vlc

Play a file

$ vlc [path/to/file]

$ vlc --fullscreen [path/to/file]

$ vlc --no-audio [path/to/file]

$ vlc --loop [path/to/file]

$ vlc [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHg5SJYRHA0]

vlc [options] [items...]

-h, --help
    Displays a comprehensive help message with all available command-line options.

-v, --version
    Shows the version information of the installed VLC player.

-L, --list
    Lists all available VLC modules and interfaces.

-p, --play-and-exit
    Plays the specified item(s) and then automatically exits VLC upon completion.

-f, --fullscreen
    Starts VLC immediately in full-screen video mode.

-I <interface>, --interface <interface>
    Specifies the interface module to use (e.g., qt, ncurses, rc, dummy).

--no-video
    Disables video output, playing only the audio portion of a media file.

--no-audio
    Disables audio output, playing only the video portion of a media file.

--rate <float>
    Sets the playback speed. For example, 2.0 for double speed, 0.5 for half speed.

--loop
    Continuously loops the playback of the specified media item or playlist.

--run-time <float>
    Plays for a specific duration in seconds and then stops or exits.

--sub-file <file>
    Loads an external subtitle file for the currently playing media.

--start-time <seconds>
    Starts playback from a specific time offset in seconds.

--stop-time <seconds>
    Stops playback at a specific time offset in seconds.

--volume <integer>
    Sets the initial volume level (0-256), where 256 is 100%.

--playlist-enqueue
    Adds the specified item(s) to the current playlist without clearing existing items.

--sout <string>
    Configures stream output. This is a very powerful and complex option for streaming and transcoding media.

VLC Media Player is a free, open-source, and highly portable multimedia player and streaming server. Developed by the VideoLAN project, it stands out for its exceptional ability to play a vast array of audio and video formats, including DVDs, CDs, and various streaming protocols, without requiring external codecs. It can stream media across networks, transcode files, and offers extensive customization via plugins. Its robust command-line interface extends its utility beyond the graphical user interface, enabling powerful scripting and automation for tasks ranging from simple playback to complex streaming operations. VLC is widely recognized for its 'play anything' capability, making it a go-to choice for users across Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile platforms.

VLC's command-line interface offers immense power but can be complex, especially for advanced streaming (--sout) and transcoding configurations, which often require detailed knowledge of syntax. While generally robust, playback performance and hardware acceleration capabilities can vary significantly across different systems and media formats. Certain codecs or specialized hardware may require additional system-level drivers or configurations for optimal performance.

Beyond simple playback, VLC's command-line interface excels in network streaming and media transcoding. Using the --sout option, users can stream content over various network protocols (e.g., HTTP, RTP, RTSP) or convert media files between different formats and codecs. This makes it an invaluable tool for server-side applications, broadcasting, and media conversion workflows.

VLC supports various remote control interfaces, including an HTTP interface (--http-intf) and a remote control interface (--rc-intf), allowing it to be controlled programmatically or via dedicated remote apps. This capability is particularly useful for integrating VLC into home automation systems, kiosks, or custom media playback solutions, enabling advanced automation and unattended operation.

Originating in 1996 as the VideoLAN Client at École Centrale Paris, VLC was initially conceived for streaming video across the campus network. It was open-sourced under the GPL in 2001, a pivotal moment that propelled its adoption due to its ability to play virtually any media format without needing external codecs. Its development has been community-driven ever since, continually evolving to support new formats, protocols, and platforms, solidifying its status as a ubiquitous and highly respected media player.

mplayer(1), ffplay(1), ffmpeg(1), mpv(1)