Those familiar with an IPTV might have encountered the word M3U as it is the most commonly used file format to watch TV over the internet. For others, the term might sound different. However, it isn’t that complex as it is a computer file format and is entirely text. Whether you are aware of M3U URL or not, you will find in-depth information about it here in this section.
What is an M3U File
M3U stands for MP3 URL (Moving Pictures Expert Group Audio Layer 3 Uniform Resource Locator). It was initially designed for audio files. However, at present, it includes both audio sources and video sources. M3U files are considered to be text-based and are path names for certain media content with a .m3u extension. If an M3U file is UTF-8 encoded, it is called an M3U8 file format.
Are M3U Files Legal
No. We cannot predict if an M3U file of an IPTV is legal or not, as it might hold titles with copyrights. So, there is a high chance for the M3U file to be illegal. In other words, M3U files may hold copyright-protected titles, and accessing them will bring legal issues. Considering the legal effects, it is always recommended to use a VPN while streaming an IPTV M3U URL.
How To Open M3U Files
Media players, both free and premium, support accessing IPTV M3U playlist URL files. The M3U file itself might include various file formats. When you try to access content from the M3U file, it might not be supported by the player you have. In other words, the player might support only a few file formats. At the same time, it might work well with an external player.
You can create their M3U file playlists using a media player like VLC. All you have to do a create a playlist and then save it as an M3U file option. It means that the playlist you have created is now saved as an M3U file that you can access on a player.
How to Build M3U Playlist
Typically, M3U files are not created from scratch. For instance, you can save the file option as an M3U file in media players like VLC. The length of the audio in seconds is indicated by the number that comes after the “#EXTINF” portions. The title that appears in the media player should come after the time, and the file’s location will come after that.
You can move the media files and the M3U file to another system using relative paths rather than absolute locations. Additionally, you don’t need to make any changes to the playlist to use it. It works as long as the media files and M3U files stay related to one another, precisely as they were on the computer from which they were originally downloaded.
Can I Convert M3U Files
No. You cannot convert M3U as it is a text file. In other words, you cannot convert the file to formats like MP4 or MP3 to play. At the same time, it can be changed to another playlist file format. Some of these formats include M3U8, XSPF, and HTML. You can save the playlist to any desired playlist file using a player like VLC. To know what the M3U file is referring to, users can open it with a text editor. However, they need to save it in a text-based format like HTML or TXT.
Extended M3U and HLS M3U
The extended M3U introduces new directives. If they have parameters, they start with the ‘#’ sign and terminate with the Colon ‘:’ sign. At the same time, Apple developed HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) to impart music and radio to iOS devices. It is based on the extended M3U with UTF-8 encoding. The HLS playlist’s tags start with “#EXT-X-.”
How to Create M3U Playlists
Users can create M3U playlists using different media players on their streaming devices.
