Essential tricks to get the most out of VLC Media Player

VLC Media Player is one of those programs that are never missing on a PC, a Mac or even Smart TV. Its fame is no coincidence: it plays virtually any format without additional installations and, in addition, it is free and open source.. But beyond just hitting play and that's it, VLC hides a collection of advanced features and Tricks which makes it a true multimedia Swiss Army knife that many do not take advantage of.

In this guide we gather and explain in an orderly manner the best tricks for VLC: from downloading YouTube videos or watching them directly in the player, to recording your screen, converting formats, subscribing to podcasts, recording the radio or your webcam, ripping optical discs, controlling VLC from your browser, setting a video as your desktop background, creating bookmarks, applying audio and video effects, using an ASCII mode and even a curious “Inception” with Screen://. All with clear steps, shortcuts and recommendations to Windows and macOS where applicable.

Download YouTube videos with VLC

VLC can help you get the source file of a video hosted on YouTube.The process is simple if you follow the appropriate menus, and it also works with other websites that provide direct video streaming.

• Open VLC and go to Media > Open Network Location (on macOS: File > Open Network).
• Paste the video URL you want to watch and press Play (on Mac, Open).
• When it's playing, go to Tools > Codec Info (on macOS: Window > Media Info).
• On the General tab, locate the field Place/Location, copy the full address.
• Paste that address into your browser, let the video load and use “Save Video As” with right click.

This method does not download “from YouTube” within VLC as such, but it provides you with the URL of the original video stream so you can save it from your browser. It is an effective way to keep copies for personal use. when the site allows it.

Play online videos and playlists directly in VLC

If you prefer to watch internet videos with the stability and features of VLC (subtitles, fine controls, effects, etc.), you can do so without downloading them first.

• Go to Media > Open Network Location (macOS: File > Open Network).
• Paste the URL of the video or playlist and press Play/Open.
• VLC will load the stream and allow you to fast forward, rewind, and apply its usual effects.

You can also paste the URL of a playlist so that VLC can add it to its queue and play it without having to open the original web page. Ideal for concentrating on the content without distractions nor invasive recommendations.

Record your desktop with VLC

VLC includes a basic but very useful screen recorder to capture tutorials, small procedures or demonstrations in reasonable quality.

• Go to Media > Open Capture Device.
• In Capture Mode, choose Desktop.
• Define the frame rate: 15 FPS is usually sufficient for desktop; 30 FPS for faster movement.
• Instead of Play, open the arrow and choose Convert.
• Select a profile (for example, MP4/H.264) and a destination file, and press Start.

While the conversion is active, VLC will be capturing your desktop.. Stop when you're done. It is not a substitute for professional screencast software., but it is more than adequate for short recordings.

Convert video and audio files

VLC can convert videos between formats and extract audio without additional plugins.It's perfect for optimizing large files or creating mobile-friendly versions.

• Go to Media > Convert (Ctrl + R).
• Click Add and select the file.
• Click Convert/Save and choose the Output profile (MP4, MP3, etc.).
• Enter the name and destination, and press Start.

You can also adjust advanced parameters (resolution, bitrate, codecs) from the profile settings button. An agile tool for changing containers or reducing size before sharing.

Set a video as your desktop background

Do you want an animated desktop without the hassle? VLC allows you to set a video as background in Windows with the appropriate output.

• Go to Tools > Preferences > Video.
• In Exit, choose DirectX (DirectDraw).
• Save and restart VLC.
• Play a video and in the Video menu, select Set as Wallpaper.

It won't revolutionize your workflow, but it is a nice touch for presentations or demonstrations. Remember to deactivate it afterwards if you notice extra resource consumption.

Subscribe to and manage podcasts

VLC can function as a basic podcast manager if you like to listen to them occasionally without apps dedicated.

• Open the Play list with Ctrl + L (View > Playlist).
• In the Internet section, go to Podcast and press the + icon.
• Paste the RSS URL from the podcast and confirms.
• You'll see available episodes listed for instant playback.

With this basic organization you can follow your favorite programs without changing programs or getting lost between platforms.

