VLC is the free, open-source media player that plays just about any video or audio file you throw at it, without needing extra codecs installed. On Firestick and Android TV, it’s the go-to option for playing local files or network streams that the built-in players choke on.

Who Can Use VLC?

VLC is for anyone who has video files — downloaded, ripped, or stored on a network drive — that won’t play cleanly through a stock media player. It’s also a solid pick if you’re streaming a network URL or casting from another device and want a player that just handles the format without complaint.

VLC on Firestick

1. From the Fire TV home screen, go to Find → Search and type “VLC.”

2. Select VLC for Fire TV from the results and choose Get.

3. Open the app — it will scan your device for playable media automatically.

4. To play a network stream, choose Streams and enter the URL directly.

VLC illustrative install mockup
Searching for VLC on a Fire TV device.

Install VLC on Android TV Devices

1. Open the Google Play Store on your Android TV device.

2. Search “VLC” and select the official VideoLAN app.

3. Tap Install, then open it and grant storage access so it can find local video files.

4. Browse by folder or network share, or paste a stream URL to start playback.

Key Features

— Plays nearly every video and audio format without needing separate codec packs.

— Supports subtitle files (SRT, ASS) loaded automatically or manually.

— Can stream directly from a network URL, SMB share, or FTP server.

— Completely free, open-source, with no ads or in-app purchases.

For raw file compatibility, VLC is still the safest bet on any streaming device. Keep it installed as a backup player for anything your primary streaming apps can’t handle.