VLC Media Player is more than just a video
player. Here are the best VLC tips and tricks
that most users never discover.
- Convert Video Files with VLC
VLC can convert videos between formats for free.
How to convert:
- Open VLC → click Media
- Click Convert/Save
- Add your video file
- Click Convert/Save button
- Choose output format
- Click Start
- Record Your Screen with VLC
VLC has a built-in screen recorder.
How to record:
- Open VLC → Media → Open Capture Device
- Set Capture Mode to Desktop
- Set frame rate to 30fps
- Click Play to start recording
- Click Stop when done
- Play YouTube Videos in VLC
You can stream YouTube videos directly in VLC.
How to play:
- Copy YouTube video URL
- Open VLC → Media → Open Network Stream
- Paste YouTube URL
- Click Play
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- Boost Volume Above 100%
VLC can increase volume up to 300%.
How to boost:
- Open VLC
- Go to Tools → Preferences
- Click Interface tab
- Check Show volume above 100%
- Save and restart VLC
- Now drag volume slider above 100%
- Add Subtitles to Any Video
VLC supports automatic subtitle download.
How to add subtitles:
- Play video in VLC
- Click View → VLC Extensions
- Or drag and drop SRT file onto VLC
- Subtitles appear automatically
- Take Screenshots While Watching
Capture perfect frames from any video.
How to screenshot:
- Pause video at perfect moment
- Press Shift + S on keyboard
- Screenshot saves automatically to Pictures folder
- Speed Up or Slow Down Video
Change playback speed in VLC easily.
How to change speed:
- Press ] to speed up by 10%
- Press [ to slow down by 10%
- Press = to return to normal speed
- Or go to Playback → Speed
- Loop a Video or Section
Repeat a video or specific section.
How to loop:
- Press L to loop entire video
- Press Shift + L to loop a section
- Click loop icon in controls bar
- Remove Audio from Video
Play video without any audio.
How to mute audio track:
- Click Audio menu
- Click Audio Track
- Select Disable
- Fix Out of Sync Audio
If audio and video are not in sync.
How to fix:
- Press K to delay audio by 50ms
- Press J to advance audio by 50ms
- Keep pressing until audio matches video
VLC Keyboard Shortcuts Cheat Sheet
Space = Play/Pause
F = Fullscreen
M = Mute
] = Speed up
[ = Slow down
S = Stop
Shift+S = Screenshot
L = Loop
Left/Right arrow = Skip 10 seconds
Up/Down arrow = Volume up/down
Frequently Asked Questions
Is VLC really free?
Yes. VLC is 100% free and open source.
No ads, no paid version needed.
Does VLC work on Mac?
Yes. VLC works on Windows, Mac, Linux,
Android, and iPhone — all free.
Can VLC play 4K video?
Yes. VLC plays 4K and even 8K video files
smoothly on most computers.
Conclusion
VLC Media Player is one of the most powerful
free software tools available. With these tips,
you can convert video, record screen, boost
volume, and much more.
Which VLC tip surprised you most?
Leave a comment below!