I think few open source projects enjoy the user satisfaction that VLC does. Even Linux itself is not as friendly to its users.
VLC (by cause or by effect?) also doesn't have evangelists trying to push it. It doesn't need them. Contrarianism is a strong motivator in today's culture.
absentbird@lemmy.world 1 week ago
VLC definitely has evangelists, they have just become the dominant culture so you don’t really notice it. They don’t have an advertising budget, it got popular through word of mouth.
I think Linux enthusiasts appear more evangelical because of the deep entrenchment of Windows; you are the push back and debate, whereas with VLC you just see people recommending it and people being grateful for the recommendation.