How to Stream Online Videos with VLC Media Player

Edited 3 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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VLC media player is a versatile and highly popular media player, which is free and open-source. It is available on various platforms like Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Apart from playing downloaded video and audio files, VLC can be used to stream online videos. This guide provides detailed information on how to use VLC media player for online video streaming.

Overview of VLC Media Player

The VLC media player is developed by the VideoLAN project. It is widely known for its ability to play a wide range of media formats without the need for additional codecs. It supports internet streams and is ideal for users who want to watch online content without relying on a web browser. Using VLC for streaming offers benefits such as minimal buffering, fewer ads, and the ability to play almost any file format.

The basics of streaming with VLC

To stream online videos with VLC you need to open the network stream and then enter the URL of the video or media you want to stream. VLC will connect to the internet and start playing the video in its interface. Here is a detailed step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Download and install VLC media player

First, make sure you have the latest version of VLC media player installed on your device. You can download it from the official VideoLAN website. Choose the appropriate software version for your operating system and follow the installation instructions:

• For Windows: Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install it.
• For macOS: Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag the VLC application to your Applications folder.
• For Linux: Use the appropriate package manager (e.g., apt-get, yum) for your distribution to install VLC.

Step 2: Accessing the network stream option

Once VLC is installed, open the application. Look for the "Media" menu in the upper left corner. Click on it and select "Open Network Stream" (or press Ctrl+N on Windows, or Command+N on macOS). This will open a new dialog box where you can input the network URL.

Step 3: Entering the URL of the video

In the box labeled “Please enter the network URL”, you must enter the URL of the video or stream you want to watch. URLs can come from streaming sites (such as YouTube, Dailymotion), online radio stations, or websites that offer videos in a distributed format.

Example: If you want to stream YouTube videos, you can use services to get direct streaming URLs for VLC, as YouTube URLs do not work by default. Many online services generate links compatible with the media player. It is advisable to test for compatibility before relying on the service.

Step 4: Start streaming

Once you've entered the URL, click the "Play" button at the bottom of the window. VLC will take a few moments to establish a connection. During this time, VLC communicates with the server hosting the video and begins streaming the content directly to your media player. You should see the video or hear the audio stream begin shortly after.

Additional VLC stream settings

VLC offers several advanced options if you want to customize your streaming experience. Under the "Network" section of the stream dialog, you can use:

• Cache length: Adjust the caching time using the “Show more options” button. A longer cache can help stabilize a slow stream.
• Codec Information: Under VLC’s Tools, you can check the codec details to understand the format being streamed.

Troubleshooting common problems

Although VLC is robust, users may encounter some streaming issues. Here are solutions to common problems:

Problem: Video is buffering or lagging

Solution: This usually happens because the video isn’t being buffered fast enough to keep up with playback.

• Try increasing the buffer cache under network options.
• Ensure a stable internet connection.
• Lower the video quality if possible, as this will minimise data usage.

Problem: Audio without video

Solution: If the audio plays fine but the video doesn’t:

• Make sure the video codec is supported. Check the codec information to verify it.
• Update your VLC player to the latest version.

Problem: Video without audio

Solution: In scenarios where you watch a video without audio:

• Check VLC's volume settings or mute option.
• Make sure that other applications do not suppress the audio.
• Revalidate the permissions to access the audio device through System Preferences.

Additional benefits of streaming with VLC

In addition to streaming, VLC offers several options for users who need more control over their media experience:

• Taking snapshots: While streaming a video, you can capture moments of the video by clicking Video > Take Snapshot.
• Recording a stream: You can record a stream by selecting View > Advanced Controls to enable the Record button in the player interface.
• Media Conversion: VLC supports conversion of media formats, which can be accessed via Media > Convert/Save...

Conclusion

VLC media player is a great tool for not only playing local media files but also for streaming online content. It helps eliminate the inconvenience of using dedicated streaming platforms and their restrictions. This guide outlines various processes from installation to troubleshooting common problems, allowing users to enjoy a seamless streaming experience. VLC's open-source status also means regular updates and constant improvements, securing its status as the preferred choice for media enthusiasts.

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