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How to Edit MP3 Metadata in VLC Media Player

VLC lets you update your MP3’s metadata - such as song title, artist, album, (and album artwork on Windows) - so your music collection stays organized. This article shows you how, step by step, with screenshots.


Step 1: Open Your MP3 File


  1. Launch VLC Media Player.
  2. Go to the menu bar and click Media > Open File….
  3. Browse to your MP3 and select it.


You can add multiple songs to the playlist, but you will NOT be able to batch edit in VLC.


Open one or multiple files

Step 2: Access the Metadata Editor

Once your song is loaded, go to Tools > Media Information (Window > Media Information on Mac) . Or simply press Ctrl + I (Windows/Linux) or Command + I (Mac).


Step 3: Edit Metadata Fields

In the Current Media Information window, you’ll see editable fields:


  • Title
  • Artist
  • Album
  • Genre
  • Track Number
  • Date
  • Comments


Update them with the correct information that you want to show up on the Upstream video player, Stream Designer or elsewhere.



Step 4: Add or Change Album Artwork


  • In the same window, look for the cover art box.
  • Right-click it and choose Add Cover Art from File….
  • Select an image file.
Sadly, this works only on Windows. Mac users can use iTunes / Music app to edit the metadata, including album art.


Step 5: Save Your Changes


  • Click Save Metadata at the bottom of the same box.
  • Close the window.


Don't forget to save!

Troubleshooting


Changes don’t show on Upstream and other video players? → Use a tag editor like Mp3tag or Kid3.

Album art missing? → Use a smaller image (<1MB).

Fields uneditable? → Ensure the file isn’t set to read-only.


✅ You now know how to edit MP3 metadata directly in VLC!


Frequently Asked Questions


Do I have to re-upload files to edit the Metadata?

Yes! Metadata will show up only if you've added it to the file before the upload. You can not edit the metadata on Upstream.


Does changing the file name change the Metadata?

No. The fields are completely separate in the file structure. You can, however, choose to display the file name instead of metadata, in the settings of the Display current audio element.


Do .wav files carry ID3 Tags / Metadata?

No! Only .mp3 files do.


Do video files carry ID3 Tags / Metadata?

No! But you can still display the video file name with the Display current video element on Upstream.

Updated on: 01/10/2025

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