How to Play Multiple Videos at Once in VLC (2026)

By default, VLC only allows one instance to run at a time. So when you try to open a second video, it just replaces the one that’s already playing. Here’s how to fix that.

  1. Open VLC, go to Tools > Preferences.
  2. In the Preferences window, click on Interface at the top.
  3. Uncheck “Allow only one instance” option.
  4. Also uncheck “Use only one instance when started from File Manager” option.
  5. Click Save.

Now open two video files — each one will open in its own separate VLC window and play at the same time.

VLC Preferences
Play Multiple Videos at Once in VLC

That’s it! A quick settings change and you’re done.

Does this work on Windows, Mac, and Linux?

Yes. The setting is available in VLC on all platforms. The steps are the same.