VLC media player will use AI to provide users with subtitles

VLC media player, developed by nonprofit VideoLAN, has surpassed 6 billion downloads globally and announced a forthcoming AI-powered subtitle feature at CES 2025.

The new functionality will automatically generate real-time subtitles and translations for any video using local, open-source AI models, ensuring that an internet connection or cloud services are not required, as demonstrated by VideoLAN at the event.

VideoLAN, which originated in 1996 as a project by students at Ecole Centrale Paris to stream video across their campus, has successfully maintained a free and ad-free model while expanding its platform across various operating systems. The organization continues to operate without advertising, data collection, or commercial revenue streams.

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Jean-Baptiste Kempf, president of VideoLAN, noted in a LinkedIn post that the number of active users of VLC is increasing even within the competitive landscape of streaming services.

The AI-generated subtitles and translations will function locally, negating the dependence on internet connectivity or cloud services, according to the presentation. However, VideoLAN has not specified when this feature will be rolled out.

The developers have indicated plans to release a blog post shortly, which will detail the new subtitle function. They have yet to confirm which languages will be supported, as well as the necessary system requirements for operating the AI locally. Images from the CES showcase indicate potential translations in languages such as German, Hebrew, Japanese, and French.

Featured image credit: VideoLAN