VLC WebM Tips - How to Play and Convert WebM Video using VLC Media Player?

It's fairly simple to play WebM video file with VLC: click on "Media" > "Open File", then load and play the video. Alternatively, just drag and drop the WebM video into the VLC window. However, some people complain that every time they have to open the videos by right clicking > Open with > VLC. Is there any way to set VLC as the default player to play WebM video through a direct double-click? Sure, I've compiled three solutions below.

Also Read: Can VLC Play AVI | YouTube to WebM Conversion | VLC Convert MOV | VLC MKV Playback Issues | VLC MP4 Not Playing

Method 1. Check File Type Association in the Course of VLC Installation

When you first install VLC or just make an update, do not blindly keep clicking on those Next buttons. On "Choose Components" window, scroll down the list and you'll see the "File Type Association" section. Ensure the "Video Files" option is checked, which contains .webm file type. Then go ahead and finish VLC setup, and file icon of all your WebM files will become the familiar traffic cones.

Method 2. Change File Type Association in File Properties

Right click on one .webm video file and go to "Properties". Under "General" tab, press "Change" button and choose VLC Media Player. If you cannot see it in the Recommended Programs, expand Other Programs option or click on "Browse" button to locate your VLC. Don't forget to check "Always use the selected program to open this kind of file" in Windows 7 or "Always use this app to open .webm files" in Windows 10/11. Lastly, click OK.

Method 3. Set up Association with WebM in VLC

Open VLC, go to "Tools" > "Preferences", scroll down the Interface Settings, click on "Set up association" button. Check ".webm" option and save the settings.

Quite a few people have known that VLC can serve as a handy video converter. If you are completely in the dark, follow the simple steps below.

Step 1. Run VLC Media Player, click on "Media" and go to "Convert / Save" option.

Step 2. Click "Add" button under "File" tab to import the .webm file. Batch conversion is allowed as well. Then press "Convert / Save" button.

Step 3. For VLC WebM to MP4 conversion, select "Video - H.264 + MP3 (MP4)" or "Video - H.265 + MP3 (MP4)" in the drop-down list of format profile. Also, you're able to convert .webm to other formats and devices.

Step 4. Specify the destination directory and hit "Start" button to convert .webm video to MP4 format.

Tips: To convert other video files to .webm format, the other steps remain the same, the only difference is Step 3. Simple select "Video - VP80 + Vorbis (Webm)" as the output format. Currently, it hasn’t supported VP9 yet, we can look forward to further updates.

Generally speaking, VLC is able to convert any video as long as it can open and play it. However, I've run into the unexpected WebM video choppy/stutter playback and conversion failure more than once and twice. I suppose this could be due to various factors ranging from the file itself, to the computer hardware configuration. So the conversion matters should be left to the correct program. Free HD Video Converter Factory may be a stranger to you, but it can meet all your common A/V conversion needs. This freeware aims to solve any video/audio incompatibility issue.

Before start, free downloadfree download and install the freeware, then follow the super simple steps to convert WebM files to any video format.

Step 1. Launch Free HD Video Converter Factory and open Converter module. Drag and drop your WebM files into this program.

Step 2. Open the output format list on the right side and select your desired format or device profile among 500+ configured presets. You’re also allowed to convert any video files like MP4 to WebM format, whether VP8, VP9, or AV1 video codec is fully supported.

Step 3. Define the output folder and hit Run to start the conversion.