The VLC Media Player, developed by the French team Videolan, is a free, open-source media player that has been available since February 1, 2001. Initially created to manage television broadcasts on a university campus, VLC has evolved over the past two decades into a leading free streaming solution. Videolan developers have announced that VLC has been downloaded six billion times.
At CES 2025, Videolan introduced new AI features for VLC, focusing on AI-generated subtitles and real-time translation. This feature is not unique, as Samsung smartphones like the Galaxy S24 offer similar capabilities, and ChatGPT can also translate languages in real-time. However, the unique aspect of VLC’s solution, as reported by The Verge, is that these AI functions operate locally on the device without requiring an internet connection. According to VideoLAN President Jean-Baptiste Kempf, using cloud services is unnecessary.
This local processing ensures that no user viewing data is shared with external servers, which is a relief for open-source enthusiasts. The AI used in VLC is open-source. For transcription, Videolan plans to use Whisper, and for translation, SeamlessM4T will be employed. At the CES booth, subtitles were displayed in German, Hebrew, Japanese, and French, suggesting that VLC could support around 100 languages.
It is not yet known when VLC will officially incorporate AI-generated subtitle creation and translation into its program, nor whether this service will be available for free. Videolan has announced a blog post that will provide more information about this planned solution.
VLC’s approach to integrating AI features demonstrates a commitment to user privacy and open-source software. By keeping AI processing offline and on-device, VLC ensures that user data remains private and secure. This approach also highlights the capabilities of modern devices to handle complex AI tasks without relying on external servers.
The potential support for over 100 languages with real-time translation could make VLC an invaluable tool for users around the world. Whether watching foreign films, learning new languages, or participating in multi-language meetings, VLC’s new features could significantly enhance accessibility and understanding.
As technology continues to evolve, VLC’s innovations show how AI can be used to improve user experiences without compromising privacy. By offering advanced features while maintaining their core values of being free and open-source, Videolan sets a standard for other software developers to follow.
Users eagerly await more details about the release and availability of these AI features. The integration of real-time translation and subtitle generation could transform how people interact with media content, making it more inclusive and accessible to a global audience.
VLC’s commitment to innovation and user privacy makes it a standout in the media player market. As they continue to develop and implement new features, VLC remains a favorite among users who value both functionality and privacy.
In a world where data privacy is increasingly important, VLC’s approach could inspire other developers to prioritize user privacy while still delivering cutting-edge technology. The future of media consumption looks promising with tools like VLC leading the way.