If you use VLC Media Player has been one of the most versatile and lightweight players in the world for some time now, you will know that it has become one of the most versatile and lightweight players in the world.
It requires almost no resources, opens almost any video or audio format, and best of all, it is free and open source software.
But what many do not know is that VLC can be extended to surprising limits thanks to its extensions and plugins.
With them, the program ceases to be a simple player and becomes a real player. customizable multimedia center.
Why install extensions in VLC? 🤔
The magic of VLC is that it doesn't just play the basics.
The extensions allow you to:
- Add new functions that do not come by default.
- Integrate third-party services such as YouTube, TuneIn or IMDb.
- Automate tasks such as downloading subtitles or displaying lyrics.
- Customize the interface according to your tastes and needs.
In other words: while other programs remain rigid, VLC adapts to you.
How to install plugins and extensions on VLC ⚙️
Although it may sound technical at first, the process is actually quite simple.
- Download the extension in .lua format from the official website of VLC Addons.
- Copy the file to the folder
lua/extensionsof your VLC installation. - Restart VLC and you will be able to activate it from the menu. See → Extensions.
🔑 Useful tipIf you can't find the folder, simply search for it on your system by typing "lua" in the file explorer search engine.
At Windowsis usually in:C:\Program Files "VideoLAN "VLC" extensions
At Linuxwithin:~/.local/share/vlc/lua/extensions
At macOSin:/Applications/VLC.app/Contents/MacOS/share/lua/extensions/
Must-have extensions for VLC 🔌
1. VLSub - Effortless Subtitling 📝
With VLSub you can search and download subtitles directly from OpenSubtitles.org.
Just choose the language and in seconds you will have the subtitles ready and synchronized.
Ideal for those who enjoy movies in their original version.
2. TuneIn Radio - World Radio Stations 📻
This add-on transforms VLC into a worldwide radio.
Access thousands of stations sorted by genre, country or popularity.
It is perfect for those who work or study with music in the background.
3. YouTube Playlist - Complete Playlists 🎬.
Did you know that VLC not only opens YouTube videos, but entire playlists?
With this plugin you can play music marathons or tutorial series without interruptions.
It even saves you from annoying ads.
4. IMDb Info - Movie Data 🎞️
If you are a movie buff, you will love this extension.
With a simple click, you can see the film's file: cast, synopsis, reviews and ratings.
This way you will not have to interrupt your session to consult in the browser.
5. Lyrics Finder - Lyrics in real time 🎤
Do you like to sing while listening to music?
With this plugin, VLC searches and displays synchronized letters of your songs.
It is ideal for practicing languages or improvising karaoke at home.
6. Resume Media - Continue where you left off 🔁.
This plug-in saves the exact point at which you stopped a movie or song.
When the file is reopened, it automatically resumes from there.
Very useful for audiobooks, long documentaries or series.
7. Chromecast Addon - Send to TV 📺
With this extension, VLC detects your Chromecast and sends the content directly to the TV.
Ideal for wireless sharing of photos, movies or music in the living room.
8. VLSub Enhanced - More subtitle sources ⏳.
An advanced version of VLSub that not only uses OpenSubtitles, but also other platforms.
It allows you to adjust the synchronization and choose subtitles with better translation.
Perfect for the most demanding.
9. Time vPlayer - Save key moments ⏱️
If you are a student, content creator or researcher, this plugin is a must-have.
It lets you mark specific scenes to return to them without wasting time.
It functions as a "checkpoint" system in the video.
10. Podcast Addon - Subscribe and listen 🎧
Turns VLC into a podcast manager.
Add RSS feeds and listen to your favorite programs without installing external applications.
Ideal for those who prefer to have everything in one program.
Additional little-known but very useful plugins 🌟
11. Last.fm Scrobbler - Music Statistics 📊
If you are a fan of Last.fmThis plugin automatically sends your playback history to your profile.
This way you will have detailed statistics of your musical habits.
12. VLCRC Tweaks - Advanced customization 🎨
With this add-on you can modify hidden details in VLC settings.
From shortcuts to fine-tuning audio and video settings.
Perfect for advanced users.
13. Twitch.tv Addon - Streaming without browser 🎮
Yes, you can also see Twitch directly in VLC.
With this plugin you avoid intrusive advertising and optimize resource consumption.
14. Metadata Fetcher - Automatic Organization 🗂️
This plugin downloads information about your media files (covers, names, genres, etc.) and organizes your library as if it were a complete media manager.
15. Shazam for VLC - Instantly recognize music 🎵
Although less well known, there is an experimental complement that identifies songs Shazam style.
It is ideal for discovering music you hear in movies or online radios.
Summary table of useful extensions 📊
| Extension | Main function | Ideal for... |
|---|---|---|
| VLSub | Download subtitles from OpenSubtitles | Movie lovers in VO |
| TuneIn Radio | Listen to online radio stations | Music lovers and the curious |
| YouTube Playlist | Play YouTube playlists | Music fans and tutorials |
| IMDb Info | Movie and series information | Cinephiles |
| Lyrics Finder | Show song lyrics | Karaoke lovers |
| Resume Media | Pick up videos where you left off | Audiobook readers |
| Chromecast Addon | Send content to the TV | Homes with Chromecast |
| VLSub Enhanced | Enhanced and synchronized subtitles | Subtitling purists |
| Time vPlayer | Adding bookmarks to videos | Students and editors |
| Podcast Addon | Listen to and manage podcasts | Regular listeners |
| Last.fm Scrobbler | Saving music statistics | Fans of Last.fm |
| Twitch Addon | View Twitch streams | Gamers |
| Metadata Fetcher | Download metadata and organize library | Media collectors |
| Shazam Addon | Recognizing songs | Musical discoverers |
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) ❓
1. Are all extensions free of charge?
Yes, most of them are because they are part of VLC's open source philosophy.
2. Can I install extensions on Android or iOS?
On mobile devices the options are more limited, but there are adapted versions of some functions.
What happens if an extension stops working?
Sometimes external services change their API. In that case, you have to wait for the community to release an update.
Can I create my own plugins?
Yes, VLC allows you to create extensions in Lua languageIf you have basic programming skills, you can use it as long as you have basic programming skills.
How do I uninstall a plugin?
Simply delete the file .lua from the extensions folder and restart VLC.
Extra tips on how to get the most out of VLC 💡
- Use customized keyboard shortcuts to gain speed.
- Activates the hardware acceleration in the settings to improve performance on heavy videos.
- Install visual themes (skins) to give a different touch to the interface.
- Configure audio filters and equalizers to get better sound from your speakers or headphones.
- Explore the hidden options in the Advanced menumany of them go unnoticed.
Conclusion 🎯
The VLC plugins and extensions are the key to transforming this player into a true multimedia center.
From automatic subtitles to international radio stations, as well as integration with services such as YouTube, Last.fm or IMDbthe possibilities are endless.
The best thing is that you don't need to spend a single euro and you can customize it to your needs.
Now there are no more excuses: install some of these gems and turn your VLC into an all-rounder player.