05/03/2025
Jean-Baptiste Kempf, the visionary behind VLC Media Player, made an extraordinary decision—turning down millions of dollars to keep the software completely free and ad-free for its users. While many developers seek profit through advertisements or paid versions, Kempf remained committed to providing an uninterrupted and accessible media experience for everyone.
As the president of VideoLAN, the nonprofit organization behind VLC, Kempf has ensured that the popular media player remains open-source and free of intrusive ads. Despite receiving numerous lucrative offers from corporations looking to monetize VLC’s vast user base, he has consistently refused, prioritizing the integrity of the software over financial gain.
VLC Media Player, known for its versatility and ability to play nearly any media format, has been downloaded billions of times worldwide. Its continued success is a testament to Kempf’s dedication to keeping technology user-centric rather than profit-driven.
His decision stands as a rare example in the tech world—where monetization often takes precedence—that true innovation and user experience don’t have to come at a cost. Thanks to Kempf’s unwavering commitment, millions of users continue to enjoy VLC without ads, subscriptions, or hidden fees.
