Downloading videos using VLC media player is a quick and easy process. VLC is a free and open-source media player that can play a wide variety of video and audio formats. It is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. Once you have VLC installed, you can follow these steps to download a video.
First, open the video that you want to download in VLC. Then, click on the “Media” menu and select “Open Network Stream”. In the “Open Network Stream” dialog box, enter the URL of the video that you want to download. Then, click on the “Play” button. VLC will start playing the video. To download the video, click on the “File” menu and select “Convert”. In the “Convert” dialog box, select the output format for the video. Then, click on the “Browse” button and select the location where you want to save the video. Finally, click on the “Start” button to start the conversion process. VLC will convert the video to the selected format and save it to the specified location.
Downloading videos using VLC is a simple and straightforward process. By following these steps, you can easily download any video that you want to watch. VLC is a powerful media player that can play a wide variety of video and audio formats. It is also free and open-source, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to download videos.
Installing VLC Media Player
To download and install VLC Media Player, follow these steps:
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Visiting the VLC Download Page
Begin by accessing the official VLC website. Navigate to the “Download VLC” section and select the appropriate operating system from the drop-down menu.
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Choosing the Appropriate Installer
For Windows users, there are two options available: a 32-bit installer and a 64-bit installer. Select the installer that corresponds to your system’s architecture. For other operating systems, choose the installer designed specifically for your platform.
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Downloading and Running the Installer
Once the correct installer has been chosen, click on the “Download VLC” button. The download will commence immediately. Locate the downloaded installer file on your computer and double-click on it to initiate the installation process.
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Following the Installation Wizard
An installation wizard will guide you through the setup process. Follow the on-screen instructions and select the desired installation options. Typically, the default settings are sufficient for most users.
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Completing the Installation
Once the installation is complete, click on the “Finish” button to exit the wizard. VLC Media Player will now be installed on your computer and ready to use.
Here is a table summarizing the installation process for different operating systems:
| Operating System | Download Link |
|---|---|
| Windows (32-bit) | Download |
| Windows (64-bit) | Download |
| macOS | Download |
| Linux | Visit the VLC download page for Linux |
Locating Videos for Download
Finding videos to download is a crucial step in the process. Here are some ways to locate videos for download:
Video Sharing Websites
Popular video-sharing websites like YouTube, Vimeo, and Dailymotion host a vast collection of videos. You can browse through the categories, search for specific content, or use filters to refine your search results. To download videos from these websites, you’ll need to use a third-party downloader, such as VLC Player or YTD Video Downloader.
BitTorrent and Magnet Links
BitTorrent is a peer-to-peer file-sharing protocol that allows users to download large files, including videos, from other users. Magnet links are used to identify and access specific torrents. You’ll need a BitTorrent client like uTorrent or qBittorrent to download videos using this method. Once you have the magnet link, you can paste it into the client to start downloading the video.
Direct Download Links
Some websites provide direct download links for their videos. These links typically end with popular video file extensions like .mp4 or .avi. You can simply right-click on the link and select the “Save As” option to download the video directly to your computer.
| Source | Method |
|---|---|
| YouTube | Third-party downloader (e.g., VLC Player, YTD Video Downloader) |
| Vimeo | Third-party downloader (e.g., VLC Player, YTD Video Downloader) |
| Dailymotion | Third-party downloader (e.g., VLC Player, YTD Video Downloader) |
| BitTorrent | BitTorrent client (e.g., uTorrent, qBittorrent) |
| Direct Download Links | Right-click and save as on the download link |
Copying Video URL
To successfully download a video using VLC, the first step involves copying the URL of the video you intend to download. This process may vary depending on the platform you’re using to access the video.
Copying Video URL from a Web Browser
For videos hosted on web browsers, follow these steps:
- Right-click on the video and select "Copy video URL" or "Copy video address."
- Alternatively, open the video in a new tab by right-clicking and selecting "Open link in new tab."
- Copy the URL from the address bar of the new tab.
Copying Video URL from Social Media
To copy video URLs from social media platforms:
- YouTube: Right-click on the video and select "Copy video URL."
- Facebook: Click on the three dots below the video and select "Copy video URL."
- Instagram: Tap the three dots above the video and select "Copy link."
Copying Video URL from Other Sources
If the video is hosted on a different platform or embedded on a website, you may need to use a browser extension or a dedicated tool to extract the video URL. Here’s how you can do it:
| Browser Extension/Tool | Steps to Extract Video URL |
|---|---|
| Video DownloadHelper (Chrome/Firefox) | Install the extension, play the video, and click the “Download” button that appears on the video player. |
| jDownloader (Windows/macOS/Linux) | Install jDownloader, copy the video’s webpage URL, and add it to the software. jDownloader will automatically extract the video URL. |
| 4K Video Downloader (Windows/macOS/Linux) | Install 4K Video Downloader, click the “Add URL” button, and paste the video’s webpage URL. The software will automatically extract the video URL. |
Pasting URL into VLC
Downloading videos from websites using VLC is a straightforward process. Simply follow these steps:
1. Open VLC Media Player
Launch VLC Media Player on your computer.
