They laughed when I played audio from the terminal. Then they copied my setup.
Ever feel like your media player is doing more than just playing music? Bloated apps, unnecessary background processes, and sluggish performance—just to play a simple audio file?
There’s a better way.
I remember the first time I ditched GUI-based media players. I was troubleshooting a headless server and needed to check an audio file. Installing a bulky application wasn’t an option, so I turned to the terminal. A single command, zero extra overhead, and my audio played instantly.
That’s when it hit me—why was I ever using bloated apps in the first place?
If you want speed, efficiency, and total control, playing audio from the terminal is the way to go. No lag, no unnecessary processes—just pure, seamless playback.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to do it using CVLC, the command-line version of VLC.
Ditch the bloat. Take control. Let’s dive in.
Download my FREE CVLC Cheat Sheet Now!
What is CVLC and Why Use It?
CVLC (Command-Line VLC) is the terminal-based version of the popular VLC media player. It provides a lightweight, efficient way to play audio and video files without the graphical interface, making it perfect for power users, automation, and resource-limited environments like Termux.
Why Use CVLC?
- Lightweight & Fast – No GUI overhead, ensuring smooth playback even on low-end devices.
- Automation & Scripting – Easily integrates into scripts for scheduled playback, background audio, or automation tasks.
- Remote & Headless Use – Run it on remote servers, Raspberry Pi, or Termux without needing a full desktop environment.
- Keyboard-Driven Controls – Navigate playback quickly using simple terminal commands.
- Supports Multiple Formats – Plays nearly any audio file, from MP3 and FLAC to internet radio streams.
For those who love efficiency, automation, and a clutter-free workflow, CVLC is the ideal tool to play audio from the terminal with ease.
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Installing VLC and cvlc on macOS and Linux
macOS Installation
To install VLC and cvlc on macOS, follow these steps:
Download VLC from the official VLC website.
Once installed, open the terminal and verify the cvlc command by typing:
cvlc --version If you don’t have Homebrew, install it first, then install VLC via Homebrew:
brew install vlcLinux Installation
On most Linux distributions, VLC and cvlc can be installed via the package manager:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install vlcCheck if cvlc is installed by running:
cvlc --versionFor securing your terminal environment, see our guide on securing Termux.
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Use Cases for cvlc Terminal Audio Playback
- Automated Audio Alerts: Schedule recurring audio reminders or notifications using cron and
cvlc. - Background Audio: Run audio in the background while performing other terminal tasks.
- Precise Playback Control: Play audio from specific timestamps for presentations or reviews.
- Minimal Resource Usage: Unlike GUI-based players,
cvlcoperates directly from the command line, reducing system load.
Basic cvlc Commands for Playing Audio from the Terminal
Playing Audio
To play an audio file using cvlc, use the following command:
cvlc /path/to/audiofile.mp3To play and automatically exit once the audio finishes, use:
cvlc --play-and-exit /path/to/audiofile.mp3This is useful for automation in scripts or cron jobs where you need to ensure the audio plays and the terminal session is freed afterward.
Playing Audio at Specific Timestamps
cvlc also allows you to start playing an audio file from a specific timestamp and stop at a specified time. Here’s how:
To start at 1 minute and stop at 3 minutes:
cvlc --start-time=60 --stop-time=180 /path/to/audiofile.mp3 --play-and-exitThis feature is helpful for long audio files where you only need specific segments played.
Automating Playback and Exit
You can schedule audio playback using cron. For example, to play audio every day at noon:
0 12 * * * /usr/bin/cvlc /path/to/audiofile.mp3 --play-and-exitCheck out our cron job automation guide for more details on scheduling tasks in the terminal.
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Expanded Sections on Advanced CVLC Features & Automation
Advanced CVLC Features
Enhancing your audio experience in the terminal goes beyond just playing a file. CVLC comes packed with features that give you full control over your audio playback.
Equalizer Settings:
Adjust audio frequencies using built-in presets or custom configurations. This boosts mid-range frequencies for vocal clarity.
cvlc --audio-filter equalizer --equalizer-bands 0 0 0 0 5 5 5 0 0 0 mymusic.mp3Playlist Management
Create and manage playlists for uninterrupted playback. Use vlc --extraintf ncurses for a terminal-friendly interface.
cvlc --playlist=myplaylist.m3uStreaming Audio
Stream online radio stations directly via CVLC. Perfect for listening to live broadcasts without GUI overhead.
cvlc http://stream-url.com/liveAutomation & Scripting with CVLC
For Termux power users, automating audio playback makes CVLC even more powerful.
Radio Alarm Clock
Wake up to your favorite online radio station by scheduling playback with cron. Add the following line to play a station at 7:00 AM daily:
0 7 * * * cvlc http://stream-url.com/liveAuto-play a Podcast on Boot
Create a shell script (podcast.sh) to automatically play your favorite podcast when Termux starts.
#!/data/data/com.termux/files/usr/bin/bash cvlc https://podcast-url.com/latest-episode.mp3Then, add execution permissions and run on startup:
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Why Settle for Bloat? Take Control of Your Audio Playback
Every extra app you install is another resource-hungry process running in the background, draining your system’s performance.
Why tolerate unnecessary overhead when you can play audio from the terminal with a single command?
Once you experience the speed, efficiency, and control of terminal-based audio playback, you won’t go back to bloated GUI players. Whether you’re on a lightweight system, a headless server, or just prefer minimalism, CVLC gives you exactly what you need—nothing more, nothing less.
Make the switch today. Trim the fat, boost performance, and play audio the smart way.
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