Manage online radio stations and record them

Beyond podcasts, VLC plays online radio stations and lets you save them to your library.You can even record what you're listening to.

• In Media > Open Network Location, enter the URL from your favorite station and play.
• Open View > Playlist to drag it to the media library and always have it at hand.
• Activate View > Advanced controls to display the red record button.

In the Internet section of the playlist You'll also find directories like Jamendo or Icecast with radio stations and music to discover. A great option to have your digital radio without leaving VLC.

Record video from your webcam

If your webcam comes with heavy software or doesn't convince you, VLC offers a simple alternative to record video and audio from the camera itself.

• Go to Media > Open Capture Device.
• In Capture Mode, choose Directshow (Windows).
• Select your video device (webcam) and microphone.
• In Advanced Options, adjust parameters and bitrate.
• Press Play to preview and use the Record button (advanced controls) or choose Convert to save directly.

It's not an editor, but it's good enough for quick recordings. without installing anything extra. If your webcam has its own panel, you can open its properties from the advanced options.

Rip Blu-ray, DVD or CD

VLC can create a digital copy of your discs to view them on devices without a reader or to keep them safe.

• Open Media > Convert and go to the tab Disc.
• Choose the type: Blu-ray, DVD or CD.
• setup video/audio tracks and subtitles depending on what you want to copy.
• Click Convert/Save, choose output and destination format, and Start.

Each format offers its own options, so it's a good idea to review which tracks you want to include. Perfect for enjoying content on the go.

Video and audio effects, and synchronization

If the audio is out of phase or the video is dull, you can correct it in real time without re-encoding the file.

• Open Tools > Effects and filters (Ctrl + E).
• En Audio effects: Use the equalizer and other enhancements.
• En video effects: Adjusts brightness, contrast, saturation, crops or rotates the image.
• En Synchronization: Precisely advances or delays audio and subtitles.

These changes apply to the flight while playing content, just what you need to tame problematic recordings or demanding streams.

Add a watermark: logo or text

VLC allows you to overlay a logo or text over the video. during playback or recording, ideal for demos, presentations, or marking your content.

• Go to Tools > Effects & Filters > Video Effects > Overlap.
• Active Add logo to select an image, or Add text to write a label.
• Adjusts position and transparency to your liking.

If you want to keep the brand permanently, performs a conversion/save of the stream while the overlay is active.

Control VLC from your web browser

Do you use VLC on a Media Center or connected to a TV? You can control it remotely from the browser on your mobile phone or laptop within the same network.

• Open Tools > Preferences.
• Under Show Settings (bottom left), select All.
• Go to Interface > Main interfaces tab and activate Website.
• Under Main Interfaces > Moon, defines a password in Lua HTTP.
• Restart VLC and allow access in the Firewall if requested.
• Sign in http://localhost:8080/ from that machine and use the password.

On the same network, you can access from your mobile by entering the IP of the device. instead of localhost. This is very handy for controlling VLC remotely and taking advantage of all its features.

Create bookmarks in your videos

Markers allow you to jump to key scenes to reminisce about a moment, share a section, or follow a video tutorial without missing any details.

• Open Playback > Custom Favorites.
• Balance Create to add the current point as a bookmark.
• Change the name and adjust There if you want greater precision.

You will be able to save several points and move between them quickly and easily, without manually searching for each scene.

Watch videos in ASCII

A curious trick to surprise: VLC can display video as color ASCII art thanks to a special video output.

• Go to Tools > Preferences > Video.
• In Exit, choose ASCII-art color video output.
• Save the changes and restart VLC. Then play your video to see the effect.

Not practical for everyday use, but a fun easter egg. to impress or for a retro touch in presentations.

“Inception” with Screen:// inside VLC

Another classic curiosity: Play the screenshot inside VLC and loop it.

• Open Ctrl + N or Middle > Open Network Location.
• In the URL write Screen://.
• Press Play and you'll see the “infinity mirror” effect.

It is a visual effect that can be used for jokes or eye-catching effects..

Play videos without decompressing

If a video is compressed (or in several parts), VLC can play it directly in many cases, without the need to unzip it first.

