Is There an Official VLC App for Apple TV?

Yes, VLC media player has an official app available for the Apple TV. Developed by VideoLAN, the “VLC for Mobile” application extends its legendary format compatibility to tvOS, allowing users to stream and play media that the Apple TV doesn’t natively support out of the box. This article covers the app’s core features, how to install it, and the various ways you can stream your personal media library directly to your television.

Features of VLC on Apple TV

The tvOS version of VLC is specifically tailored for a living room experience, offering robust playback tools without requiring file conversion.

• Format Freedom: It plays virtually any video and audio format, including MKV, AVI, WMV, and FLAC, without needing to convert them first.
• Custom Playback Controls: Users can adjust playback speed, manage multiple audio tracks, and easily sync external subtitles.
• Integration with Apple Remote: The app supports native navigation and scrubbing using the Siri Remote.

How to Stream Media to VLC on tvOS

Once you download the app from the Apple TV App Store, VLC provides several flexible methods to access your media:

1. Remote Playback via Web Browser

This unique feature allows you to cast files directly from a computer or phone. When you enable “Remote Playback” in the VLC Apple TV app, it provides a local IP address web link. You simply type that address into a browser on your laptop or phone, drag and drop your media files into the browser window, and they stream instantly onto your TV.

2. Local Network Shares

VLC can automatically discover and connect to media servers on your home network. It supports common network protocols such as SMB, UPnP/DLNA, FTP, and Plex servers, allowing you to browse and play files stored on a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device or a shared PC folder.

3. Cloud Storage Streams

You can link the app to cloud services to stream your personal media directly from remote servers. VLC on Apple TV supports integration with services like Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, and Box.