How to Use VLC to Record a Screen [Updated]

There are multiple options for screen recording software out there. I’ve used a screen recording feature for taking online courses, streaming gameplay and more. I also tend to have the latest version of VLC installed and find it a pretty simple way to make some quick conversions and screen recordings. In this tutorial, we’ll take you through all the steps to use VLC to record a screen with audio and video that you can keep.

I like to use one of the simplest options for these kinds of tasks, especially if I just want a quick result. VLC screen recording with audio is fairly straightforward. To do it, though, you’ll need to ensure that the VLC screen capture is ready to go.

Let’s walk through how to record with VLC. We’ll start with a step-by-step guide on how to record in VLC.

I still have lots of DVD and Blu-ray discs. Not everything is on the streaming platforms these days and you may find yourself wondering how you can quickly grab a recording of part or all of your video. Ripping a video clip from a disc can be a time-consuming process that involves finding the right software and messing with a lot of video and audio settings. I’ve sometimes recorded the video directly in the media player. Especially useful if I just want a clip.

VLC’s video capture capabilities don’t stop with its ability to record a desktop, though. You can also capture videos from discs using VLC. The VLC record video function is relatively simple when using a disc.

1. Start playing the disc using VLC media player.
2. Click VLC’s Record button next to the Play button.
3. When you reach the end of the segment that you want to record, click Record again to stop.
4. Navigate to the VLC’s Videos folder to retrieve your new video file.

Following esports means that I sometimes need to record screens, so the ability to use VLC to record screen functionality for streams is super useful. Not only to record your livestream, but you might also choose to make edits and/or upload it to other platforms like YouTube.

I also found some other uses for this as home security cameras and other recording devices that upload to the cloud could also allow you to record the feed. To learn how to use VLC to record a stream with sound, follow these steps:

1. In VLC, click on the Media menu.
2. Scroll down and select Open Network Stream.
3. Open your preferred browser and copy the URL for your stream.
4. Paste your stream URL into the Please enter a network URL box in VLC and hit the Enter key.
5. Click the Record button to start and stop recording your stream. The program will automatically save the streaming video.
6. Go to VLC’s Videos folder to find your VLC recording.

I make compilation videos and uploads that just need a section of a video to add a clip to a longer video project and VLC allows that too. You might also want to enrich a livestream or add to an online presentation. To record a part of a video with VLC’s record function, follow the steps above to enable the record button. Once you have your advanced controls selected, here’s how to record on VLC:

1. Open your video in VLC.
2. Use the timeline slider to navigate to the part of the video that you want to record.
3. Click Record and then Play.
4. When you reach the end of the clip that you want to record, click Record again to stop.
5. You can find your video saved in the Videos folder.

In addition to recording videos in VLC and capturing screen recorders, VLC’s video recorder can also record video from your webcam. This is a great feature for adding your reactions to a gaming stream or recording yourself for an online presentation or webinar. Here are the steps to record from your webcam:

1. In VLC, go to Media and then Open Capture Device.
2. Click on the Capture Mode dropdown menu.
3. Choose DirectShow.
4. You’ll now need to choose your video and audio devices. Click on Video device name and choose your webcam.
5. Click on Audio device name and select your microphone. This could also be your webcam if you aren’t using an external mic.
6. Hit Play. When you’re ready to record, click the Record button.

I am always using VLC for conversions, too. It is just a simple and easy tool. If you want to convert a file to a different video format then you can, but on Macs they have recently changed the way things work. I like the new method that doesn’t include clicking on the media menu. Version 3.0 has put this in the File menu rather than the Video menu. There are also a load of profiles that people can use to dictate the kind of video they want to convert to. Let’s walk through the process to convert your recorded videos with VLC.

How to convert a video on Windows:

1. Navigate to the Media menu in VLC and then click Convert / Save.
2. Click Add to browse for your video file and add it.
3. Hit Convert / Save.
4. In Settings, choose your preferred output file type (e.g., MP4, h.265, etc.).
5. Choose your export file’s name and destination.
6. Click the Start button.
7. When it’s done processing, your video will be saved in its new format at your chosen destination on your computer.

How to convert a video on macOS:

1. Navigate to the File menu in VLC and then click Convert / Stream.
2. Browse for your video file and add it.
3. Under Choose Profile, select a video profile you wish to use.
4. Choose the destination folder.
5. Click the Save button.
6. When it’s done processing, your video will be saved in its new format at your chosen destination on your computer.

I find VLC to be limited and this recent update took some getting used to. Even though VLC is capable of recording screens and recording video clips from discs, it may not be the best screen recorder option available in all scenarios and there are some other options.

I found it clunky to switch between sources and when I need to switch between recording screen or webcam in VLC, I don’t like going through several steps to get to the right settings in VLC’s Media menu. For this reason alone, many users find themselves looking for alternatives to record screens or webcam feeds.

If you’re looking for an alternative to the VLC screen recorder, you might want to consider Movavi Screen Recorder.

Movavi Screen Recorder is a simple-to-use alternative to VLC for your screen recording needs. This software is free to download and is extremely user-friendly, making it a popular choice for many who’ve tried to record screens with VLC. It is intuitive in a way a lot of the other screen recorders aren’t.

Movavi Screen Recorder comes with several convenient features that may be lacking from VLC. The capability to capture different video sizes from your screen, for example, is a big attraction for many users.

I like the option to just record a selected area on the screen. Movavi can automatically detect and record the active window in your screen that you want to record. This is especially useful for recording online presentations. I have used it to capture things like Zoom calls for podcasts. Other benefits of using Movavi include but aren’t limited to:

• Capture your mouse movement and keyboard
• Record in HD or 4K
• Draw on screen while recording
• Easy to set up and grab from screen or webcam in 4K
• Use the screenshot function to capture an entire screen or snip just a part of it, then edit and send via WhatsApp or email
• Save and share the results to social media or a messenger app

VLC isn’t always the most intuitive of interfaces. Sometimes it takes a little while to feel your way around and they have also recently made some layout changes. I do think the recording process is fairly easy once you know how to use it. I do find Movavi Screen Recorder is a more robust tool that allows you to perform edits and share your video right from the program. It is more of a useful tool for making.

As you decide which screen recorder will best fit your needs, consider a few questions:

• How often will you need to record from your screen or webcam?
• Will you need to frequently switch between recording your screen or webcam?
• Do you need the freedom to select only a section of your screen or a window outside of your media player to record?
• Will you need to edit your recorded videos before saving and/or sharing them?
• Will you be sharing videos often, and would it help to have the option to share directly from your screen recording software?

If you’ll only be recording one webcam video or one video from your desktop screen, you may not need a lot of the convenient features that come with Movavi Screen Recorder. However, if you’re participating in regular online presentations, webinars, or live streams, not having these features could quickly become very cumbersome.

Why not try downloading Movavi Screen Recorder for free today to see how well it works for you? The additional features make it an attractive alternative to VLC for all your video recording needs.