How to play two videos at the same time using VLC Media Player

Instead of struggling with multiple apps or devices, you should use VLC Media Player. The following article will show you a quick trick that allows you to play two media files at the same time.

Customize VLC settings to play two videos at the same time

Even though VLC has many impressive features, you can't just drag and drop a second video and have them play at the same time. Here's how you can change VLC's default settings so it can play two videos at the same time:

1. Launch VLC Media Player.

2. Open the Tools menu and go to Preferences . Or use the VLC keyboard shortcut Ctrl + P .

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3. In the Preferences window , click Interface .

4. Select the Simple option under Show settings .

5. Uncheck Allow only one instance . This way you can open multiple instances of VLC, which will allow you to play videos side by side.

6. Click Save to apply the new VLC changes.

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If you own a Mac, you can't play multiple versions of VLC Media Player by adjusting the app's settings. Instead, you'll have to use another method to run multiple copies of the VLC app on your Mac.

How to sync two videos in VLC Media Player

The best thing about playing two videos at the same time with VLC Media Player is that you can easily synchronize their playback. Here's how you can do it:

1. Launch VLC Media Player.

2. Go to Media > Open Multiple Files . Or press Ctrl + Shift + O .

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3. Add the first video by clicking the Add button and browsing to its location.

4. In the Open Media pop-up window , select Show more options .

5. Select Play another media synchronously .

6. Click the Browse button next to Extra media and select the second video.

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7. After you add both videos, click Play at the bottom of the window.

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Now, you can play multiple videos using VLC. However, VLC will not arrange its windows so you can play videos side by side and analyze or compare them. Instead, you'll have to adjust the windows by resizing and repositioning them manually. Or you can use Windows snap layout to rearrange VLC Media Player windows.

Now, you can simultaneously control video playback. You can adjust speed and sound or even edit two videos. In the first video's window, go to Tools > Effects and filters . You can change audio and video effects or adjust sync settings.

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Can video and audio files be played at the same time?

With VLC Media Player, you can play video and audio files at the same time. This can be useful if you want to add commentary or test voiceover languages. To add an audio file, follow the steps above and instead of the second video, select the audio file.

Once you have added both files, click Play . This time, VLC will play two files in the same window. This way, you can check the audio and video file synchronization, then adjust it.

Additionally, you can use VLC to remove the audio from one of the videos.

Isabella Humphrey

Update 17 October 2023