HTC Unveils ‘VIVERSE Worlds’ Platform, Aspires to Become the ‘YouTube for 3D Content’

Today, HTC unveiled VIVERSE Worlds, a sleek 3D content platform that’s designed to effortlessly embed on any website and work seamlessly on any device. This new platform is set to change the game in how 3D content is hosted and browsed online, providing a smoother and more flexible experience for users.

Unlike HTC’s established Viverse metaverse or even Meta’s Horizon Worlds, the standout feature of VIVERSE Worlds is its emphasis on spreading 3D content. Instead of needing a separate app download, this platform is entirely web-based, allowing users to browse 3D content with ease, whether they’re using an XR headset or a regular flatscreen.

HTC isn’t underplaying its ambitions here, boldly comparing VIVERSE Worlds to what YouTube did for video content, but with a focus on 3D. They describe it as an “open, accessible, and immersive online space” where creators can build, share, and delve into the next-gen of 3D experiences.

VIVERSE Worlds also promises to provide high-quality content, courtesy of HTC’s impressive Polygon Streaming technology. This tech allows the platform to stream complex, high-detail models across different devices with remarkable efficiency, addressing a common issue with web-based content: the often-simplistic visuals due to rendering limits.

Initially, this innovative streaming technology was only aimed at Viverse for Business. Now, it’s a core component of VIVERSE Worlds, streaming and rendering only what’s needed for the user at any given time. This approach means users can enjoy high-quality 3D content without needing specialized software.

HTC has carved out its space in the enterprise and prosumer XR markets over the years, and VIVERSE Worlds seems to appeal to both businesses and everyday users. Companies can use it for creating immersive shopping experiences, detailed 3D manuals, and virtual product showrooms, while consumers can explore and share XR environments.

According to HTC, users can subscribe to creators for updates and access all of their 3D content conveniently in one location. Embedding 3D models into any website is a breeze—just copy and paste the IFrame code for free.

VIVERSE Worlds also integrates tightly with Sketchfab, the go-to marketplace for 3D models. The platform supports content created via Viverse Create’s no-code web builder and the PlayCanvas browser extension, making it a versatile tool for creators.

Despite these promising features, the space VIVERSE Worlds is entering is highly competitive. Platforms like FrameVR, Matterport, and Spatial.io have carved out niches, opting for targeted approaches rather than aiming for the mass adoption of giants like YouTube due to the challenges in monetization. An example of these challenges is Mozilla’s WebXR-based Hubs, which shut down in 2024 because of financial difficulties.

As of now, HTC hasn’t fully revealed its plan for monetizing this platform. However, they plan to showcase VIVERSE Worlds publicly during the Mobile World Congress 2025 in Barcelona from March 3rd to 6th, where we hope to gather more insights.

Recently, HTC has undergone significant changes, as shown by Google’s acquisition of several of HTC’s XR engineers for $250 million. Google aims to “speed up the development of the Android XR platform.” How HTC will navigate this new phase remains to be seen.