Create Little Planet Video with FFmpeg v360 Filter

This guide explains how to use the FFmpeg v360 video filter to convert a standard equirectangular 360-degree video into a "little planet" (stereographic) projection. You will learn the exact command-line syntax, key parameters for adjusting the camera angle, and tips for optimizing the output visual quality.

The Basic FFmpeg Command

To generate a little planet effect, you must map the input video from an equirectangular format to a stereographic output format, and then rotate the virtual camera downward.

Run the following command in your terminal:

ffmpeg -i input_360.mp4 -vf "v360=in=equirect:out=stereographic:pitch=-90:h_fov=300:v_fov=300" output_little_planet.mp4

Parameter Breakdown

  • in=equirect: Defines the input video projection. Most 360-degree cameras (like GoPro Max or Insta360) output in equirectangular format by default.
  • out=stereographic: Sets the output projection to stereographic, which is the mathematical projection required to create the "little planet" look.
  • pitch=-90: Tilts the camera 90 degrees downward. This places the ground at the center of the frame, wrapping the horizon around it to form the "planet."
  • h_fov=300 and v_fov=300: Sets the horizontal and vertical field of view to 300 degrees. High values (between 250 and 320) are necessary to capture enough of the sky and horizon to complete the spherical illusion.

Customizing the Projection

You can modify the parameters within the filter string to change the look of your video:

Inverted Planet (Sky Cave)

If you want the sky to be in the center and the ground to wrap around the outer edges, change the pitch to a positive angle:

-vf "v360=in=equirect:out=stereographic:pitch=90:h_fov=300:v_fov=300"

Rotating the Planet (Yaw)

To change which direction the camera is facing horizontally, use the yaw parameter (measured in degrees from -180 to 180):

-vf "v360=in=equirect:out=stereographic:pitch=-90:yaw=45:h_fov=300:v_fov=300"

Zooming In and Out

To change the size of your planet, adjust the field of view (h_fov and v_fov) values:

  • Zoom Out (Smaller Planet): Increase the FOV values (e.g., h_fov=330:v_fov=330).
  • Zoom In (Larger Planet): Decrease the FOV values (e.g., h_fov=240:v_fov=240). Keep both values identical to maintain a 1:1 aspect ratio for the circular planet.