VLC Media Player is famous for playing pretty much anything, but did you know it can also record your desktop? Whether you want to capture tutorials, demos, or quick screen clips, VLC has a built-in screen recording feature that’s surprisingly powerful. This guide will walk you through recording your screen with VLC, adding audio, clipping video parts, and even capturing your webcam footage. Plus, you’ll learn why tools like Flonnect might be a better choice if you want faster, cleaner videos with easy editing and instant sharing.
Flonnect in 30 Seconds: A Faster Way to Record and Share
If you want a quicker path from recording to sharing, Flonnect is worth checking out. It captures your screen, microphone, system sound, and webcam-all with just a couple of clicks. Then you can trim your recording and share it instantly with a link. No complicated setup, no watermarks, and perfect for tutorials, demos, customer support, and team updates.
- Available as a desktop app and Chrome extension
- Capture your entire screen, a window, or just a region
- Records microphone and system audio together
- Built-in trimmer + instant shareable link
Use Flonnect for polished results in no time, and keep VLC handy as a reliable fallback when you’re comfortable with its setup.
Can VLC Record the Screen? Absolutely!
Yes, VLC can capture your desktop! Although it doesn’t have a big, obvious “Record” button like some tools, it includes a “Desktop” capture option under Open Capture Device. Instead of just hitting a record button, you select Desktop and then use the Convert or Stream feature to save your recording as a video file (usually MP4). It works on Windows, macOS, and Linux and is great for simple walkthroughs or quick bug demos.
How to Record Your Screen in VLC (Step-by-Step)
Recording your screen using VLC isn’t just simple – it’s incredibly convenient, especially if you already have this versatile media player installed. Whether you’re creating tutorials, capturing gameplay, or saving live streams, VLC can handle it all without any extra software. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you record your screen smoothly using VLC Media Player.
- Open the screen capture window
Launch VLC, then go to Media → Open Capture Device… (On macOS, go to File → Open Capture Device…). For Capture mode, choose Desktop. - Set your frame rate
Enter 30 fps here-that’s smooth enough for most tutorials. If you want extra smooth motion and your computer can handle it, try 60 fps. - Save as MP4 with Convert/Stream
Click the arrow next to Play and select Convert (or Stream → File). Choose the profile “Video – H.264 + MP3 (MP4).” Hit Browse to pick your save location and name your video (e.g., how-to-demo.mp4). Then click Start. - Stop recording when done
Press Stop in VLC to finalize your video. Your MP4 will be saved in the folder you selected.
Pro tip: If you just hit Play, VLC previews the capture but doesn’t save a file. Always use Convert or Stream → File to create a real recording.
Related – Firefox Screen Capture
Adding Audio: Microphone and System Sound
Want to narrate your screen recording or capture your computer’s audio? Here’s how:
- Microphone narration: In Open Capture Device, select your microphone as the Audio device, then follow the steps above.
- System audio: Capturing computer sound is trickier because many systems need a virtual audio device (like VB-Audio Virtual Cable on Windows or BlackHole on macOS). After installing one, select it in VLC’s Audio device list and test a short recording to check levels.
If setting up virtual audio sounds too complex, Flonnect automatically records your mic and system sound together-no extra drivers needed.
Quick Checklist: VLC Media Player Screen Recording
Before you start, decide what you want to show and where to save your video. Setting 30 fps and MP4 usually hits the sweet spot for smoothness and compatibility. If you need audio, decide if it’s just your voice, system sound, or both.
- Choose Desktop: Media → Open Capture Device → Capture mode: Desktop
- Set frame rate to 30 fps
- Select Convert (arrow next to Play) → Profile: H.264 + MP3 (MP4) → Browse and name your file
- Click Start to begin and Stop to finish recording
Watch out for these two common mistakes: forgetting to select Desktop as your source or clicking Play instead of Convert, which will only show a preview.
Useful VLC Recording Features
VLC Media Player isn’t just a tool for watching videos – it’s also packed with hidden gems that make recording and editing media incredibly easy. Whether you’re capturing a live stream, saving gameplay, or recording your screen, VLC offers versatile features that simplify the process. Before diving into the steps, here’s a look at the most useful VLC recording features you should know about.
- Frame rate options: 30 fps is reliable and light on your system. 60 fps makes motion smoother but requires more CPU power.
- Multiple output formats: MP4 is easiest for sharing. You can also use WebM or TS via different profiles.
- Clip while playing: Enable View → Advanced Controls to see the hidden Record button. Use it to capture segments of videos without editing software.
- Advanced options: Capture specific screen regions or set frame rates via command-line flags like :screen-fps, :screen-left, and :screen-width.
Clip a Part of a Video in VLC
Need to save just a section from a longer video? VLC’s hidden Record button makes this easy.
- Open your video in VLC.
