By VideoLAN
Report updated Apr 18, 2026
VLC media player
For power users and media enthusiasts who require a versatile, format-agnostic player that handles local files and network-attached storage without privacy concerns.
VLC media player is an established photo & video app that is completely free. With a 3.7/5 rating from 5.5K reviews, it shows polarized user reception. Users particularly appreciate free and open source, though playback glitches and audio gaps remains a common concern.
What is VLC media player?
Current Momentum
v3.7
This update from Apple will improve the functionality of this app. No new features are included. Β· add footer view to album collection to show more metadata Β· close playback screen when session ends Β· misc. performance and stability improvements Β· various smaller UI improvements notably on iOS 9 and 12 Β· fix crash when enabling CarPlay with very large media libaries Β· export smaller snapshots to the Spotlight service to decrease the memory impact Β· fix opening very large files from within the Files app
Competition
Rivals identification in progress
7-Day Rank Pulse πΊπΈ
Photo & VideoRating Pulse πΊπΈ
Recent User MoodAI-powered deep analysis surfacing high-signal insights. Still in beta, accuracy improves daily. For informational purposes only.
What makes this app unique?
What Does It Look Like?
How Is The App's Momentum Right Now?
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What Are The Key Features?
Plays almost any video or audio format directly without requiring file conversion.
Supports streaming from SMB, FTP, SFTP, NFS, UPnP/DLNA servers and web sources.
Syncs files directly with Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, Box, and iCloud Drive.
Full SSA subtitle compatibility, multi-track audio support, and playback speed manipulation.
Cast media to external displays or use AirPlay with spatial audio support.
Completely free, open-source software that does not collect personal information or include tracking.
How much does it cost?
- Completely free, no premium tiers or subscriptions
The app follows a non-profit, open-source model, prioritizing accessibility and user privacy over monetization.
Who Built It?
Providing a universal, open-source multimedia solution for ad-free playback of any file format without privacy concerns.
Portfolio
1
Apps
Who is VideoLAN?
VideoLAN operates as a non-profit association, distinguishing itself from commercial media players through a commitment to open-source development and zero monetization. Their structural advantage lies in the libVLC framework, which allows the app to handle virtually any media format without the licensing constraints or conversion requirements that hamper proprietary competitors. The strategic signal is one of stability; they maintain a single, high-utility flagship that serves as the mobile touchpoint for a globally recognized desktop brand.
Who is VideoLAN for?
- Power users
- Media enthusiasts requiring format-agnostic playback
- Network streaming without privacy trade-offs
Portfolio momentum
Focuses exclusively on a single flagship title with one update released in the last six months.
What do users think recently?
High confidence Β· 49 reviews analyzed
How did the latest release land?
What is the recent mood?
Recent user voice shows a mixed sentiment. Users appreciate free and open source and file management & offline access, but report playback glitches and audio gaps and network and cloud connectivity issues.
Limited review volume (49 reviews). Sentiment analysis will deepen as more data lands.
What is the competitive landscape for VLC media player?
How's The Photo & Video Market?
How does it evolve in the Photo & Video market?
| Country | Category | Chart | Rank | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΈπ³ Senegal | Photo & Video | iOSFree | #38 | NEW |
| πΊπΈ US | Photo & Video | iOSFree | #49 | β²1 |
The outtake for VLC media player
Strengths to defend, gaps to attack
Core Strengths
- Universal format support eliminates conversion needs
- Strong brand equity as a privacy-focused, open-source entity
- Robust network streaming capabilities for advanced users
Critical Frictions
- Recent regressions in audio playback stability
- Lack of modern UI/UX features like PiP
- Unreliable cloud/network connectivity
Growth Levers
- Capitalize on user fatigue with subscription-based media apps
- Implement high-demand features like PiP to improve retention
- Improve onboarding for network streaming to capture new users
Market Threats
- Competitors with more polished interfaces luring casual users
- OS-level updates breaking legacy network protocols
- Declining sentiment impacting App Store visibility
Key Takeaways
VLC media player is an established photo & video app that is completely free. With a 3.7/5 rating from 5.5K reviews, it shows polarized user reception. Users particularly appreciate free and open source, though playback glitches and audio gaps remains a common concern.
Where Is It Heading?
Trend analysis
Available very soon