How to Watch VR and 360° Videos on VLC Media Player

VLC VR player is a free, lightweight media player that can play 360° and basic VR videos on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. It supports common immersive formats such as equirectangular, side-by-side (SBS), and over-under (OU), allowing users to explore interactive environments without installing extra plugins. Unlike many dedicated VR players, VLC works across multiple platforms, making it one of the easiest tools for beginners who want to watch VR content on a computer or smartphone. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of watching 360° videos and VR in VLC Media Player.

Part 1: What VR Video Formats Does VLC Support?

Before you start watching VR and 360° videos on VLC player VR, it's important to know which formats are compatible with the media player. VLC supports a range of VR and 360° video formats, but not all. Being aware of these formats can help you avoid playback issues and ensure a smooth viewing experience.

• 3D-180° and 3D-360° Videos: These can be in side-by-side (SBS) or top-bottom (Over-Under) formats, which are commonly used for 3D VR content.
• 360° Monoscopic and Stereoscopic Videos: These formats provide a full 360° view, with stereoscopic offering a more immersive 3D effect.
• VR Video Formats: Including SBS (Side-by-Side), OU (Over-Under), and 360° videos in equirectangular projection.

Quick compatibility overview

Format	Works in VLC	Notes
360° Equirectangular		Most stable option
SBS Side-by-Side		Common for 3D VR
Over-Under (OU)		Common for 3D VR
180° 3D	Partial	Better in dedicated VR apps

By ensuring your videos are in one of these formats, you can take full advantage of VLC's VR capabilities.

Part 2: How to Play VR or 360° Videos in VLC?

To play VR or 360° videos in VLC, install VLC 3.0 or newer, open your video file, and let the player automatically detect the immersive format. You can navigate the 360 view by dragging with your mouse on desktop or swiping on mobile, while Android users can enable 360 playback mode for a smoother interactive experience without extra plugins. Below are detailed steps.

• 1.Update VLC: Ensure you have the latest version of VLC (3.0 or later). This version includes support for VR and 360° video playback. You can download the latest version from the VLC website.

• 2.Go to the Media Menu: Open VLC Media Player and click on "Open File" to locate your VR or 360° video.

  

• 3.Select Your Video: Browse your files, find the VR or 360° video you want to watch, and click "Open".

  

• 4.Play the Video: If VLC supports the video format, it will automatically play the video in the appropriate VR or 360° mode.

With these simple steps, you can enjoy your VR and 360° content directly in VR VLC player.

Part 3: How to Play VR or 360° Videos Using Older Versions of VLC?

If you're using an older version of VLC Media Player, you might encounter some difficulties when trying to play VR or 360° videos. However, there's a workaround that allows you to enjoy these videos without upgrading to the latest version.

• 1.Download a Special Version: Visit http://people.videolan.org/~jb/Builds/360/ and download the file named `vlc-3.0.0-git-win32.exe`. This version is specifically designed for 360° videos.

  

• 2.Install the Version: Once downloaded, install this special VLC version on your computer.

• 3.Play Your 360° Video: Open VLC, locate your 360° video file, and play it as usual.

While this is a temporary fix, it's recommended to eventually update to the latest version of VLC to benefit from new features and improvements.

Part 4: Frequently Asked Questions About VR Video Player VLC

Bonus Tip: How to Convert 2D to 3D Effect to Enhance Viewing Experience?

If you want to enhance your viewing experience by converting 2D videos to 3D, HitPaw Univd (HitPaw Video Converter) is an excellent tool. It offers a straightforward way to add 3D effects to your 2D videos, making them more immersive when watched with VR glasses or on a 3D-capable display. Whether you're looking to breathe new life into your old 2D videos or create stunning 3D content for VR headsets, HitPaw Univd provides all the tools you need.

HitPaw Univd - All-in-one Video Solutions for Win & Mac

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• User-friendly interface: Simple and easy-to-use for converting videos.
• Multiple 3D Effects: effects like Anaglyph Side By Side, Anaglyph Red/Cyan, and more.
• Real-time preview: Allows you to preview the 3D effect before conversion.
• Supports Multiple Formats: Converts to popular formats like MP4, MOV, MKV, AVI, and more.
• High quality:No loss in resolution and that users get a high-quality output

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• Step 1.Launch HitPaw Univd and switch to the Toolbox tab. Select the "2D Video to 3D" feature.

  Tips

  Use head-mounted VR glasses or polarized lenses to preview 3D effects.

  

• Step 2.Select a Split Mode: Choose from effects like Anaglyph Side By Side (Full Width), Anaglyph Red/Cyan Gray, and others. Adjust the Parallax value to control the depth of the 3D effect.

  

• Step 3.Choose an Output Format: Select from formats like MP4, MOV, MKV, AVI, WMV, and WEBM.

  

• Step 4.Preview and Export: Use the real-time preview to ensure the effect is as desired. Once satisfied, click the "Export" button to save the 3D video to your computer.

  

This tool allows you to easily create 3D videos from 2D content, enhancing your viewing experience with immersive effects. Watch the following video to learn more details:

Conclusion

VLC Media Player is a reliable and free option for watching VR and 360° videos, especially on Windows, Mac, and Android. It works best with equirectangular, SBS, and OU formats and requires no extra plugins in modern versions. While VLC is not a dedicated VR headset app, it remains one of the most accessible tools for immersive video playback. For deeper immersion, you can pair VLC with third-party VR tools or convert 2D videos into 3D using HitPaw Univd to enhance your viewing experience.