The simple design and user-friendly interface makes VLC one of the most popular media players in the world. Most users only use VLC for its lightweight video playing functionality. However, VLC comes with more powerful tools you might not know about.
Converting Video Format
You can use VLC Media Player to change the video format of your videos. VLC is capable of converting most video formats. The conversion feature can also be used to apply effects and filters to your videos.
Start by opening the Media options, then select Convert/Save.
Press “Add”, then open the video you want to convert.
Choose to Convert/Save the video at the bottom of the window.
Create a new profile by clicking the rightmost box in the settings section.
Select your video format, MP4 is the most used format.
Switch to the video codec and enable video. Set the codec to H264. Put the bitrate and quality to not used by making them zero.
Go to the Audio tab and enable audio. Also choose to keep the original audio track.
Give your profile a name, then press “Create”.
Choose a file destination for your converted clip by using the browse button, then start.
Add Effects and Filters
VLC has in-built video effects that you can use to make fine adjustments to your videos. These effects can also be used to adjust network videos and live streams. The video effects allow you to change the hue, contrast, color, and even orientation of your video.
The video effects can be found in the effects and filters settings. You can open these via the tools menu, or by pressing Ctrl + E on your keyboard. Then simply switch to the Video Effects tab.
Download Subtitles
With VLsub you can quickly download and add subtitles to your films. Finding subtitles for your movies or shows is as simple as searching for it.
Head to the view menu, then select VLsub.
Input your language and film details, then search by name. All of the available subtitle files will be added to a list. Simply select one and press “Download Selection. Your subtitles will automatically be added to the video.
Trim Videos and Save Clips
One of the more useful tools available in VLC is the ability to trim videos. You can use this feature to remove boring sections of your clip or shorten it to only show a specific part. Although there are multiple ways to trim clips with VLC the easiest option is through the Convert / Save tool.
Start by heading to “Media”, then select “Convert / Save”.
Press “Add” and open the video you want to trim.
Check the box at the bottom that says “Show more options”.
Set the start and end time for your new clip. This is the segment that will be kept.
Click “Convert / Save”.
Choose a profile or create a new one.
Click Browse and choose a name and location for your new clip.
Press the Start button and your new clip will be exported.
Bookmarks
Bookmarks allow you to save locations in your movies and shows for you to come back to later. This feature is incredibly useful if you get distracted midway through a movie, or if there is a specific clip you want to come back to later.
Press Ctrl + B on your keyboard while watching a video to bring up the bookmark options.
Press “Create” to save your bookmark.
You can then give your bookmark a new description or title.
You may access your saved bookmarks by going to playback then custom bookmarks. Clicking on one of the options will jump you to that point in the video.
Exporting Bookmarks
Open the Playlist dock via the Tools heading. This isn’t entirely necessary, however, sometimes your bookmarks won’t correctly export without doing this.
Click on “Media” and choose to save the playlist. You may also use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Y.
Save the file. It is recommended to save the playlist with the same location and name as the video.
When you want to access the bookmarks simply launch the playlist file. VLC Media Player should open the video, with all of the bookmarks available.
Audio Effects Equalizer
Just like video effects you also have options to adjust the audio of your media. The audio effects aren’t extensive, however they do offer a great range of customization. These effects work on all videos playing through VLC, including YouTube videos and streams.
You can open the audio effects menu via the Effects & Filters menu in the Tools heading.
By default, you will be on the Equalizer tab. Check the box to enable it and adjust the sliders to customize the sound.
There are several other audio effects that you can also customize.
Customize Interface
The base design of VLC is basic. Although limited, you also have some options for customizing the UI of the player. You can locate some of the interface options through the View options from the top bar.
Go to Tools and click on “Customize Interface”.
A new menu will open, you can completely change and alter the VLC UI here.
Watch YouTube and Twitch Streams
Along with supporting typical video formats, you can also use VLC to watch YouTube and Twitch. This is a great option for users who don’t want to have too many browsers open or prefer using audio and video filters to improve their viewing experience.
Open the Media options and select “Open Network Stream”.
Paste in the URL of the video or stream you want to watch.
Use the arrow at the bottom to select “Play”.
Your video or stream will now play.
Screen Recorder
VLC Media Player also works as a screen recorder for your desktop. The features are limited, however, it will work fine for basic use. VLC will automatically record your entire desktop. This can be an issue if you have multiple monitors and only want to capture one. As an alternative, you can use OBS Studio for more features and control.
Go to “Media” and select “Open Capture Device”.
Set the capture mode to “Desktop” and set the frame rate you want to record your screen with. The typical FPS used is 30 or 60.
Click the arrow at the bottom and select “Convert”.
Either select a preset from the drop-down or create a custom preset. MP4 is the most commonly used format.
Click “Browse” to choose a file name and location for your recording.
Confirm your settings by pressing the Start button at the bottom.
Your screen will automatically start recording. When you have finished recording you can use the stop button in VLC to end the recording.
Open Recent
One of the better quality of life features in VLC is the ability to open recent media. This feature works for reopening local videos, streams, and YouTube content. You can use this video for quickly relaunching a video if you’ve accidentally closed it.
Click “Media” and then place your cursor over the “Open Recent Media” option.
Your 10 most recent videos will be shown here, click one to select it. Your video will reopen. There are also keyboard shortcuts you can use to quickly reopen previously viewed content.
Speed Up and Slow Down Video
Adjustable playback speed has become a popular feature for video content. YouTube and other video platforms give you the ability to speed up and slow down videos. This is also possible by using VLC Media Player.
Right-click on the currently playing video.
Go to Playback and then Speed.
Select one of the playback options and the video speed will automatically change.
Listen to Radio / Podcast
VLC also works as a platform to subscribe and listen to podcasts. You can directly import all podcast episodes to a show using the RSS Feed.
Find the RSS Feed link for the podcast you want to listen to, and copy it.
Switch to the Playlist menu via the View options in VLC.
Click on the plus icon next to Podcasts.
Paste the RSS feed link into the new window, then press “Ok”.
The podcast will be added to your side panel. Click on the podcast to open the episodes list.
Select an episode then press the play button, and the podcast will begin to play.
Automatically Play Video in Fullscreen
VLC Media Player also gives you the ability to automatically switch to fullscreen when playing a video.
Go to the Tools menu and open the Preferences.
Switch to the Video options.
Check the “Fullscreen” box under the Display heading.
Press “Save” then close the window and restart VLC.
Set Video as Wallpaper
VLC can also be used to play a video as your wallpaper. This feature only affects one monitor and is primarily designed to allow you to watch a video in full screen without restricting your computer functionality. This can be used to prevent you from accidentally exiting full screen.
Play a video in VLC.
Right-click on the video and go to “Video” then “Set as Wallpaper”. You can also access this option through the video menu on the VLC toolbar.
To remove the wallpaper simply follow the same steps.
Final Thoughts
VLC Media Player is full of features and functions that everyone can make use of daily. These tools are only some of the reasons why VLC deserves to be your default media player. Even if you’ve been using VLC for years it’s likely that you don’t know about all that is possible with the software. There is always something new to discover and more creative ways to use the program.
