AI-enabled production tools.
- 2025
Arashi Vision listed on the STAR Market
[1]The company behind Insta360 completed an initial public offering on the Shanghai Stock Exchange STAR Market in June.
- 2025
X5 introduced replaceable lenses
[1]The X5 succeeded the X4 with larger sensors and user-swappable lenses.
- 2024
X4, GO 3S, Flow Pro, and Link 2 launched
[1]The company introduced major new generations across 360 cameras, wearable cameras, smartphone gimbals, and webcams.
- 2023
Ace and GO 3 expanded the action-camera portfolio
[1]The Ace/Ace Pro wide-angle cameras and GO 3 miniature camera broadened the brand’s consumer range.
- 2022
Expansion into aerial cameras, professional 360 systems, and webcams
[1]Insta360 launched the Sphere aerial camera, ONE RS 1-Inch 360 Edition, X3, and Link webcam.
- 2021
Pro 2 supported Perseverance landing coverage
[1]NASA again used Insta360 Pro 2 equipment in mission-control coverage for the Perseverance rover landing.
- 2020
ONE R and Leica partnership
[1]Insta360 and Leica collaborated on the ONE R 1-Inch Edition, a modular action camera with a Leica-associated imaging module.
- 2018
NASA used Insta360 professional cameras for Mars-landing coverage
[1]Insta360 Pro and Pro 2 cameras were used in production connected with NASA’s InSight landing coverage, which later received an Emmy.
- 2015
Insta360 was founded in Shenzhen
[1]J. K. Liu and co-founders established the company after developing smartphone and 360-degree imaging concepts.
Products and positioning
A technology-led, upper-mid-market to professional imaging brand emphasizing immersive capture, reframing, stabilization, AI-assisted editing, and creator-oriented workflows.
360-degree action cameras · 2020
X series
The X family is Insta360’s principal consumer 360-camera line. X2 introduced a compact waterproof dual-lens format with 5.7K capture; X3 added larger sensors, a touchscreen, Active HDR, high-resolution stills, and expanded reframing tools; X4 raised 360 video capture to 8K30 and added a conventional single-lens mode; X5 continued the line with larger sensors and replaceable lenses. The cameras are designed around recording the full scene first and choosing the final viewpoint later.
Modular and 360 action cameras
ONE series
The ONE family established Insta360’s modular action-camera concept. ONE R and ONE RS use a core, battery base, and interchangeable lenses so that one platform can operate as a conventional wide-angle action camera or a 360 camera. The system supports stabilization, waterproofing, high-resolution capture, and software reframing. Leica-associated one-inch modules were offered for improved conventional or 360 imaging.
Wide-angle action cameras · 2023
Ace and Ace Pro
Launched in 2023, Ace and Ace Pro are conventional wide-angle action cameras rather than 360-degree systems. Ace Pro is the higher-end model and was co-engineered with Leica, using a larger sensor, 4K high-frame-rate video, high-resolution stills, and PureVideo processing for low-light scenes. Ace provides a more accessible version with a smaller sensor while retaining the line’s AI and action-recording features.
Wearable miniature action cameras · 2021
GO series
The GO series consists of very small, magnetic cameras intended for hands-free capture. GO 2 weighed approximately 26.5 grams and used a charging case that also functioned as a remote. GO 3 retained the compact wearable format with an Action Pod, while GO 3S added 4K30 recording, interval video, Apple Find My compatibility, and 10-meter waterproofing. Accessories support mounting on clothing, hats, and other surfaces.
Professional VR cameras
Pro, Pro 2, and Titan
These professional systems are designed for immersive production, VR distribution, and high-resolution 360-degree live streaming. Pro and Pro 2 use multiple lenses for stereoscopic or monoscopic capture, with Pro 2 supporting 8K video and live streaming. Titan uses eight lenses and eight Micro Four Thirds sensors, supports extremely high-resolution 360 and 3D capture, and includes FlowState stabilization.
Webcams · 2022
Link series
Link is a 4K webcam family for professionals, educators, streamers, and remote meetings. The original Link used a three-axis gimbal and AI algorithms to follow a presenter, with whiteboard and portrait modes. Link 2 improved tracking, mounting, and gesture controls. Link 2C retains 4K capture, AI framing, and gesture controls at a lower price but omits the integrated motorized gimbal.
