> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://vidow.io/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Cast Player — Stream Videos to Chromecast & AirPlay

> Cast any detected video stream to your TV. Works with Chromecast and AirPlay devices directly from your browser.

The Video Downloader Plus cast player lets you send any detected video stream to a Chromecast or AirPlay device on your network. Detect a video with the Video Downloader Plus extension, click Cast, and it plays on your TV.

## How to cast a video

<Steps>
  <Step title="Detect a video with the Video Downloader Plus extension">
    Navigate to a page with video content. The Video Downloader Plus icon lights up when a stream is detected. Install the extension from the [Chrome Web Store](https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/hkdmdpdhfaamhgaojpelccmeehpfljgf) if you haven't already.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click Cast">
    Open the Video Downloader Plus extension popup and click **Cast** on the detected stream.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select your device">
    The cast player opens and shows Chromecast and AirPlay devices on your local network. Select the device you want to cast to.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Video plays on TV">
    The stream begins playing on your selected device. Use the cast player controls to manage playback from your browser.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Cast player features

| Feature               | Details                                                                            |
| --------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Device discovery**  | Finds Chromecast and AirPlay devices on your local network                         |
| **Quality selection** | Choose from available quality levels for the stream                                |
| **Playback controls** | Play, pause, seek, and volume — controlled from your browser                       |
| **Thumbnail preview** | See a preview of the stream before and during casting                              |
| **Session tracking**  | Each session gets a unique identifier; sessions expire after 2 hours of inactivity |

## Availability

The cast player is available on both Free and Professional plans. No account is required — anonymous users can cast too.

Free users may have session limits depending on current plan thresholds. Professional users have no session restrictions.

## Requirements

* A Chromecast, Chromecast with Google TV, or AirPlay-compatible device
* The cast device must be on the same Wi-Fi network as your computer
* A Chromium-based browser (Chrome, Edge, or Brave)
* The [Video Downloader Plus browser extension](https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/hkdmdpdhfaamhgaojpelccmeehpfljgf) for stream detection

## Related tools

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="HLS Player" href="/tools/hls-player">
    Play m3u8 streams directly in your browser without casting.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Chromecast & AirPlay" href="/features/chromecast">
    Learn more about how casting works in Video Downloader Plus.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>