2. Click on the “Media” menu
Locate the “Media” menu at the top of the VLC window and click on it.
3. Select “Open Network Stream”
From the “Media” menu, hover over the “Open Network Stream” option and click on it.
4. Paste the video URL into the “Enter network URL”
In the “Open Network Stream” window, locate the text field labeled “Enter network URL.”
Right-click on the text field and select “Paste” from the context menu to insert the video URL you copied earlier. Ensure that the entire URL is pasted correctly. Alternatively, you can type in the URL manually.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| a | Right-click on the text field. |
| b | Locate and click on “Paste” in the context menu that appears. |
| c | Verify that the complete URL is pasted accurately. |
Choosing Video Format
When it comes to downloading videos using VLC, you’ve got a wide range of video formats to choose from. Each format offers its own unique set of advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to select the format that best suits your needs.
Factors to Consider:
- File size
- Quality
- Compatibility
- Playback capabilities
Here’s a table that provides an overview of some of the most popular video formats, along with their key characteristics:
| Format | File Size | Quality | Compatibility | Playback Capabilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MP4 | Smaller | High | Widely compatible | Multiple players |
| AVI | Larger | High | Microsoft Windows-friendly | VLC, Windows Media Player |
| FLV | Smaller | Average | Web-friendly (e.g., Flash) | VLC, Flash Player |
| MOV | Larger | High | Mac-friendly | QuickTime, VLC |
| MKV | Larger | High | Multi-track (e.g., subtitles) | VLC, compatible players |
| WEBM | Smaller | Average | Web-friendly (e.g., HTML5) | Chrome, Firefox |
Remember, selecting the appropriate format will ensure optimal playback quality and compatibility with your devices and software.
Selecting Output Folder
Once you have chosen the desired video format, the next step is to select an output folder where the converted video will be saved. You can do this by clicking on the “Browse” button next to the “Output” field. A file explorer window will open, allowing you to navigate to the desired folder. You can also create a new folder by clicking on the “New Folder” button. Once you have selected the output folder, click on the “OK” button to confirm your selection.
Here are some things to keep in mind when selecting an output folder:
- Make sure that the output folder has enough free space to accommodate the converted video. The size of the converted video will depend on the video format, resolution, and other factors.
- Choose an output folder that is easy to find and access. You may want to create a dedicated folder for your converted videos.
- You can also use the “Save to” option in the “File” menu to save the converted video directly to a specific folder.
Default Output Folder
VLC uses a default output folder for converted videos. The default output folder is typically the “Videos” folder in your user directory. You can change the default output folder by going to the “Preferences” menu and selecting the “Output” tab. In the “Output folder” field, enter the path to the desired output folder.
Output Folder Options
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Browse | Click to select an output folder. |
| New Folder | Click to create a new folder. |
| Save to | Click to save the converted video directly to a specific folder. |
| Default Output Folder | The default output folder for converted videos. |
Initiating Download
Initiating the download process is simple and can be completed in a matter of minutes. Below are the easy steps to download VLC Media Player:
1. Choose the Correct Version
For optimal compatibility and performance, it is crucial to select the version of VLC Media Player that is compatible with your operating system (OS). The VLC website offers different versions for Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile platforms. If you are unsure about your OS version, hover over the “System” icon in the bottom-right corner of your screen to view the version number.
2. Visit the VLC Website
Open your preferred web browser and navigate to the official VLC Media Player website at https://www.videolan.org/
3. Identify the Download Link
On the VLC website, locate the “Download VLC” button or link situated in the top-right corner of the page. Click this link to proceed to the download page.
4. Select the Operating System
On the download page, you will see a list of operating systems and platforms compatible with VLC Media Player.
5. Select the Download Option
Under the relevant operating system, you will find multiple download options. Choose the one that suits your requirements and internet speed. For a stable and reliable download, it is recommended to opt for the “Recommended” option.
6. Start the Download
Once you have selected the desired download option, click the appropriate button to initiate the download process.
7. Determine the Download Location
Upon initiating the download, your browser may prompt you to select a download location on your computer. Choose a convenient and easily accessible folder to save the VLC Media Player installer.
| Platform | Download Link |
|---|---|
| Windows (32-bit) | [Download Link] |
| Windows (64-bit) | [Download Link] |
| macOS | [Download Link] |
| Linux (32-bit) | [Download Link] |
| Linux (64-bit) | [Download Link] |
| Android | [Download Link] |
| iOS | [Download Link] |
Monitoring Progress
Keep a close eye on the video download progress in VLC. Here’s how:
1. Open the Progress Window
Click on the “Tools” menu and select “Download Progress” to open the progress window.
2. Check the progress bar
The progress bar at the bottom of the window shows the overall download status.
3. View Estimated Time Remaining
Hover over the progress bar to see the estimated time remaining for the download to complete.
4. Show Detailed Information
Click the “Details” button to view additional information about the download, including file size, download speed, and estimated time of arrival.
