If you're experiencing the same issue, try converting your video file to a different format like MP4 or AVI using a video conversion software like Handbrake or FFmpeg. This might allow you to play the video in VLC, but it's not a permanent solution.
I'm extremely disappointed with VLC's inability to play a simple H.264 video file. I tried to play a video that I recorded on my smartphone, but VLC refused to play it, throwing an error message that reads "VLC could not decode the format H.264". vlc could not decode the format h264
For persistent cases, a clean reinstall or switching to an alternative player is recommended. VideoLAN developers continue to improve H.264 handling; reporting reproducible failures via their bug tracker helps the community. If you're experiencing the same issue, try converting
Delete /Applications/VLC.app and ~/Library/Preferences/org.videolan.vlc → Reinstall I tried to play a video that I