Download VLC Media Player : Ultimate free media layer for 2025

Downloading the latest 2025 version of VLC Media Player for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS gives you access to many hidden features not available in traditional media players. VLC is a free, open-source, easy-to-use, and incredibly powerful media player.

VLC Media Player is developed and regularly updated by the VideoLAN community, which includes hundreds of developers, artists, and editors from around the world. This global team works to fix bugs as they are discovered and continually improves the performance and optimization of the player. In short, the community is focused on evolving this media player.

Now that introductions are out of the way, let’s move on. But first—do you really think VLC Media Player is one of the most popular and widely used media players in the world for no reason?

Of course not. So let’s explore why you too should download and install VLC Media Player on your Windows, macOS, or Linux computer, or your Android/iOS smartphone or tablet.

Why Download VLC Media Player ?

1. Unparalleled Format Support

VLC Media Player is renowned for its ability to play virtually any media format without the need for additional codecs. Whether it’s common formats like MP4, MP3, and AVI, or less common ones like FLAC, MKV, and OGG, VLC handles them all with ease. This extensive compatibility ensures that users can play their favorite media files without hassle.

2. Cross-Platform Compatibility

One of VLC’s standout features is its availability across multiple platforms. Whether you’re using Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS, you can download VLC Media Player and enjoy a consistent experience across all your devices. This cross-platform support ensures that your media playback is seamless, regardless of the device you’re using.

3. Advanced Features and Customization

Beyond basic playback, VLC Media Player offers a suite of advanced features:

Streaming Capabilities: Stream media over networks and the internet.
Subtitle Synchronization: Easily add and synchronize subtitles with your videos.
Audio and Video Filters: Enhance your media with various filters and effects.
Playback Speed Control: Adjust the playback speed to your preference.
Customizable Interface: Personalize the player’s appearance with skins and themes.

These features make VLC not just a media player but a comprehensive media solution.

4. Privacy and Security

In an age where user data is often compromised, VLC Media Player stands firm in its commitment to user privacy. It contains no spyware, ads, or user tracking, ensuring a safe and uninterrupted media experience.

Supported Formats in VLC Media Player

VLC’s true power lies in the sheer number of file formats it supports. According to the developers, VLC can handle almost any media file, as well as CDs, DVDs, network streams, capture cards, and more.

Here’s a more technical breakdown of the extensions and formats VLC supports:

3GA, 3GP, 669, AAC, AC3, A52, ADT, ADTS, AIF, AMR, AOB, AMV, AVI, B4S, BIK, CAF, CDA, DIVX, DRC, DTS, DV, DVR-MS, EC3, EVO, F4V, FLV, FLAC, GVI, GXF, IFO, IT, M1V, M2T, M2V, M2TS, M3U, M3U8, M4A, M4B, M4P, M4R, M4V, MID, MKV, MIDI, MK, MK3D, MKA, MOV, MP1, MP2, MP2V, MP3, MP4, MPC, MPE, MPEG, MPEG1, MPEG2, MPG, MPV2, MTS, MXV, NSV, NUV, OGA, OGG, OGM, OGV, OGX, OMA, OPUS, PLS, QCP, RA, RAM, REC, RM, RMI, RMVB, RPL, S3M, SDP, SPX, THP, TP, TTA, TTS, VLC, VOB, VOC, VQF, VRO, VSD, W64, WEBM, WMD, WMS, WMV, WMX, WMZ, WPL, WTV, WVX, WV, XA, XESC

That’s over a hundred different formats. Honestly, some of them I’ve never even come across before.

Pro tip: If you ever encounter a troublesome media file, try opening it with VLC Media Player—you’ll likely be amazed at what it can do.

Download and Install VLC Media Player on Windows, macOS, Android

Can’t wait to get this powerful media player on your Windows 11, macOS, Linux distribution, or smartphone?

This section will guide you in downloading the correct version of VLC Media Player for your operating system.

Attribute	Details
File	VLC Media Player
Type	Installation File
Size	38 MB (Windows .exe 64-bit)
License	Free and Open Source
OS	Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux
Official Website	https://www.videolan.org

Download VLC Media Player for Free

Below are direct links to download VLC for different platforms:

How to Install VLC Media Player on Windows

Just downloaded VLC Media Player and your download finished successfully? Great. Let’s install it.

First, allow the installer to make changes to your device. If you’re an admin user, just click “Yes”.
Choose your language (French, English, etc.).
Click “Next” and follow the steps in the setup wizard.
Wait for the installation to complete.
Once done, click “Finish”—VLC will launch automatically if the option “Run VLC Media Player” was checked.

When VLC opens, you’ll be asked whether to:

Allow network access for streaming;
Enable automatic updates.

You can opt out by unchecking the boxes.

That’s it—VLC Media Player is now installed on your Windows machine.

For Android and iOS Users

Simply search for “VLC” on the Google Play Store or App Store, then download and install it like any regular app.

For other systems, I assume you’ll manage to get this amazing media player installed on your own.

Must-Know VLC Media Player Shortcuts

Shortcuts make software usage much faster and more efficient. With a few key presses, you can perform important actions in VLC Media Player. Here’s a quick list:

Spacebar: Play/Pause
A: Toggle aspect ratio
B: Switch audio track
C: Crop video
D: Toggle deinterlacing (honestly, I don’t know what this does either)
E: Frame-by-frame playback
F: Full screen toggle
G / H: Subtitle delay adjustment
J / K: Audio delay adjustment
L: Loop toggle
M: Mute toggle
N / P: Next / Previous track
O: Original video size toggle
R: Shuffle toggle
S: Stop playback
T: Show elapsed/remaining time
W: Play new videos in fullscreen
Z: Zoom toggle
Left/Right Arrow: Skip 10 seconds
Ctrl + Left/Right: Skip 60 seconds
Shift + Left/Right: Skip 3 seconds
Up/Down Arrow: Volume up/down
Ctrl + L: Show playlist
Ctrl + H: Toggle minimal interface
Ctrl + T: Go to specific time in media

Bonus Video

Still hesitant about downloading VLC?

Check out this video, it might just convince you:

Alternatives to VLC Media Player

Still not convinced after everything we’ve shared? No worries—everyone has their preferences.

Here are some alternatives to VLC for playing your music and videos:

KM Player

Also known as K-Multimedia Player, this is a great free alternative to VLC available on Windows. It supports many formats.

PotPlayer

PotPlayer is developed by the South Korean company Kakao. It competes with VLC, GOM Player, KMPlayer, and others, offering powerful media playback on Windows.

Windows Media Player

No introduction needed—it’s the default media player on many Windows systems.

GOM Player

Another reliable media player that supports various formats and is great for video and audio playback.

Conclusion

Now do you see why VLC should be one of the first apps installed on your PC or smartphone?

Personally, VLC is my go-to solution when no other media player can handle a stubborn file.

That’s why I never hesitate to download and install VLC Media Player on my computer, tablet, and smartphone.

Download VLC Media Player: The Ultimate Free Media Player for 2025