Getting Started

Before we start showing you what VLC can do, we need to mention a few things. First, this article focuses on VLC Media Player for Windows, but it’s worth noting that the program is also available for Mac and Linux. Mobile versions for Android and iOS are offered as well, although it’s a watered down version which doesn’t always include the more advanced options VLC offers on desktop.

How to Convert to Different File Formats

You may want to convert your videos to other video formats for various reasons, including reducing the size of the videos while maintaining their quality or to use on select devices, such as TV or video players that only support certain formats. If you have VLC, you can do so very easily, by following these steps: Note that you can create your own advanced custom profile by pressing on the “Create new profile” option. VLC should start converting your file. Once the process is completed, the converted video will be waiting for you in the directory you’ve specified. Note: If you’re converting from interlaced video formats, such as the 1080i and 720i formats displayed in televisions, make sure to check the “Deinterlace” option in Settings.

How to Stream from VLC to Chromecast

If you have a Chromecast device, an Android TV television, or a television that uses Android TV as its software, you can use VLC on your Windows-based PC to cast media to it. For this to work, you need to have VLC version 3.0.1 or higher, and both your Windows machine and Chromecast have to be connected to the same local network. The next time you want to stream from your computer to Chromecast using VLC, you won’t have to worry about the certificate.

How to Easily Trim Videos with VLC

You can also use VLC to edit your videos. This way you eliminate the need of having a dedicated program for doing that on your PC. When it comes to editing videos, VLC has additional tricks up its sleeve. You can also alter a video’s coloring scheme by going to “Tools -> Adjustments and Effects.” In addition, you can remove a video’s echo and background noise in VLC or fiddle with brightness, contrast and gamma. Check out this article for more video editing tricks with VLC.

How to Play/Download Streaming Videos with VLC

VLC also brings the ability to download videos from a variety of streaming platforms, including YouTube, Vimeo, DailyMotion and more. Follow these instructions to easily get your favorite videos to play in VLC, or even better, download them on your PC. That’s it, your video should now appear in the specified location on your computer.

How to Record Your Screen and Take Screenshots Using VLC

Another unique feature of VLC, which some users may not be aware of, is the ability to make screen recordings. Follow these instructions: Check the folder where you instructed VLC to place the recording. You should find the video there. If at some point you want to take a screenshot of content playing in VLC, use this combination from your keyboard: CTRL + S. You should find the resulting screenshots in the “My Photos” folder on your computer.

How to Subscribe to Podcasts and Listen to Internet Radio

VLC can keep podcast enthusiasts entertained by offering them the option to subscribe to podcasts and listen to radio from within the program. Follow the steps below. For example, if you’re looking to listen to a Wondery podcast, you can find the RSS link right on the show’s page. These aren’t always available, mind you. If you are looking to listen to TuneIn Radio in VLC, follow the guide here.

How to Run VLC via the Windows Command Line

More advanced users may want to try running VLC via the Windows (or Linux for that matter) command line. This way they can unlock special capabilities, such as playing VLC without an interface (or headless mode). If you’d like to give it a try yourself, continue reading below.

Making VLC Work from the Windows Command Prompt

How to Play VLC in Headless Mode

When you open the notepad file, you will be able to see a very long list of useful VLC commands. It ranges from video playback options to screen recording, saving video wallpapers, managing hot keys, adding plug-ins, bookmarking, and much more. The very first option to stream a file on Windows 10 based on its file path in the command line is chosen here. This will play your VLC video in headless mode without the GUI. The syntax is as shown.

Playing YouTube Videos on VLC in Full-Screen Mode

You can further utilize the headless capability to play YouTube (or any other online) videos directly from VLC. The YouTube video will now be viewable on VLC without ads, interruptions, or the annoying VLC widget. The headless mode in VLC can be turned on and off at will. You can also hide the mouse cursor and fullscreen controller.

Try removing (-) the podcast in question and then adding it again or updating your VLC to the latest version to see if that fixes the issue.

2. How can I become more efficient when using VLC?

Learn all about using VLC shortcuts in this cheatsheet that details the best keyboard shortcuts you should know.

3. Are these features available for mobile devices?

Most of the features described in this article won’t be available in the mobile apps. You can, however, play a streaming video in the app.