RYOT

RYOT was an immersive media production and creative innovation studio combining documentary filmmaking with virtual reality, augmented reality and interactive storytelling. Founded in Venice, California, in 2012, it developed work across journalism, entertainment, advertising, fashion and civic engagement. Its productions used emerging media to explore humanitarian issues, preserve personal testimony and create new ways for audiences to experience stories.

The company grew out of disaster-relief initiatives following the 2010 Haiti earthquake. Its early RYOT News operation connected reporting with opportunities for audience action. From that foundation, RYOT expanded into 360-degree video and immersive journalism, including reporting from conflict areas and humanitarian crises. Documentary production remained an important part of its work as its commercial and technology capabilities developed.

Immersive storytelling and production

RYOT's capabilities extended from experience strategy and design through software engineering, production and delivery. Its work encompassed VR films, mobile and browser-based augmented reality, volumetric capture, motion capture and real-time animation. Commercial projects applied these techniques to branded experiences, virtual fashion presentations, interactive retail and event activations. The studio also provided innovation consulting around emerging media and telecommunications technology.

Its approach brought filmmakers, creative production and technical development into the same business. That combination supported both nonfiction storytelling and commissioned experiences, with projects ranging from historical reconstruction and survivor testimony to civic participation and digital shopping. Across these formats, the studio explored how audiences could interact with subjects and environments beyond conventional screen-based viewing.

Corporate development

The Huffington Post acquired RYOT in April 2016, bringing its immersive production capabilities into AOL's media network. The business subsequently operated within Oath and Verizon Media as a creative innovation lab and branded-content operation. Following the 2021 acquisition of Verizon Media and its transition to Yahoo, the unit operated under the Yahoo Ryot Lab name.

During Yahoo's subsequent restructuring in 2022 and 2023, standalone RYOT operations were phased out. Its technology and personnel were integrated into Yahoo's internal media and platform groups, and its standalone website became inactive.