VLC Media Player is a versatile and robust multimedia player that supports various audio and video file formats, including streaming protocols. This open-source software is renowned for its compatibility with multiple operating systems, making it a favorite among users seeking a reliable media playback solution. Its user-friendly interface and advanced features like media conversion and streaming services ensure a seamless viewing experience.
When choosing VLC Media Player, users benefit from:
- Cross-platform support: Runs smoothly on Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile platforms.
- Extensive format compatibility: Plays most media files and streaming protocols.
- Customization options: Offers skins, plugins, and extensions for a personalized experience.
- No spyware or ads: A clean, user-centric approach without unwanted distractions.
- Advanced features: Supports subtitles, audio synchronization, and video effects.
- Free and open-source: Continuously improved by a global developer community.
- Ease of use: Simple interface, suitable for beginners and advanced users.
- Resource efficiency: Low on system resources, ensuring smooth playback even on older hardware.
Now, let’s dive into the technical process of installing VLC Media Player on your Ubuntu system. Next, we explore the step-by-step installation methods.
Method 1: Install VLC Media Player via APT or PPA
Update Ubuntu Before VLC Installation
Before starting the installation process, ensuring your Ubuntu system is up-to-date is crucial. This will prevent potential issues during the installation and maintain a secure and well-performing system. To update your Ubuntu system, open the terminal and enter the following command:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgradeInstall VLC Media Player via APT Commands
Option 1: Install VLC Media Player from the Ubuntu Repository
By default, VLC Media Player is available in the default Ubuntu repository. This option is recommended for users who prefer a stable version and do not require frequent updates or access to the latest features. To install VLC Media Player from the Ubuntu repository, enter the following command in the terminal:
sudo apt install vlcOption 2: Install VLC Media Player on Ubuntu via VideoLAN PPA
For users who prefer a more up-to-date version of VLC Media Player, the VideoLAN PPA (Personal Package Archive) offers an alternative installation method. Run the following command to import the master daily branch:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:videolan/master-daily -yAfter importing the PPA, update the package list to reflect the newly added PPA by entering the following command in the terminal:
sudo apt updateWith your desired PPA imported and your package list updated, you can now proceed to install VLC Media Player using the following command in the terminal:
sudo apt install vlcMethod 2: Install VLC Media Player via Flatpak and Flathub
An alternative method for installing VLC Media Player is Flatpak, a versatile package management system with a sandboxed application environment. To install VLC Media Player via Flatpak, you must add the Flathub repository containing the VLC Media Player package.
Note: If Flatpak isn’t installed on your system, please refer to “How to Install Flatpak on Ubuntu with the Flatpak Team Official LaunchPAD PPA.” This guide offers instructions for obtaining the latest supported version using the Flatpak Team Official LaunchPAD PPA.
Add the Flathub Repository For VLC
First, add the Flathub repository containing the VLC Media Player package. To add the Flathub repository, enter the following command in the terminal:
sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepoInstall VLC Media Player via Flatpak Command
Now that the Flathub repository has been added, you can install VLC Media Player using the following command in the terminal:
flatpak install flathub org.videolan.VLC -yUpon completion of the installation process, the VLC Media Player will be accessible to your Ubuntu system through the Flatpak sandboxed environment. This ensures that VLC Media Player runs securely and independently from other applications and system libraries.
Method 3: Install VLC Media Player via Snap
Snap presents an efficient software distribution and upkeep pathway, a reliable alternative installation option. This guide section will illustrate installing VLC Media Player on Ubuntu via Snap.
Ensure Snap’s Presence on Your Ubuntu System
Snap, developed by Canonical (the driving force behind Ubuntu), is a versatile tool for software orchestration. While Snap is typically pre-installed on many Ubuntu distributions, there are times when it might not be present. If you’re in such a scenario, you can get Snap back with the following command:
sudo apt install snapd -yThis action kick-starts the Snap Daemon (snapd), which looks after your Snap applications.
Establish Classic Snap Support for VLC Media Player
A selection of snap applications employs the ‘classic’ confinement to gain extensive system resource privileges, reminiscent of traditional desktop software. To guarantee these apps operate without a hitch, it’s a good idea to set up a symbolic link (symlink) for classic snap support. Here’s the command for that:
sudo ln -s /var/lib/snapd/snap /snapSet Up the Fundamental Core Snap
Before diving into VLC Media Player’s installation, it’s advisable to have the ‘core’ snap onboard. This foundational Snap delivers essential libraries and services that other Snap applications lean on. Implementing this step can sidestep potential hiccups. Use the command below to fetch the core snap:
sudo snap install coreInstall VLC Media Player on Ubuntu via Snap
After completing the preparatory measures, you can bring VLC Media Player into your system. The command to achieve this is:
sudo snap install vlcIn this context, ‘sudo’ grants elevated permissions, ‘snap’ engages the Snap package mechanism, ‘install’ signifies setting up the software, and ‘vlc’ is the chosen application for installation.
Launch VLC Media Player via CLI or GUI
Now that you have successfully installed VLC Media Player on your Ubuntu system, you can launch the application in several ways.
CLI Methods to Launch VLC Media Player
To launch VLC Media Player from the terminal, enter the following command:
vlcFor Flatpak users, you will need to launch VLC Media Player using the command below from a terminal instance:
flatpak run org.videolan.VLCLastly, Snap installations of VLC can use the following snap run command:
snap run vlcGUI Method to Launch VLC Media Player
While using terminal commands can be convenient, it might not always be the most practical method for launching VLC Media Player. To open VLC Media Player directly from your desktop, follow this path:
Activities > Show Applications > VLC media player
Additional VLC Media Player Commands
Update VLC Media Player
Depending on the installation method used, the following commands can be employed to update the VLC Media Player:
APT Update Method For VLC Media Player
sudo apt upgrade && sudo apt upgradeFlatpak Update Method For VLC Media Player
flatpak updateSnap Update Method For VLC Media Player
snap refreshRemove VLC Media Player
Use one of the following commands to suit the original installation method for users who no longer require the application.
APT Remove Method For VLC Media Player
sudo apt remove vlcFor users who installed VLC Media Player using the LaunchPad PPA, use the following command:
sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:videolan/master-daily -yFlatpak Remove Method For VLC Media Player
flatpak uninstall --delete-data org.videolan.VLCSnap Remove Method For VLC Media Player
sudo snap remove vlcConclusion
In this guide, we showed you how to install VLC Media Player on Ubuntu using the APT repository, the VideoLAN PPA, and third-party managers like Snap or Flatpak. Our advice? Explore VLC’s features and settings. It’s more than just a media player; it’s a powerful tool for your content.