VLC Media Player creator refused millions of dollars so he could keep it free for everyone forever
Published on Aug 25, 2025 at 1:28 AM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Aug 21, 2025 at 8:58 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Ben Thompson
The creator of the famous VLC Media Player refused an offer that was worth millions of dollars, just so he and his VideoLAN team could keep it free for everyone, forever.
VLC Media Player is one of the most well-known around the world. It is used on millions of computers, whether at work or at home. It is also available on Android, iOS, and iPadOS.
It was created by Jean-Baptiste Kempf, and he remains the current president of the VideoLAN company that developed the software.
While he could have had more money for the software, he decided that it wasn’t in his or the users’ interests for him to take the deal.
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Why Jean-Baptiste Kempf refused more money for VLC Media Player
Jean-Baptiste Kempf admits to not physically creating the Media Player itself.
But he created the VideoLAN non-profit organization, which developed the software.
The project initially began as a student endeavor at the École Centrale Paris, and its team now spans 40 nations.
As of the time of writing, VLC Media Player has well over four billion downloads.
It has been free throughout its life.
An interview with Kempf recently surfaced on Reddit, where he discusses the player itself.
He said it was a no-brainer to keep VLC free and ad-free, despite being offered plenty of money to host ads.
Kempf said that ‘money is jail, ‘ and while more is always nice, it’s not a priority for him or his team.
Kempf doesn’t like the idea of having more money
The French computer engineer said in the interview that for him, ‘more money would be fun.’
But he caveated that by saying that everyone else he knows who has more money is annoying.
Keeping the player ad-free has made it much easier for people to access and utilize.
It has also helped make it available on Android and Apple devices like the iPad.
The creator of VLC refused an offer worth millions to sell it so that VLC remains free for everyone, forever
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The software is open-source, too, which grants those who use it the right to modify or distribute the software.
That has allowed VLC to morph into other forms of video players, with it even spawning editing software.
VLC became famous for its iconic traffic cone symbol.
This is a reference to the ones collected by the École Centrale’s Networking Students’ Association.
Long may this bright orange traffic cone remain free for us all to enjoy.
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Henry is a content writer with nearly ten years experience, having written for various publications since 2017. Qualifying with a Sports Journalism degree from Staffordshire University, Henry loves all things automotive but has a particular soft spot for classic Japanese cars and anything Lancia. He also has a curious passion for steam locomotives.
