What is a M3U8 file?
The M3U8 file format is used by audio and video playback programs to store playlists. The playlist consists of an Internet web path or URL, along with information about each track in the list (playtime duration). M3U8 files use UTF-8 character encoding as compared to M3U file types. M3U8 files can be opened using applications like VideoLAN VLC media player.
M3U8 File Format
M3U8 files are stored to disc as text files and are a popular way to store playlists for music playback apps like Spotify, Apple Music and TIDAL. These playlist formatted text documents can also reference online stations that offer streaming content from sites such as YouTube or Twitch TV using URL links in their title tags which is why they’re called “m progressives.”
M3U8 File Format Explained
An M3U8 file is a playlist file used primarily for multimedia streaming. It is based on the M3U playlist format but with an encoding standard of UTF-8, which allows it to store non-ASCII characters and support a wider range of file names and metadata. M3U8 files are typically used for streaming audio and video content, especially in HTTP Live Streaming (HLS), a protocol developed by Apple for streaming media over HTTP.
The M3U8 file itself does not contain the media data but instead references a list of media files, which are typically segmented video or audio files. These playlists can contain either absolute or relative paths to the media files, which are often split into smaller segments to allow smooth, adaptive streaming.
Key Characteristics of M3U8 Files
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Adaptive Bitrate Streaming | Its most defining characteristic is the ability to deliver the best possible quality without buffering by dynamically switching between stream variants. |
| Platform Agnostic | While developed by Apple, the format is now an open standard and is supported by virtually all modern devices and players, including Android, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. |
| Firewall Friendly | It uses standard HTTP protocols to deliver data, meaning it can easily traverse firewalls and content delivery networks (CDNs) without requiring special network configurations. |
| Highly Resilient | If a request for one small media segment fails, the player can simply retry it or, in severe cases, switch to a lower bitrate stream without crashing. |
| Industry Standard | It is the foundational technology for most major streaming platforms, including YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ |
Structure of M3U8 Files
M3U8 files are plain text files that contain a list of media files or streaming segments. Each entry in the M3U8 file refers to a specific media file (or segment) in the playlist. The file typically follows the following structure:
Header:
- The file starts with the
#EXTM3Utag, which indicates that the file is an M3U or M3U8 playlist. - In HLS streaming, the
#EXT-X-VERSIONtag specifies the version of the protocol being used.
- The file starts with the
Metadata Tags:
- The M3U8 file contains metadata tags that provide additional information about the media. Common tags include:
#EXT-X-TARGETDURATION: Specifies the maximum length (in seconds) of each media segment.#EXT-X-MEDIA-SEQUENCE: Indicates the sequence number of the first media segment.#EXT-X-KEY: Contains encryption information for the media segments.#EXT-X-STREAM-INF: Describes the media stream’s properties, such as bandwidth and resolution, for adaptive bitrate streaming.
- The M3U8 file contains metadata tags that provide additional information about the media. Common tags include:
Media Segments:
- The file lists the individual media segments (such as
.tsfiles) that make up the entire video or audio stream. Each segment contains a reference to a media file, such as:segment1.tssegment2.ts
- These segments are typically small chunks of video or audio data, allowing the player to download and buffer only a small portion of the stream at a time for smoother playback.
- The file lists the individual media segments (such as
How to open M3U8 file?
Text Editors:
- Since M3U8 files are plain text, they can be opened and viewed with any text editor, such as Notepad or TextEdit. However, viewing the contents will only show the playlist references and metadata, not the actual media.
Media Players:
- To play the media referenced by an M3U8 file, you will need a media player that supports HLS streaming. Popular players include:
- VLC Media Player: Can open M3U8 files directly and stream the content.
- QuickTime Player: Apple’s player can also handle M3U8 playlists for HLS.
- Web Browsers: Many modern web browsers (like Chrome, Safari, and Firefox) can stream M3U8 files through embedded video players (HTML5-based video players).
- To play the media referenced by an M3U8 file, you will need a media player that supports HLS streaming. Popular players include:
Streaming Platforms:
- If the M3U8 file is from a streaming platform (such as a live stream), you can usually play it directly within the service’s interface or app (like YouTube Live or other HLS-based platforms).
FAQ
Q1: What is the main difference between M3U and M3U8?
A: M3U is a basic playlist for local files, while M3U8 is its UTF-8 encoded successor designed for dynamic, adaptive HTTP Live Streaming.
Q2: How do I open an M3U8 file?
A: You can open M3U8 files with most modern media players that support streaming, such as VLC Media Player, MPV, or PotPlayer.
Q3: Can I download a video from an M3U8 stream?
A: Yes, various tools and software can parse an M3U8 playlist to download and combine all the individual media segments into a single video file.
Q4: Why is the M3U8 format so important for live TV?
A: Its ability to provide a continuously updated playlist of small media segments makes it perfectly suited for low-latency, resilient live broadcasting over the internet.
Q5: Is using an M3U8 file for IPTV legal?
A: The format itself is legal, but its use depends on the source of the content; accessing copyrighted material without a distribution license is illegal.