Smartphone gimbals · 2023
Flow and Flow Pro
Flow is an AI-tracking smartphone stabilizer designed for mobile creators. It combines mechanical stabilization with subject tracking and a compact operating format. Flow Pro extends the line with Apple DockKit integration, allowing tracking through the iPhone’s native camera and more than 200 third-party iOS applications.
Aerial 360 camera · 2022
Sphere
Sphere is a 360-degree camera system made for DJI Mavic Air 2 and Air 2S drones. It records the scene around the aircraft so users can select viewpoints afterward, while software processing can hide the drone from the finished footage. The system is intended for aerial creators who want perspectives beyond a fixed forward-facing drone camera.
Imaging software
Insta360 app and Insta360 Studio
The Insta360 mobile app and Insta360 Studio desktop software form the brand’s editing ecosystem. They support importing 360 and conventional footage, AI-assisted reframing, stabilization, templates, shot effects, project editing, and export for sharing. The mobile application also includes a creator community, while Studio provides desktop workflows for compatible consumer and professional cameras.
Controversies
2025
Reported security and data-communications concerns
Newsweek reported on a study alleging that Insta360 cameras communicated with 276 foreign endpoints, including endpoints associated with Chinese and Russian entities, and might transmit device and user-related information. Newsweek said it could not independently verify the study’s findings. Insta360 stated that it was committed to protecting user privacy. The report prompted calls for closer scrutiny of Chinese-made connected devices in military and other sensitive environments.
Marketing campaigns
- 2021Perseverance rover landing coverage
United States · Global
NASA used Insta360 Pro 2 equipment in mission-control coverage associated with the landing of the Perseverance rover on Mars.
Outcome. Extended the brand’s association with high-profile scientific and professional video production.
- 2018NASA Mars landing coverage
United States · Global
Insta360 professional cameras were used in production connected with NASA’s InSight Mars lander landing coverage. The project demonstrated the use of immersive cameras in science and space communications and subsequently received an Emmy.
Outcome. The project received an Emmy and increased professional visibility for Insta360.
- Action-motorsport sponsorships
United States · Global
Insta360 has sponsored or partnered with sports organizations and events, including serving as an official action-camera sponsor for the SuperMotocross World Championship and MotoAmerica.
Outcome. Built visibility among motorsport participants, action-sports audiences, athletes, and content creators.
Brand decisions
2025
Initial public offering on the STAR MarketOtherBackground
Arashi Vision pursued a public-market listing as the corporate owner of the Insta360 brand.
Action taken
The company completed an initial public offering and became listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange STAR Market in June 2025.
Aftermath
The listing marked a significant corporate milestone, although the available reference material does not provide verified financial figures or ticker information.
2022
Expansion beyond consumer 360 camerasStrategyBackground
The company’s imaging and AI capabilities could be applied to professional VR, aerial capture, webcams, and smartphone video.
Action taken
Insta360 expanded into the Pro and Titan professional lines, Sphere aerial camera, Link webcam, and additional high-end 360 products.
Aftermath
The portfolio became broader and less dependent on a single consumer-camera category.
2020
Launch of the modular ONE RProduct launchBackground
Insta360 sought to make 360 capture useful for conventional action-video production as well as immersive viewing.
Action taken
It introduced a waterproof modular camera with interchangeable 4K wide-angle, 360, and one-inch wide-angle lens options.
Aftermath
The product broadened the use cases of a single camera platform and supported the company’s Leica collaboration.
2015
Move from smartphone software into dedicated 360 camerasStrategyBackground
The founding team began with smartphone live-streaming software and accessories but found that available 360-camera products did not satisfy its requirements.
Action taken
The company established a hardware business in Shenzhen focused on dedicated 360-degree cameras.
Aftermath
This decision created the foundation for the ONE and X camera families and the broader Insta360 imaging ecosystem.
Recent events
Reported
Insta360 Mic launched[7]
Insta360 launched the Mic wireless microphone in China. The single-transmitter version was listed at 499 yuan, with a launch price of 439 yuan.
- Unconfirmed
Reported
Insta360 launches one-tap 3D Gaussian splat feature for the X6[8]
Insta360 is launching a new feature for the Insta360 X6 that can create 3D Gaussian splats with one tap in the company’s smartphone app for free; cloud processing takes an hour or two and users get four free splats per month, according to Insta360 spokesperson Caroline Chen.
