This article explains how to play an audio file in OPUS format, the WhatsApp voice message format, using a Windows computer or a Mac. The easiest way to do this is to use the VLC Media Player program which supports both the format. OPUS audio and many other formats.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Windows
Step 1. Install VLC Media Player for Windows computer
It is a well known and appreciated free media player that supports playback of a wide range of audio and video files.
- Visit the website https://www.videolan.org/vlc/index.it.html using the computer browser;
- Click on the button Download VLC and wait for the file to download;
- If prompted, click the button Save or Download to store the installation file on the computer;
- Once the download is complete, double-click the installation file icon. To start the program installation procedure you may need to click on the button Yup or Allow.
- Follow the instructions that will appear on the screen to complete the installation of VLC Media Player.
Step 2. Press the key combination ⊞ Win + E to open the system "File Explorer" window
The list of files and memory drives on your computer will be displayed.
Step 3. Navigate to the folder that contains the OPUS file you want to listen to
This type of file is characterized by the extension ".opus".
Step 4. Select the file in question with the right mouse button
The relevant context menu will be displayed.
Step 5. Click on Play with VLC media player option
It should be visible at the top of the appeared menu. The file in question will be played using the VLC media player. At this point you are able to hear the contents of the file.
If the option indicated is not present, click on the item Open with, then choose the program VLC Media Player from the list that will appear.
Method 2 of 2: Mac
Step 1. Install VLC Media Player for macOS
It is a well known and appreciated free media player that supports playback of a wide range of audio and video files.
- Visit the website https://www.videolan.org/vlc/download-macosx.html using the computer browser;
- Click on the button Download VLC and wait for the file to download;
- If prompted, indicate the Mac folder in which to save the installation file;
- At the end of the download double click on the installation file icon (the name starts with "vlc" and ends with the extension ".dmg"). A new window will appear.
- Drag the app icon VLC (characterized by an orange traffic cone) on the folder Applications. The program will be installed on the Mac.
Step 2. Navigate to the folder containing the OPUS file to play
Open a Finder window by clicking on the icon
placed on the system "Dock", then access the folder that contains the file you want to listen to.
Step 3. Launch VLC Media Player on Mac
The corresponding icon is stored inside the folder Applications.
Step 4. Drag the OPUS file into the VLC Media Player program window
The file will be automatically imported into the VLC program and will be played immediately.