How to Install and Use VLC Media Player on Ubuntu

VLC Media Player is a versatile, free application for playing video and audio on Ubuntu. It handles common formats such as MP4, MKV, WebM, MOV, MP3 and FLAC, along with DVDs, network streams and subtitles. Its broad codec support makes it a useful alternative when the default video player cannot open a file or offers too few playback controls.

The installation process is straightforward on current Ubuntu releases, including Ubuntu 24.04 LTS. You can install VLC through the graphical App Centre or with a short Terminal command, then adjust its settings for smoother playback, better subtitles and more convenient media library access. The same setup works well on desktops and laptops used for streaming, downloaded media and local files.

Choosing The Best VLC Installation Method

The simplest method for most people is the Ubuntu App Centre. Open the applications menu, search for “App Centre”, then enter VLC in the search field. Select the result published by VideoLAN, review the application details and choose Install. Ubuntu may ask for your login password before the installation begins.

This package is usually supplied as a Snap, an application format designed to bundle much of its software environment. Snaps receive updates independently and are easy to remove, although the first launch can sometimes take a little longer. On a newer laptop bought in Melbourne or Sydney, the difference will usually be minor, but older hardware may benefit from a traditional package installation.

The Terminal method uses Ubuntu’s Advanced Package Tool. Open Terminal with Ctrl + Alt + T and run:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install vlc

Enter your password when prompted. Nothing will appear on screen while you type the password; this is normal. Press Y if Ubuntu asks for confirmation. For readers comparing open-source tools and desktop utilities, this Linux software guide offers useful wider context, while Ubuntu users can also browse Ubuntu desktop guides for related setup ideas.

The APT version integrates naturally with a conventional Ubuntu installation and is often a good choice if you prefer managing applications from the command line. Avoid installing several VLC versions at once, since duplicate launchers and different configuration locations can make troubleshooting confusing. Choose either the App Centre package or APT unless you have a specific reason to use both.

Opening Files And Managing Playback

After installation, launch VLC from the applications menu by searching for VLC Media Player. To play a file, drag it into the VLC window or select Media > Open File. VLC can also open a complete folder through Media > Open Directory, which is convenient for a season of television episodes or a collection of music albums.

You can make VLC the default player for a file type. Right-click an MP4 or MKV file in Ubuntu Files, choose Properties, open the Open With tab and select VLC. Press Set as default if you want that format to open in VLC each time. Repeat the process for other formats, such as MP3, FLAC or WebM, when required.

The playback controls are familiar: the spacebar pauses or resumes media, the left and right arrow keys seek backwards or forwards, and the volume control sits at the bottom of the window. The Playback menu lets you change speed, move between chapters and select a title or track. VLC can also remember playback position for some file types, although its behaviour depends on the file and version.

For a larger collection, use Media > Open Multiple Files or create a playlist by dragging several files into the window. Save a playlist with the .xspf format if you want to keep an ordered collection. This can be handy for personal recordings, music played during a barbecue or a set of downloaded public-domain films, without relying on an online streaming service.

Handling Subtitles And Australian Streaming Limits

VLC supports common subtitle formats such as SRT, ASS and SSA. If a subtitle file has the same base name as the video, place both files in the same folder. For example, episode-01.mkv and episode-01.srt should normally be detected together. You can also load subtitles manually through Subtitle > Add Subtitle File.

Use Tools > Preferences to change subtitle size, colour, font and encoding. The default settings work for most English-language content, but changing the font size can help when watching from a distance. Under Subtitles/OSD, choose a clear sans-serif font and adjust the outline or background if text disappears against bright scenes.

VLC can open some network streams through Media > Open Network Stream when you have a direct stream address. This does not mean it can play every service available in Australia. Platforms such as ABC iview, SBS On Demand and commercial streaming services often use digital rights management, browser authentication or changing stream addresses. Their official websites and applications are generally the appropriate way to watch that content.

Local internet conditions also influence streaming. An NBN connection may provide enough bandwidth for high-definition video, but Wi-Fi congestion in an apartment in Brisbane or Perth can still cause buffering. If a direct stream supports it, reduce the quality or connect the Ubuntu computer to the router with Ethernet. VLC’s network caching options can help with a stable stream, but increasing the cache also adds a delay before playback begins.

Improving Picture, Sound And Performance

VLC usually chooses sensible video output settings automatically. If video appears black, tears during movement or shows a strange colour pattern, open Tools > Preferences, select Video, and try a different output module. Restart VLC after applying the change. The automatic setting is generally the best starting point, while X11 or OpenGL-based output may help on particular graphics hardware.

For playback that stutters, first check whether another application is using the processor or graphics chip. Close unnecessary browser tabs and background applications, then try the lower-resolution version of the file. A high-bitrate 4K recording can challenge an older Intel laptop, especially when it is running on battery or connected to an external display.

Hardware decoding may improve performance. In Tools > Preferences, choose Input / Codecs, then look for Hardware-accelerated decoding. Start with Automatic. If playback remains jerky, test an available option such as VA-API, then restart VLC. Drivers and graphics support vary between Ubuntu installations, so an option that works on a desktop assembled in Adelaide may behave differently on a budget notebook sold through an Australian retailer.

Audio problems often have a simple cause. Check VLC’s volume, Ubuntu’s system volume and the selected output device under Settings > Sound. If headphones, HDMI and Bluetooth speakers are connected at the same time, Ubuntu may send sound to the wrong destination. Bluetooth can also introduce a slight delay, which is more noticeable during dialogue-heavy films.

VLC includes useful filters under Tools > Effects and Filters. The equaliser can adjust bass and treble, while the synchronisation controls can correct audio that is ahead of or behind the picture. Use small adjustments and reset them if the result sounds unnatural. The Tools > Preferences > Save button stores changes, but some playback filters can also be returned to their defaults from their individual panels.

Using Advanced VLC Features Safely

VLC can convert media between formats through Media > Convert / Save. Add a file, choose Convert / Save, select a profile such as MP4, pick a destination and start the process. Conversion takes time and may reduce quality if the selected profile uses lower settings. Keep the original until you have checked the converted file.

The player can also record selected parts of a video. Enable advanced controls through View > Advanced Controls, then use the record button while playback is running. VLC saves recordings in the Videos folder by default on many Ubuntu systems. This feature is useful for short clips from material you own or have permission to record; it should not be used to bypass copyright protection or platform restrictions.

DVD playback is more complicated than ordinary files. Ubuntu may need additional packages for certain discs, and commercial DVDs can use encryption that VLC cannot legally or technically bypass in every region. Personal video files, unprotected discs and media copied with the appropriate rights are less troublesome. Check the licence and local law before copying or distributing content.

VLC stores personal preferences in your home directory. If it begins behaving strangely after extensive experimentation, open Tools > Preferences, choose Reset Preferences, confirm the reset and restart the application. This removes custom settings but does not uninstall VLC or delete your media files. If the problem continues, reinstalling the package may help:

sudo apt remove vlc
sudo apt install vlc

Removing VLC does not normally remove the files you played with it. Your videos, music and subtitles remain in their existing folders. Keep Ubuntu updated with Settings > Software & Updates or the command line so that VLC and its supporting libraries receive security and compatibility fixes.

VLC is most useful when treated as a flexible local media player rather than a universal replacement for every streaming application. Install it through the App Centre or APT, open a familiar MP4 file, and then set the default player and subtitle preferences. For a practical first test, run vlc ~/Videos in Terminal and confirm that the folder opens correctly.