AI starts subtitling your videos thanks to VLC
AI will make videos on the popular media player VLC more accessible, the company announced at CES. VLC adds a new feature that uses AI to generate subtitles and translations in real time. No more browsing through obscure subtitle databases or syncing files. Instead, VLC’s AI will transcribe and display audio as the video plays, even translating it into over 100 languages.
It’s a notable shift from the way you currently add subtitles. If your video didn’t have baked-in subtitles, you had to search online for the right file. VLC’s new AI-powered subtitles aim to make that process redundant. VLC uses open-source AI models for the feature and said the whole thing will work on your device, meaning you don’t have to be online or send data about what you’re watching.
Of course, the AI doesn’t just transcribe; it translates too. Let’s say you’re watching a Korean drama and want to share it with a friend who doesn’t speak the language. VLC’s AI can generate subtitles in English, Spanish, or one of dozens of other languages.
Automatic VLC subtitle generation and translation based on local and open source AI models that run on your machine, work offline and support numerous languages! Demo can be found at our #CES2025 booth in Eureka Park. pic.twitter.com/UVmgT6K4dsJanuary 8, 2025
Bad communication
Of course, VLC’s AI plans aren’t a perfect solution. Any AI transcription or translation can fall prey to confusion, poor transcription, and clumsy translation. Accents, fast talking, and other elements can make the subtitles more annoying than you’d like. The feature will also likely require some serious processing power. Real-time transcription and translation are no small tasks, and older devices can struggle to keep up. It might be time for an upgrade if you’re still using VLC on a pre-HD era laptop.
Still, the potential is huge for more than just casual viewers. People with impaired hearing or who are learning a new language will certainly benefit from instant and (usually) accurate transcription and translation. It can be a real boon for students, international travelers, or others who want or need text to accompany their viewing experience.
While VLC is not unique in its use of AI for subtitles, it stands out in terms of ease of use and usability. Skipping the need for an internet connection or a subscription service makes it both cheaper and more private than other options. It may not always be perfect, but for most users, “good enough” will probably feel like a revelation.