Open-Source Player VLC Hits 6 Billion Downloads, Integrates Local AI for Auto-Generated Subtitles/Translations

VLC, a player developed by VideoLAN, is a fully open-source player known for its simplicity, ease of use, and high reliability. It enjoys a vast user base across various countries and regions worldwide.

At CES 2025, VideoLAN showcased a booth to introduce the player, revealing that VLC has achieved a new milestone with over 6 billion cumulative downloads globally.

Moreover, VideoLAN demonstrated a new feature at CES 2025: the capability to auto-generate real-time subtitles based on a local AI model. This feature uses an AI model that runs locally to recognize audio content and generate subtitles, which can then be translated into multiple languages.

The reason for utilizing a local model is straightforward. Given VLC's extensive usage, employing any online AI service would result in astronomical bills for VideoLAN, making local AI operation the only feasible option.

Additionally, running AI locally addresses various potential privacy concerns. Data processed by locally run AI is not transmitted to AI providers, preventing the leakage of user usage data and other information.

However, VideoLAN has not yet disclosed when the local AI auto-subtitle feature will be launched. When it does, VLC might integrate certain small models to ensure compatibility with machines of medium to lower specifications.

In conclusion, if you're in the market for a local player, VLC is an excellent choice. It is ad-free, completely open-source, does not collect sensitive user data, and is compatible with various formats.