# Open in VLC media player

> Adds a context menu item to send audio/video streams directly to VLC media player

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/open-in-vlc](https://chrome-stats.com/d/open-in-vlc)

## Overview

- **ID:** `open-in-vlc`
- **Platform:** Firefox
- **Type:** Firefox add-on
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** Andy Portmen
- **Category:** photos-music-videos,games-entertainment
- **Daily users:** 21,568
- **Weekly downloads:** 250
- **Rating:** 4.32 / 5 (254 ratings)
- **Version:** 0.4.5
- **Last updated:** 2026-07-31
- **First published:** 2017-03-08
- **Size:** 103 KB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-12
- **Store listing:** [Firefox Add-ons Store](https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/open-in-vlc/)
- **Website:** [https://webextension.org/listing/open-in-vlc.html](https://webextension.org/listing/open-in-vlc.html)
- **Privacy policy:** [https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/open-in-vlc/privacy/](https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/open-in-vlc/privacy/)

## Description

The "Open in VLC media player" Chrome extension allows you to send video and audio stream links directly to the popular VLC media player from your browser. Simply right-click on a media link or use the toolbar button to open content in VLC instantly. If multiple streams are detected, you can select which ones to open. The extension also includes a tool to join multiple media files into a single WAV file, which you can convert to other formats with VLC. Setup requires installing a minimal native client, with instructions provided in the extension and FAQ.

This tool is perfect for users who prefer watching streaming media in VLC for its advanced playback features and supports convenient management of multiple media sources right from the browser context menu. Note that this extension operates independently and is not affiliated with VideoLAN or the official VLC team.

## Rankings

- #498 — Overall
- #38 — Games & Entertainment
- #70 — Photos, Music & Videos
- #2 — media
- #4 — player
- #9 — open vpn

## Permissions and access

### Permissions

- `storage`
- `contextMenus`
- `nativeMessaging`
- `webRequest`
- `scripting`

### Host permissions

- `<all_urls>`

## Safety

- **Risk impact:** High risk impact
- **Risk likelihood:** Moderate risk likelihood

### Analysis details

- Allows access to all websites, posing a significant security risk as it can monitor and modify data from any visited site.
- This extension was updated in the past 3 months. New updates may not be stable or safe.

> Some risk analysis details are omitted from this free response. [Upgrade to view the full analysis](https://chrome-stats.com/pricing).

## Review summary

Users find that the extension enhances playback by opening videos in VLC, providing smoother experience than browser streaming, especially on certain sites. However, it struggles with YouTube content and sometimes malfunctions, with some reporting it doesn't work at all despite installation. Additionally, initial setup is somewhat confusing and occasional VLC GUI glitches have been noted.

### Pros

- Works well with most porn sites, enabling smooth playback in VLC with less lag and better seeking compared to browser streaming.
- Provides improved video control and playback experience through VLC media player.
- Once set up and understood, it functions as intended, allowing videos to be opened in VLC.
- Integration with VLC media player offers a better viewing experience compared to browser playback.

### Cons

- Does not work reliably with YouTube videos regardless of requested lua scripts, likely due to YouTube restrictions.
- Some users experience that the add-on does not work at all despite VLC being installed and context menu appearing.
- Occasionally causes graphical user interface issues in VLC, such as videos appearing outside the main interface or hovering abnormalities.
- Setup process can be somewhat complicated and confusing initially, requiring users to learn which video stream to choose.

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Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/open-in-vlc)