VideoLAN, the non-profit organization behind the widely-used VLC media player, is rolling out a groundbreaking AI feature that will let users add subtitles to any video directly within the player.

The announcement, made during a showcase in Las Vegas, also revealed that the tool can automatically translate subtitles, enabling viewers to enjoy content in their preferred language.

No Internet Needed

Whether it’s a personal video or a legally downloaded movie for offline viewing, VLC’s upcoming feature will let users generate subtitles even without an existing subtitle file. What sets this tool apart is its ability to function entirely offline, powered by AI running locally on your device. This eliminates the need for an internet connection, safeguarding user privacy and cutting reliance on remote data centers.


Unlike many AI-powered services, VLC media player requires no logins or personal information to download, install, or use, ensuring complete anonymity.

While VideoLAN has yet to confirm the hardware specifications needed to support this feature, it is anticipated that devices with an NPU (Neural Processing Unit) might be required. NPUs, which specialize in AI tasks, differ from traditional CPUs and GPUs. However, VideoLAN has not disclosed a release timeline, so users will need to stay tuned for updates.

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Accuracy or Comedy?

As exciting as this innovation sounds, the effectiveness of VLC’s AI model will determine its success. A highly accurate model could make subtitle generation seamless, but a less reliable one might lead to some unintended hilarity—or frustration.

For now, VideoLAN’s local AI subtitle feature is shaping up to be a significant upgrade, especially for users seeking privacy and convenience while enjoying their videos.