VLC is the media player most cord-cutters end up installing sooner or later — it plays almost anything you throw at it, and it’s completely free.

What Is VLC Media Player?

VLC is a free, open-source media player made by the nonprofit VideoLAN project. It plays nearly every video and audio format that exists, including files that other players choke on, without needing extra codecs installed.

Key Features of VLC

Beyond basic playback, VLC can stream network shares and NAS drives, play files directly from a URL, cast to other devices, and handle subtitles automatically. On Fire TV and Android TV it works well as a local network player for content stored on a PC or home server.

How to Install VLC on Fire TV

VLC is available directly in the Amazon Appstore on Fire TV, so it doesn’t need to be sideloaded — search for “VLC” from your Fire TV home screen and install it like any other app, or use the button below to go straight to it.

Download VLC Media Player
This links to VLC’s official download page (it’s also available directly in the Amazon Appstore on Fire TV).

Is VLC Free and Safe?

Yes. VLC is completely free, contains no ads, and doesn’t collect or sell user data — it’s maintained by VideoLAN, a nonprofit, and has been a trusted staple of the streaming community for over two decades.

We do not condone the infringement of copyrighted material. Upgrade Guy does not verify if applications carry the needed licensing for the media that is accessed. If you feel like anything we have posted violates copyright laws, feel free to contact us so we can remove any issues.

Privacy Tip
Your ISP Can See What You’re Streaming
Right now, your internet provider — and anyone else on this network — can see exactly what you’re watching. A VPN keeps that private in seconds.
See VPN Deals → 30-day money-back guarantee · Works on Firestick, phone, laptop & router

There are affiliate links imbedded throughout this article. Purchasing through these links does nothing but supports us and costs no extra money for the buyer. We get a small kick back for your purchase. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is VLC really free with no ads?

Yes. VLC has always been free and open-source, with no ads, in-app purchases, or premium version.

Can VLC play any video format?

VLC supports nearly every common video and audio format out of the box, including MKV, MP4, AVI, and many others that some players require extra codecs for.

Does VLC work with network drives?

Yes. VLC can browse and stream directly from network shares, NAS drives, and FTP/SMB servers on your local network.

More Firestick & Sideloading Guides

Post Views: 175