- Turn on View → Advanced Controls to see the Record button.
- Play and click Record at the start of the section you want, then click Record again to stop.
- Your clip will be automatically saved in your default Videos or Movies folder.
Record Your Webcam with VLC Capture Screen
VLC can also capture webcam footage without additional apps. Perfect for quick intros or talking-head clips.
- Go to Media → Open Capture Device.
- Under Capture mode, choose DirectShow (Windows) or the appropriate option on your OS.
- Choose your webcam and microphone devices.
- Click Convert/Save, select an MP4 profile, name it, and start recording.
Did You Know? The Record Button Is Hidden by Default
Many people miss VLC’s recording features because the Record button isn’t visible by default. Turn it on with View → Advanced Controls on Windows/Linux. On macOS, use the menu to enable Record.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
- No file after recording: You previewed instead of saving. Solution: Use Convert or Stream → File and confirm the save path before starting.
- No sound: Wrong audio device or system audio not routed. Select the correct mic or install a virtual audio device for system sound and test.
- Choppy or laggy video: Too high frame rate or system overloaded. Close heavy apps and try 30 fps or 24 fps.
- Wrong monitor recorded: VLC records the primary screen by default. Move your app to the main display or use advanced screen-left/width options.
Best-Practice Settings for Most Users
Here’s a solid setup to start with:
- Frame rate: 30 fps
- Format: MP4 (H.264 + MP3)
- Audio: Mic for voice-over; virtual device for system sound if needed
- Recording length: Keep tutorials concise and split longer ones for easy watching
VLC vs. Flonnect: Which Should You Use?
| Feature | VLC Desktop Capture | Flonnect Screen Recorder |
| Cost | Free | Free to start |
| Setup | A few clicks, menu-driven | One-click record (app or extension) |
| Mic + System Audio | Needs virtual audio device setup | Built-in mic + system audio |
| Webcam Overlay | Limited | Easy one-click overlay |
| Editing | External editor required | Built-in trimmer |
| Sharing | Save and upload manually | Instant share link |
| Watermark | None | None |
| Best For | Occasional basic captures | Frequent tutorials and demos |
If you want simple, free captures and don’t mind a bit of setup, VLC is great. If you want smooth, polished results fast with mic + system sound, built-in editing, and sharing, Flonnect is the better choice.
Advanced Tips: Region Capture & Automation
If you need to capture a specific screen region or automate recordings repeatedly, VLC supports advanced screen module options like:
- Set frame rate with :screen-fps=30
- Define start offset with :screen-left=0 and :screen-top=0
- Specify capture size with :screen-width=1920 and :screen-height=1080
These can be added in Show more options or passed via command line depending on your OS.
Quick Fix Table: Frequent VLC Recording Errors
| Problem | Likely Cause | Quick Fix |
| No file saved | Clicked Play instead of Convert | Use Convert, pick H.264 + MP3 (MP4), set filename, Start |
| No audio | Wrong or missing device | Select mic; install/select virtual device for system audio |
| Choppy video | System overload or high fps | Close heavy apps; set to 30 fps or 24 fps |
| Wrong monitor | Primary display mismatch | Move app to main screen or set :screen-left/width/height |
Creator’s Checklist: Make Your Tutorials Clearer
A few simple steps will make your videos easier and more enjoyable for your viewers:
- Plan your steps before recording to keep focused
- Clean your desktop and silence notifications
- Break longer tutorials into chunks with clear titles
- Move the mouse deliberately so it’s easy to follow
- Test audio with a short clip before you start
- Trim dead air at the start and end before sharing
Wrap-Up
Recording your screen with VLC Capture Screen is straightforward once you know the steps: pick Desktop, set 30 fps, Convert to MP4, and Stop to save. It’s free and perfect for quick, simple recordings. But if you want mic plus system sound at once, webcam overlays, built-in video trimming, and instant sharing, Flonnect offers a faster, cleaner workflow.
Give both a try and see which fits your style and needs best. Happy recording!
FAQs for VLC Capture Screen
Q1. How do I start a VLC screen recording?
Ans:- Go to Open Capture Device → Desktop → arrow next to Play → Convert → select H.264 + MP3 (MP4) → pick a filename → Start → Stop to finish.
Q2. Can VLC record system audio and my voice together?
Ans:- Yes, but you usually need a virtual audio device for system audio. Select your mic for narration and the virtual device in VLC.
Q3. What frame rate should I use?
Ans:- 30 fps is great for most tutorials. Use 60 fps if your computer can handle it and you want extra smoothness.
Q4. Can I record just my webcam with VLC?
Ans:- Absolutely. Just choose your webcam and mic in Open Capture Device and save like normal.
Q5. How do I clip a section of a video in VLC?
Ans:- Enable View → Advanced Controls, play the video, and use the Record button to mark clip start and stop. The clip saves automatically.