Watching videos or movies with subtitles can enhance the viewing experience, especially when watching content in a language that is not your native language. Many video files have embedded subtitles. If not, you can download subtitles from external sources.
However, VLC comes with a native plugin that allows you to download subtitles. It is called VLSub. It is the highest-rated add-on for the VLC Media Player due to its usefulness. Once you download and install the simple plugin, it will automatically search for subtitles for the current movie you are playing. You can check our guide on; how to install the add-on in VLC.
Download Subtitles Automatically with VLC Media Player
If there is no embedded subtitle or you are not getting subtitles online. Then you can download subtitles automatically with VLC Media Player. Here are the steps for different operating systems.
1. Download Subtitles on Windows
If you are using VLC Media Player on your Windows operating then follow these steps:
1. Open the VLC Media Player and play the movie you want to watch with subtitles.
2. Click on the View option on the top menu bar and then click on the VLsub option.
Note
By default, the VLsub add-on is installed in VLC. If you are not getting the add-on, you can download it from the VLC add-ons website.
3. Here, you will get the VLSub add-on option. To search for the subtitle, select the subtitle language and provide the movie title.
4. Then click on the Search by Name button.
5. Here, you get the list of subtitles, select the one you want to download and click on the Download Selection button.
6. Once the download is complete, click on the Close button.
Your subtitle file will now immediately begin to play on the screen. If the downloaded subtitle is incorrect, you can again follow the same steps to search for a new subtitle file.
2. Download Subtitles on macOS
For macOS, you can also use the VLsub add-on, but the way you access it is different. Just follow these steps:
1. Open VLC and play the media files.
2. Click on the VLC Media Player option, select the Extensions option, and choose the VLsub add-on from the drop-down menu.
3. Now, search for the title and select the subtitles that you want to download.
4. Then, click on the Download Selection button.
3. Download Subtitles on Andoird
If you use VLC on your smartphone, you can also download subtitles for your favorite movies and shows.
Here’s how:
1. Open the video file in the VLC Media Player app.
2. Tap on the Audio and Subtitle icon in the bottom left corner of the screen.
3. Expand the Subtitle drop-down menu and choose the Download Subtitle option.
4. It will search for and display the results. Select the subtitle and download it. After that, it will add the captions to the currently playing movie instantly.
Note
If you have subtitle files on your device locally, you can tap on select subtitle file and it will be added to the media file.
Conclusion
Your subtitle file will now immediately begin to play on the screen. If the audio and subtitles are not in sync, you can try downloading a different subtitle or check our guide on; how to sync subtitles in VLC.
That’s it; this is how you can download subtitles automatically with VLC Media Player. Now, if you want to customize the subtitle’s color, font, and appearance, you can check the linked guide.
