01
Open a local VR video
Choose a browser-supported video from your computer or phone. WatchVR reads the file locally instead of uploading it.
Normal-screen VR playback
Watch VR videos without a headset
You can watch a local 180°, 360° or side-by-side VR video on a regular screen. WatchVR maps the source into an interactive view that you explore with a mouse, trackpad or touch—without installing an app or uploading the file.
How to view a VR video on a normal screen
02
Match the projection and layout
Select 180° or 360°, then choose mono, SBS/LR, top-bottom or front-back to match the source.
03
Explore it on your screen
Play the video and drag or swipe to look around. Use the player controls to seek, zoom and adjust the image.
Watch an SBS video normally
A raw side-by-side video shows the left-eye and right-eye pictures next to each other. In WatchVR, choose SBS/LR, select the correct 180° or 360° projection, and use the eye control if one view appears reversed or uncomfortable. The player displays the source as one interactive viewport instead of leaving both eye images side by side.
Play local 360° files privately
Choose the file from your device and set the projection to 360°. The file remains local to the browser session. Playback success still depends on the codecs and container supported by your browser, so a familiar extension does not guarantee that every file will decode.
Previewing is not file conversion
WatchVR changes how the video appears during playback. It does not re-encode, export or download a converted normal-view video, and it does not modify your original file. Use a video editor or encoding tool if you need a new permanent file.
Supported VR views and browser requirements
- 180° and 360° projection controls
- SBS/LR, top-bottom, mono and front-back layouts
- Mouse, trackpad and touch panning
- JavaScript, WebGL2 and a browser-supported video codec
Watching VR without a headset: FAQ
Can I watch a VR video without a VR headset?
Yes. WatchVR renders an interactive view on a regular desktop, laptop, tablet or phone screen. You can drag or swipe to look around, although a normal screen does not reproduce the full stereoscopic headset experience.
How do I watch an SBS video normally?
Open the file, choose the SBS/LR layout and select the appropriate 180° or 360° projection. WatchVR maps the side-by-side source into one interactive viewport and lets you switch between the left and right eye views.
Does WatchVR upload my local video?
No. The selected video stays on your device and is read by the browser for local playback. WatchVR does not upload the video file to its servers.
Can I use this VR player on a phone?
WatchVR has a responsive touch interface, but successful playback depends on the browser, device memory and the codecs used by the video. Current browser versions and browser-supported video formats work best.
Does WatchVR convert SBS video into a new normal video file?
No. WatchVR changes how the SBS video is displayed for interactive playback; it does not encode, export or download a converted replacement file. Your original file remains unchanged.