Create M3U Playlist using Windows Media Player
1. Make a New Folder on your computer, then transfer the required audio files.
2. Launch Windows Media Player and drag the folder into the Unsaved List section.
3. After that, by sliding an audio file up and down, you can reorder these audio files.
4. Select the Save list as… option from the drop-down menu in the top right corner.
5. Choose M3U as the output format, enter the file name, and choose a destination folder.
6. Create an M3U playlist by clicking the Save button.
Create M3U Playlist using iTunes
1. Launch iTunes and go to the Playlists section.
2. Click the + icon and choose New Playlist.
3. Select the Add To option to import the audio tracks.
4. Choose the File option in the top-left corner of the window.
5. Click Library, followed by Export Playlist.
6. Choose a folder to save the M3U file.
7. Also, enter a name and select M3U Files from the Save as Type list.
Create M3U Playlist using VLC Media Player
1. Download the VLC Media Player, install it, and launch it.
2. Right-click the window for the Playlist.
3. To load audio files or a folder, select the Add File or Add Folder option.
4. To build an M3U playlist, change the order and then click Ctrl + Y.
5. After deciding on a place, rename the file.
6. Create an M3U playlist out of the kind.
7. Finally, select Save.
Extended M3U Directives
| #EXTM3U: | File header/First line of the file |
| #EXTENC: | Text encoding/Second line of the file |
| #PLAYLIST: | Playlist title |
| #EXTGRP: | Start name grouping |
| #EXTINF: | To track information and properties |
| #EXTART: | Artist of the album |
| #EXTGENRE | The genre of the album Genre |
| #EXTALB: | Information about the album |
| #EXTBYT: | The File size (bytes) |
| #EXTIMG: | Image files, including covers or logos |
| #EXTM3A | Single playlist file playlist for album tracks |
| #EXTBIN: | Binary data |
Tags For HLS
| EXT-X-VERSION | The compatibility version of the file based on the media and its server |
| #EXT-X-START: | The chosen starting point for the playlist |
| #EXT-X-PLAYLIST-TYPE: | Playlist type |
| #EXT-X-MEDIA: | Media Playlists with alternative renditions of similar content |
| #EXT-X-MEDIA-SEQUENCE: | Media Sequence Number |
| #EXT-X-TARGETDURATION: | The maximum duration of the segment |
| #EXT-X-BYTERANGE: | To show that the media segment is a sub-range of the URL resource |
| #EXT-X-INDEPENDENT-SEGMENTS | All independent media samples that are to be decoded without other segments |
| #EXT-X-DISCONTINUITY | To denote the discontinuity between the media segment |
| #EXT-X-STREAM-INF: | The variant stream of the renditions |
| #EXT-X-KEY: | To help decrypt the media segments |
| #EXT-X-PROGRAM-DATE-TIME: | To associate the first sample of the Segment with the date and time |
| #EXT-X-DATERANGE: | To associate the date range |
| #EXT-X-DISCONTINUITY-SEQUENCE: | To allow synchronization between different renditions of variant streams |
| #EXT-X-MAP: | To help obtain the media initialization section |
| #EXT-X-SESSION-DATA: | To let arbitrary session data in a master playlist |
| #EXT-X-SESSION-KEY: | To get encryption keys |
| EXT-X-I-FRAME-STREAM-INF | To show that the playlist file includes I-frames |
| #EXT-X-I-FRAMES-ONLY | To denote that different media segments describe a single I-frame |
| #EXT-X-ENDLIST | To show that no more media segments are to be added |
What is M3U Playlist
M3U lets users access content on their streaming devices. It has been widely used by IPTV providers to let their subscribers access the content. You can stream these playlists as long as you want. It might include on-demand videos of movies and TV shows. In addition, you can watch live TV channels as well as other live events. These services have also integrated time-shifted media so that you can play pause and fast forward through content.
To get an M3U playlist, you must subscribe to an IPTV provider. However, there are free M3U playlists that you can access as well.
| Media Category | Free M3U Playlist Link |
| Sports | http://playlist.autoiptv.net/sport.php https://rb.gy/8ihlil |
| Music | http://playlist.autoiptv.net/music.php http://37.133.25.67:9981/playlist |
| News Streams | http://xml.autoiptv.net/news.php http://79.153.214.157:9981/playlist http://playlist.autoiptv.net/news.php |
| On-Demand Movies and TV shows | http://xml.autoiptv.net/movie.php https://rb.gy/5cozdp |
| IPTV Channels | https://bit.ly/2Cmk6zn https://rb.gy/uagrz6 |
Best IPTV M3U Players
Today we have different IPTV players that can access content from various playlist files. If you have a subscription with an IPTV provider that offers M3U playlists, you can access them on popular IPTV players.
VLC Media Player
VLC is a completely free IPTV player that can also access content from your device. It can play both audio files and video files. In the same way, you can access content from the M3U playlist. The best feature of this player is that it does not include any ads and is compatible with multiple devices.
- Supported Platforms: Windows, Linux, & macOS, Android, ChromeOS, iOS, and Apple TV
iTunes
Apple Inc. created the exclusive digital media player software called iTunes. The software was created for organizing and playing digital music and movie files. Using this interface, you may manage the files on your iPods, iPhones, and iPads. Through the iTunes Store, iTunes connects to the Internet. There is a lot of information available here, including videos, music videos, songs, TV shows, and more.
- Supported Platforms: Apple devices and Windows devices
Windows Media Player
Microsoft’s fully functional media player is the Windows Media Player, also known as WMP and Wmplayer. Any version of Windows comes with the player for no additional cost. Additionally, it enables users to watch videos, listen to music, and see images. Windows-based devices can use Windows Media Player.
- Supported Platforms: Windows-based devices
IPTV Smarters
IPTV Smarters is a user-friendly IPTV Player that is filled with useful features. It streams M3U, Xtream Codes, and other playlists. In addition, it has support for external players like VLC and MX Player. This app has support for Chromecast and Parental Control. You can also access the electronic program guide from your provider using this IPTV Player app.
- Supported Devices: Android, iOS, Firestick, Smart TV, Windows, and Mac PC
MyIPTV Player
MyIPTV Player could be one of the efficient choices to access content from your IPTV provider. It also gets access to the TV guide in XMLTV and JTV formats. Users can create a favorite list on this app or access multiple-channel playlists. It also has a feature called automatic channel grouping. Moreover, it includes support for external players as well.
- Supported Devices: Android, Firestick, Smart TV, Windows, and Mac PC
Pot Player
Pot Player is an IPTV player app already available for multiple platforms. It is well known for its support of the 3D experience. Users can get this IPTV player with zero subscription charges. Also, this IPTV player has support for various subtitle formats.
- Supported Devices: Android, Firestick, Smart TV, Windows, and Mac PC
Now, you know what M3U files are and every other detail related to them. With the IPTV players mentioned in the section, users can enjoy the best streaming experience. Therefore, you can stream content from m3U playlists. However, you might encounter streaming issues, and performing basic fixing measures will resolve the issue. Also, contact the customer support team of the respective IPTV provider.