VLC is free software (certainly the versions I have used). Why would you purchas...

dagw · on Feb 18, 2015

Free Software licenses only apply to the source code, not binaries. And, depending on the license, you might also be allowed to make a closed source UI or shell on top of the software.

Why would you purchase it?

Because you want a nice supported easy to install version compiled and packaged for your platform

And who gets the money when you do?

The person who compiled and packaged it.

collyw · on Feb 18, 2015

There is a compiled version on the VLC page.

http://get.videolan.org/vlc-iOS/2.3.0/vlc-iOS-2.3.0.ipa

Is it just for users who want a one click install? (I have never used the app store)

bad_user · on Feb 18, 2015

Doesn't work, unless you're a registered developer and can sign it by yourself. Personally I haven't felt in the mood to do that just for installing an app. On Android it is way easier - you just click a checkbox in its settings, then download the apk.