Stream VLC on Discord: Fix No Sound, Lag & Black Screen

Discord is a popular platform for communication among communities, and VLC media player is widely known for its playback capabilities. While there isn’t a direct integration between VLC and Discord for streaming purposes, it is possible to stream VLC content on Discord using the screen share feature. This allows you to share your favorite media files with your Discord community with relative ease.

However, sometimes issues can arise, such as no sound, lag, or black screen. In this guide, we’ll explain how to stream VLC on Discord and troubleshoot these common problems.

How to stream VLC on Discord

Streaming VLC Media Player on Discord is a straightforward process that utilizes the screen sharing feature. However, to avoid potential issues such as missing audio, low FPS or blank screen, it’s essential to follow the correct procedure. Here are the steps to correctly stream VLC on Discord in a numbered format.

1. Set up Discord: First things first, you’ll need to download and install the Discord app on your computer. Remember that Discord’s web version doesn’t support screen sharing, so you must use the app. After installing Discord, set up your account if you haven’t done so already. If you’ve already got an account, simply log in.
2. Play a video in VLC Media Player: Ensure you have a video ready to play in the VLC Media Player. If VLC is not installed on your computer, visit the official VLC website, download the suitable version for your OS, and install it. After installing, open VLC and play your desired video that you want to stream on Discord.
3. Start a voice channel: Open Discord and navigate to the server where you want to stream your VLC content. Click on the voice channel you wish to use, and this will start a new voice connection.
4. Share your screen: Once you’re connected to the voice channel, you’ll notice a “Screen” icon at the bottom left of your Discord window. Click on the “Share your screen” icon.
5. Choose VLC Application window: After clicking “Share your screen”, a new window will open, allowing you to set up your stream.. Under the “Applications” tab, you should see VLC Media Player listed if it’s already open. Simply click on the VLC window.
6. Configure your stream: Before going live, you’ll have the option to configure your stream. You can adjust the stream quality, resolution, and frame rate as per your preference. However, some options may be exclusive to Discord Nitro, which is a premium plan. Once you’re satisfied with your configurations, click “Go Live”.

And there you have it! You are now successfully streaming VLC on Discord. Any friends who are connected to the same voice channel should be able to view the stream.

Useful tip: How to Share Screen on Windows 11 (3 Methods)

No sound in Discord while streaming VLC

If you encounter the problem of no audio while streaming VLC on Discord, here are some steps to help resolve the issue:

1. Verify Discord audio settings: In Discord, open the settings and navigate to the “Voice & Video” section. Check that the correct input and output devices are selected. Additionally, adjust the sensitivity settings to prevent cutting off audio.
2. Check VLC audio settings: Ensure that VLC’s audio settings are properly configured. Open VLC, go to “Tools” > “Preferences,” and under the “Audio” section, verify that the audio output device is set correctly and the audio is not muted.
3. Disable “Use an experimental method to capture audio from applications”: In Discord’s settings under the “Voice & Video” section, scroll down to the “Advanced” subsection. Try disabling the “Use an experimental method to capture audio from applications” option and check if it resolves the no sound issue.
4. Try choosing another audio subsystem: In Discord’s settings, under the “Voice & Video” section, you can experiment with different audio subsystem options. By default, it’s usually set to “Standard,” but you can try selecting “Legacy” or “Experimental” to see if it helps restore audio during VLC streaming.
5. Restart applications: Close both VLC and Discord, then reopen them. Sometimes, restarting the applications can resolve minor issues and restore proper audio functionality.
6. Update Discord: Ensure that you have the latest versions of Discord installed. Updates often include bug fixes and improvements that can address known issues, including audio problems.

If these steps don’t solve the issue, consider checking your system’s audio settings and verifying that your speakers or headphones are properly connected and selected.

Also see: Discord Stream (Screen Share) Lag, Low Quality or FPS Drop

Lag during Discord VLC stream

Lag or buffering issues can be frustrating when streaming VLC on Discord. Here are some steps to mitigate lag problems:

1. Lower Discord streaming quality: While streaming on Discord, click on the “Share your screen” icon. Hover your mouse over the “Stream Quality” option and lower the video quality to a lower resolution or frame rate. This can reduce the strain on your network and alleviate lag.
2. Disable OpenH264 Video Codec and hardware acceleration: In Discord’s User Settings, go to the “Voice & Video” section. Under the “Video Codec” settings, try disabling the “OpenH264 Video Codec provided by Cisco Systems, Inc.” and “Hardware Acceleration” options. This can sometimes help improve performance and reduce lag.
3. Check your internet connection: Ensure that you have a stable and reliable internet connection. Consider connecting to a wired network if possible, as it typically provides a more consistent connection than Wi-Fi.
4. Close unnecessary applications: Close any unnecessary applications and processes running in the background. Other resource-intensive applications might compete for system resources and contribute to lag.
5. Restart Discord: Close Discord completely, reopen it and restart the VLC stream. This can help refresh the application and resolve any temporary issues causing lag.

If lag persists, it could be related to your computer’s hardware capabilities. Make sure your system meets the recommended specifications for streaming and consider optimizing your computer’s performance.

Linked issue: How to Fix Discord Stream Keeps Freezing

Black screen in VLC stream on Discord

Encountering a black screen while streaming VLC on Discord can be a frustrating experience. Here are some steps to troubleshoot and fix this issue:

1. Disable or enable OpenH264 Video Codec and hardware acceleration: As mentioned earlier, the video codec and hardware acceleration settings in Discord might affect the stream and cause black screen issues. In Discord’s User Settings, go to the “Voice & Video” section. Under the “Video Codec” settings, try disabling or enabling the “OpenH264 Video Codec provided by Cisco Systems, Inc.” option. Additionally, you can experiment with toggling the “Hardware Acceleration” option in Discord to see if it resolves the black screen issue.
2. Update graphics drivers: Ensure that your computer’s graphics drivers are up to date. Outdated drivers can sometimes cause compatibility issues and lead to a black screen during streaming.
3. Try different screen capture tools: If the black screen issue persists, consider using alternative screen capture tools. Experiment with different software options to see if the problem lies with the specific tool you’re using.
4. Run Discord as Administrator: Right-click on the Discord app icon and choose ‘Run as administrator’. This grants Discord the necessary permissions to capture your screen.
5. Re-share your screen: Stop streaming, close both Discord and VLC completely, and then reopen them and re-share your screen.

Related resource: How to Stream Video From Link Online or Locally

Wrapping up

Streaming VLC on Discord is a great way to turn a solo activity into a shared experience with friends. Whether you’re watching a movie, sharing a TV show, or playing a playlist, Discord’s screen sharing feature allows you to bring your friends along, all in a virtual space that you control.

The process of streaming VLC on Discord is similar to streaming any other window using the screen sharing feature. This makes it a versatile tool not only for VLC but for sharing any content you want. However, sometimes minor issues can arise even with a powerful and user-friendly tool like Discord. One common issue is audio output problems, which can occur if you haven’t selected the correct output device in Discord’s audio settings. It’s always a good idea to double-check these settings before you start your streaming session to ensure everything works smoothly.

If you encounter persistent issues while streaming VLC on Discord, remember that there are other alternative methods and platforms available to explore. Discord is just one option, and you can try different approaches to stream VLC or other content to your friends.

Please note that streaming copyrighted content without proper authorization is illegal and against Discord’s terms of service. Always respect intellectual property rights and use streaming services that are authorized to distribute content legally.