How to Install VLC Media Player in Debian, Ubuntu and Linux Mint

Read Time: 1 minCategories Linux Players 15 Comments

VLC Media Player is an open source versatile and renowned multimedia player, offering a seamless playback experience for various audio and video formats, which includes mpeg, wmv, mp3, dvds, vcds, podcasts, ogg/vorbis, mov, divx, quicktime and streaming of multimedia files from various online networks like Youtube and other network sources.

VLC, available on Linux, macOS, and Windows, can effortlessly handle a wide array of file types without requiring additional codecs. It combines a user-friendly interface, streaming support, and customizable features, making it a versatile multimedia solution.

VLC is your go-to player for a wide range of media needs, whether you’re a casual user or a tech enthusiast, thanks to its open-source nature, constant updates, and its standing as a top choice in the media player landscape.

Install VLC in Debian, Ubuntu, and Linux Mint

The recommended method for installing the latest VLC version on Debian, Ubuntu, and Linux Mint is by utilizing the default system repository.

$ sudo apt update
$ sudo apt install vlc

If you’re seeking a more up-to-date version, you may want to consider upgrading your distribution to the latest release or utilizing the Snap package of VLC, which offers VLC 3.0.18 in a stable snap packaging system, as demonstrated.

$ sudo apt install snapd
$ sudo snap install vlc

Alternatively, you can also use Flatpak to install the latest version of the VLC Flatpak package from the Flathub repository.

$ sudo apt install flatpak
$ flatpak install flathub org.videolan.VLC
$ flatpak run org.videolan.VLC

Once VLC is installed, you can launch it from the application menu or by running the vlc command in your terminal. VLC’s user-friendly interface allows you to open media files and discs, and even stream content from the internet.

VLC also offers a wide range of features, including customizable skins, subtitle support, audio and video filters, equalizers, and more. Advanced users can take advantage of VLC’s command-line interface (CLI) for precise control and automation.

VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player

In conclusion, VLC Media Player is the go-to choice for media playback on Linux due to its exceptional format support, open-source nature, and cross-platform availability.

[ You might also like: How to Install VLC in RHEL-based Distributions ]

Installing VLC on Linux is a straightforward process, catering to users of all experience levels. Whether you’re watching videos, listening to music, or streaming content, VLC on Linux delivers a reliable and feature-rich multimedia experience.

Hey TecMint readers,

Exciting news! Every month, our top blog commenters will have the chance to win fantastic rewards, like free Linux eBooks such as RHCE, RHCSA, LFCS, Learn Linux, and Awk, each worth $20!

Learn more about the contest and stand a chance to win by sharing your thoughts below!

Previous article:

6 Best Linux Apps for Downloading Movie Subtitles

Next article:

How to Install VLC Media Player in RHEL-based Distributions
Photo of author
Ravi Saive
I am an experienced GNU/Linux expert and a full-stack software developer with over a decade in the field of Linux and Open Source technologies

Each tutorial at TecMint is created by a team of experienced Linux system administrators so that it meets our high-quality standards.

Join the TecMint Weekly Newsletter (More Than 156,129 Linux Enthusiasts Have Subscribed)
Was this article helpful? Please add a comment or buy me a coffee to show your appreciation.

Related Posts

15 Comments

Leave a Reply

  1. Linux Mint?

    You just have to enter the Software Manager and search for “vlc“. Two options appear: Deb format (outdated) and Flatpak format (always updated). Click on install and that’s it.

    Reply

    • @Marco,

      Thank you for your message. You are correct that VLC can be installed on Linux Mint using either the DEB or Flatpak format.

      Reply

  2. errors!

    Err:15 http://ppa.launchpad.net/videolan/stable-daily/ubuntu artful Release    
  404  Not Found
Reading package lists... Done                       
E: The repository 'http://ppa.launchpad.net/videolan/stable-daily/ubuntu artful Release' does not have a Release file.
N: Updating from such a repository can't be done securely, and is therefore disabled by default.
    Reply

    • @Richard,

      The error message you are seeing indicates that the PPA repository you are trying to access does not have a Release file.

      There are two possible reasons for this error:

      The PPA repository is no longer maintained.
      The PPA repository is not compatible with your version of Ubuntu.

      To fix this error, you can remove the PPA repository by running the following command in a terminal:

      $ sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:videolan/stable-daily

      Once the PPA repository has been removed, you can update your package lists and install VLC using the following commands:

      $ sudo apt update
$ sudo apt install vlc
      Reply

  3. Obviously, the information hasn’t been verified. The latest VLC version offered by this PPA is 2.2.7 (2.2.2+git20170721+r59033+56~ubuntu16.04.1).

    Reply

    • @Kneekoo,

      Yes, I know that the PPA provides only VLC 2.2.7 version, thats the reason I have a added a notice, that users who using older versions should upgrade or use snap package for VLC.

      Reply

  6. I m looking for vlc setup for my ubuntu 12.04 OS but i couldnt get the package. Can anyone suggest me, where & how to download the .deb file.

    Reply

    • You can’t download and install .deb VLC package, as it requires lots of dependent packages. The only way you can install it using apt-get method.

      Reply

  7. i have tried it but not able to do so. i am new user to ubuntu i dont have net in my home i have pc but how to install vlc in offline

    Reply

Got Something to Say? Join the Discussion...

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us. We appreciate your decision to leave a comment and value your contribution to the discussion. It's important to note that we moderate all comments in accordance with our comment policy to ensure a respectful and constructive conversation.

Rest assured that your email address will remain private and will not be published or shared with anyone. We prioritize the privacy and security of our users.