5. Adjust the Download Speed
If necessary, adjust the download speed by clicking on the “Settings” button and selecting the desired speed from the drop-down menu.
6. Monitor Active Downloads
The “Downloads” tab in the progress window lists all active video downloads.
7. Manage Waiting Downloads
The “Queued” tab displays videos waiting to be downloaded. You can pause, resume, or remove them from the download queue.
8. Advanced Monitoring Options
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Disable Pause Button | Prevent the pause button from being displayed during downloads. |
| Disable Speed Limit | Remove the download speed limit option from the settings menu. |
| Automatic Cleanup | Automatically delete downloaded files after a specified period. |
Opening Downloaded Video
Step 1: Launching VLC Media Player
Navigate to the location of the VLC Media Player application and double-click on its icon to launch it.
Step 2: Opening the File Menu
Click on the “File” menu located in the top left corner of the VLC Media Player window.
Step 3: Selecting ‘Open Recent’
Point your cursor to the ‘Open Recent’ submenu within the ‘File’ menu.
Step 4: Selecting the Downloaded Video File
A list of recently opened video files will appear. Hover over the desired downloaded video file and click on it.
Step 5: Alternative Method: Using Keyboard Shortcut
Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut “Ctrl + O” (or “Cmd + O” on Mac) to open the ‘Open File’ dialog box and browse to the downloaded video file.
Step 6: Navigating to the Video File Location
In the ‘Open File’ dialog box, navigate to the location where the downloaded video file is stored.
Step 7: Selecting the Video File
Once you have located the downloaded video file, click on it to select it.
Step 8: Opening the Video
Click on the “Open” button at the bottom of the ‘Open File’ dialog box to open the selected video file in VLC Media Player.
Step 9: Enjoying the Video Playback
The downloaded video will now start playing in the VLC Media Player window. You can use the playback controls at the bottom of the window to control the video playback.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
1. VLC won’t open or play videos
- Make sure that VLC is properly installed and the appropriate codecs are installed for the video you’re trying to play.
- Check your computer’s firewall and antivirus settings to ensure they’re not blocking VLC.
- Try reinstalling VLC.
2. Video playback is choppy or stuttering
- Adjust the playback settings in VLC to reduce the frame rate or adjust the video quality.
- Close any other programs that may be consuming system resources.
- Update your graphics card drivers.
3. Audio is out of sync with video
- Go to “Tools > Preferences > Audio” and enable “Synchronization settings” and adjust the “Audio offset” parameter.
- Try a different audio output device.
4. VLC crashes when opening certain videos
- Try installing a different version of VLC.
- Check for any corrupted files or codecs.
- Disable any third-party plugins that may be interfering with VLC.
5. VLC doesn’t support a video format
- Check if there’s a plugin available for the unsupported format.
- Convert the video to a supported format using a video converter.
6. Video controls are not working
- Check if the mouse or keyboard is functioning properly.
- Try resetting the VLC interface.
7. VLC video keeps freezing
- Try updating your graphics card drivers.
- Adjust the video settings in VLC to reduce the video quality or frame rate.
- Make sure your computer meets the minimum system requirements for VLC.
8. VLC doesn’t play DVDs or Blu-rays
- Make sure you have the appropriate codecs installed for DVD or Blu-ray playback.
- Check if your DVD or Blu-ray drive is properly connected to your computer.
9. VLC video is zoomed in or cut off
- Go to “Tools > Preferences > Video” and adjust the “Aspect ratio” settings.
- Try using a different video output device.
10. Other common VLC errors
| Error Code | Description | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| 0xc00d36c4 | The video stream is corrupt or missing. | Try downloading the video again or converting it to a different format. |
| 0xc00d3704 | The audio stream is corrupt or missing. | Try downloading the video again or converting it to a different format. |
| 0xc00d36c9 | The file format is not supported. | Convert the video to a supported format or install a plugin for the unsupported format. |
How to Download Videos Using VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player is a versatile open-source media player that offers a wide range of features, including the ability to download videos from various websites and online platforms. Here’s how you can use VLC to download videos:
- Launch VLC Media Player on your computer.
- Click on the “Media” menu and select “Open Network Stream.”
- In the “Open Media” dialog box, paste the URL of the video you want to download.
- Click on the “Play” button.
- While the video is playing, click on the “Tools” menu and select “Codec Information.”
- In the “Codec Information” window, navigate to the “Location” field. This field will display the file path of the video being played.
- Copy the file path and paste it into a file explorer window.
- The video will be saved to the location specified in the file path.
People Also Ask About How to Download Video VLC
How can I download videos from YouTube using VLC?
To download videos from YouTube using VLC, follow these steps:
- Open VLC Media Player.
- Click on the “Media” menu and select “Open Network Stream.”
- In the “Open Media” dialog box, paste the URL of the YouTube video you want to download.
- Click on the “Play” button.
- Once the video starts playing, click on the “Tools” menu and select “Codec Information.”
- In the “Codec Information” window, navigate to the “Location” field. This field will display the file path of the video being played.
- Copy the file path and paste it into a file explorer window.
- The video will be saved to the location specified in the file path.