• Open the compressed file with VLC or drag it into the player.
• If it is split, place all parts in the same folder before opening.

This method allows you to view content quickly and without waiting for decompression..

Adding subtitles: three quick ways

VLC offers several options for loading subtitles in a simple way and in different formats.

• Subtitle Menu > Add subtitle file.
• Drag the subtitle file on the VLC window.
• Place the SRT file with the same name as the video in the same folder so that they load automatically.

To correct offsets, you can adjust the timing from the corresponding tab in Effects and Filters or using shortcuts.

Take screenshots of the video

To capture an exact frame, VLC has quick shortcuts.

• Windows/Linux: Shift + S.
• macOS: CMD + ALT + S.

Images are stored in the images or videos folder configured in VLC, ready to use or share.

Loop a fragment (AB)

To repeat a specific segment of the video, you can set a loop between two points and leave it in indefinite repeat mode.

• Activate View > Advanced controls.
• Move the cursor to the beginning of the segment and press the button A-B.
• Advance to the end of the fragment and press AB again.
• To deactivate, press AB again.

This method is useful for studying, analyzing details, or listening to fragments repeatedly..

Stream media over the network or Internet

VLC can also stream content as a streaming server. to share on your local network or even on the Internet.

• Go to Medium > Stream.
• Add the file you want to stream and follow the wizard's instructions.
• Select the output method and settings and start streaming.

This way, you can easily share videos or streams on your network..

Customize the interface

If you want a more comfortable control adapted to you, adjust the toolbar and buttons using the customization option.

• In Tools > Customize interface.
• Drag and arrange controls, buttons, and spaces to your liking.

A clean interface optimizes workflow and facilitates access to the most used functions.

normalize volume

If volume spikes or sudden changes bother you, the internal normalizer helps maintain a constant and uniform volume.

• Go to Tools > Preferences > Audio.
• Brand Normalize volume and adjust the desired value.
• Restart VLC to apply the changes.

This way, you can listen without interruptions to different content or sources..

Record fragments of what is being played

To extract specific parts of an active video or audio in VLC, use the advanced recording controls.

• Activate View > Advanced controls.
• Click the red record button to start and stop capturing the selected fragment.

The snippet will be automatically saved to your videos or music folder..

Play with the puzzle (easter egg)

VLC has a “puzzle game” that breaks the video into sliding pieces. for entertainment and as an example of the player's capabilities.

• Tools > Effects and Filters > Video Effects > Geometry.
• Active Puzzle game and select the number of pieces.

A fun curiosity to explore the video engine options.

Useful keyboard shortcuts

VLC has a multitude of shortcuts that simplify its use.Here are some of the most useful ones:

• Full Screen: F (Esc to exit).
• Pause/Resume: Space bar.
• Next frame: E
• Turn subtitles on/off: V on Windows, S on Mac.
• take capture: Shift + S (Windows/Linux), CMD + ALT + S (Mac).
• Forward/backward subtitles: H to move forward, G to move backward.
• Change audio track: B
• Volume: Ctrl + Up/Down Arrow.
• Image ratio: TO.
• Preferences: Ctrl + P.
• Open disk: Ctrl + D.
• Open folder: Ctrl + F.
• Open middle: Ctrl + R.
• Open file: Ctrl + O.
• Silence: Mr.
• Show time:T.
• Go on time: Ctrl + T.
• Next/Previous: N / P.
• Stop: yes
• Speed: + faster, – slower, = normal.
• Show/Hide list: Ctrl + L (Ctrl + Y to save list).
• Show/Hide Controls: Ctrl + H.
• Effects and filters: Ctrl+E.
• Manage bookmarks: Ctrl + B.
• Watch video online (paste URL): Ctrl + V.
• CLOSE: Ctrl + Q / Ctrl + W.
• Quick jumps: Shift + Arrow (±3 s), Alt + Arrow (±10 s), Ctrl + Arrow (±1 min).
• Audio delay: J/K to adjust delay.
• Zoom: WITH.

Learning a few key shortcuts greatly simplifies the experience and saves time.With these tricks, VLC becomes a powerful, complete, and free multimedia center, ideal for any audiovisual task you have in mind.