- Unconfirmed
Reported
Insta360 opens its first flagship US store in New York City’s Times Square[8]
Insta360 has opened its first flagship US store at 1515 Broadway in New York City’s Times Square, as the company passes 10 million cameras sold.
- Unconfirmed
Reported
Insta360 is experimentally building smart glasses and mirrorless cameras[8]
Insta360 cofounder Max Richter says the company is experimentally building its own mirrorless cameras and smart glasses as it looks to challenge Canon, Sony, Nikon, and Fujifilm by becoming a “top imaging camera company” or “even a tech company”. The smart glasses ambitions had not been widely reported, and founder JK Liu previously confirmed that two mirrorless cameras are already in development.
Reported
Insta360 to add 4K vertical video to Luna Ultra via firmware update[9]
Insta360 said it will add 4K vertical video recording to the Luna Ultra in a firmware update, currently expected to be released on September 20th.
Reported
Insta360 launches Luna Pro single-lens gimbal camera[9]
Insta360 launched the Luna Pro, a single-lens compact gimbal camera with a 1-inch-type 8K sensor, detachable 2-inch touchscreen, and 4K vertical video recording at 30fps. It is available now in the US for $599.99 and in Europe from £469 / €529.
- Unconfirmed
Reported
Insta360 launches Luna Pro gimbal camera[10]
Insta360 launched the Luna Pro gimbal camera co-developed with Leica, priced from 3,399 yuan in China and now on sale. It features a 1-inch sensor and Leica Summicron lens, supports 4K 30fps vertical video oversampled from 6K, 4K 60fps night recording, up to 4x zoom, 8K Dolby Vision, 4K 120fps slow motion and 10bit I-Log, and uses a dual-chip architecture with a Qualcomm 4nm chip and a dedicated imaging chip.
Reported
Insta360 X6 panoramic camera launched[11]
Insta360 officially launched its new flagship panoramic camera X6 on August 12, priced from 3,999 yuan for the standard kit, with travel and all-in-one kits at 4,299 yuan and 4,499 yuan. The X6 features two custom 1/1.1-inch square sensors co-developed with Sony, a 4nm AI triple-chip architecture, 8K 50fps panoramic video, 120-megapixel panoramic photos, and in-camera native Dolby Vision support.
Reported
Insta360 announces partnership with Leica[12]
Insta360 announced a partnership with Leica. Their first stated result was the co-engineered Insta360 ONE R 1-Inch Edition.
Reported
Insta360 introduces Chinese brand name Yingshi[13]
Insta360 formally introduced “影石” as its Chinese brand name, stating that the name better reflects its positioning as a China-based imaging innovation brand.
Sources17 sources
- 1Insta360 - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
- 2Insta360 | 360 Cameras - Official Websiteinsta360.com
- 3Newsweek report on alleged Insta360 camera security risksnewsweek.com
- 4Insta360 - About usinsta360.com
- 5Insta360 Global Awards 2026 Supported by Leicainsta360.com
- 6Insta360 CSR: Driving Innovation, Sustainability, and Changeinsta360.com
- 7Insta360 Mic 发布finance.sina.com.cn
- 8Insta360 为 X6 推出一键生成 3D 高斯泼溅功能theverge.com
- 9Insta360将通过固件更新为Luna Ultra增加4K竖拍视频功能theverge.com
- 10影石发布 Luna Pro 云台相机163.com
- 11影石 X6 全景相机正式发布finance.sina.com.cn
- 12Insta360宣布与Leica建立合作关系pocketnow.com
- 13Insta360正式推出中文品牌名“影石”dc.it168.com
- 14439元起！影石发布全新无线麦克风：支持内存卡扩容finance.sina.com.cn
- 15影石Luna Pro发布：首款4K竖拍云台相机，徕卡调校+8K杜比视界dcdv.zol.com.cn
- 16Deepseek V4 Pro 正式版 API 上线，百万 Token 仅 6 元；腾讯计划近期发布 HY4 大模型；曝 iPhone18 至少涨价 2000 元起 | 极客早知道163.com
- 17Insta360影石最新发布ONE RS多镜头运动相机 多场景随意拍citnews.com.cn
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