In a major leap forward for video accessibility and global connectivity, the popular open-source VLC Media Player has introduced a revolutionary new feature: automatic AI-generated subtitling and real-time translation. The innovation was showcased at CS 2025 by VideoLAN President Jean-Baptiste Kemp, who demonstrated the player’s ability to generate subtitles and translate them into over 100 languages—all locally and offline. The feature is expected to be officially released to the public in early 2025, marking a significant milestone for the widely-used media player.
The new feature leverages open-source AI models to analyze video content and produce accurate subtitles in real time. What sets this apart from other solutions is its ability to operate entirely on a user’s device, eliminating the need for cloud-based services. This ensures greater privacy, faster processing, and accessibility even in areas with limited internet connectivity.
The demonstration also highlighted the potential for this technology to be integrated into various applications beyond entertainment. For instance, it could be used in disaster response scenarios, where real-time communication and translation are critical.
When is VLC AI Subtitles release?
Developers and early adopters can test the beta starting February 2025 , with the final version rolling out by mid-2025 . VideoLAN invites open-source contributors to refine the AI models further.
While the feature is still in its final stages of development, its potential impact is undeniable. By combining cutting-edge AI with the user-friendly, open-source ethos of VLC, this innovation promises to democratize access to video content worldwide.
For those eager to see the feature in action, VideoLAN has shared a demonstration video on YouTube, showcasing the capabilities of this groundbreaking update. As the tech world eagerly awaits its official release in early 2025
Watch the full demonstration here: VLC AI Subtitling and Translation Demo
