What is VidPlayer?

VidPlayer is a fast, lightweight audio player for Windows with a focus on playlists, drag & drop, double-click to play, and a Windows 7-style Aero glass look. It started as a small personal project and slowly mutated into a full "media player from an alternate 2000s timeline".

The goal is simple: make something that feels like installing a cool audio player from a magazine cover-disc in 2004, but with modern code, modern OS support, and way fewer toolbars. 😎

Branches of the Project

Modern Sonic Fan Tech Editions

The modern branch is the version built for Windows 7–11, updated regularly with new features, bugfixes, and experiments like CD support and ripping, theming tweaks, and quality-of-life stuff. These builds live on the GitHub releases page.

axel613's Retro Fork

A special retro fork made by axel613, aimed at genuine Windows 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000, XP, and even 3.1 hardware. It has:

  • Classic setup.exe installer like an old CD-R software disc
  • Manuals and a fake 2000s-style software box
  • Plans for a Windows 3.1 shareware edition that loves MIDI and tiny MP3s

Both branches share the same "VidPlayer spirit", but each is tuned for its era.

C++ Port WIP

A full C++ port is currently in development. The goal is a native, blazing-fast build with no Python runtime dependency — same VidPlayer soul, rebuilt from the ground up.

Open Source & License

VidPlayer is now source-available. You're welcome to study the code, build your own versions, and contribute fixes or new features.

However, there are some rules:

  • You must give proper credit to the original creator(s).
  • Don't sell it or bundle it with paid stuff without getting permission first.
  • Read the LICENSE page for full details.

TL;DR: have fun, make cool forks, but don't be a jerk.

Credits

Core Development

  • Sonic Fan Tech / Sonic Fan Games — Original creator, main developer, modern builds
  • axel613 — Retro fork developer (Windows 95–7 + Windows 3.1 shareware project)

Design & Aesthetic

  • Aero glass theme and "Windows 7 but cooler" look
  • 2000s-style website idea and general vibe — late-night Discord brainstorming
  • Retro CD-ROM installer aesthetic — classic setup.exe energy

Community & Contributors

  • Everyone who filed a bug report, opened a GitHub issue, or sent feedback
  • Discord users who tested builds on their actual vintage Windows hardware
  • The people still running real Windows 95 / 98 / XP machines in 2025 — you are the target audience
  • Everyone who loves physical CDs, floppies, printed manuals, and software boxes

Open Source Libraries

  • Python — the runtime powering modern builds
  • PySide6 / Qt — UI framework for the Aero Glass interface
  • FFmpeg — audio processing and CD ripping
  • VLC / libVLC — experimental audio CD playback

If your name should be on this page and isn't — poke the devs and we'll add you.