What is XSPF, How to Open & Convert XSPF File

Those familiar with IPTV would have come across the XSPF file format. If you are on the other side and not familiar with the XSPF format, this section will clarify the same. Ever since the rapid growth of IPTVs, numerous playlists have been created. Over time, the users even wanted to transfer the playlists across the devices. However, not all the playlists seem to function properly on all devices. XSPF came into existence to address this issue efficiently and transfer the playlist with music.

Table of Contents

• What is XSPF File
• Features of XSPF
• How to Open XSPF File
• Compatible Media Players to Open XSPF Files
• How to Convert XSPF File
• Frequently Asked Questions

What is XSPF File

XSPF is abbreviated as XML Shareable Playlist Format File and pronounced as “spiff.” It is a playlist similar to an M3U8, M3U file, and WPL, but it organizes and lists the media files in the playlist using XML elements. It is an XML-based playlist file and is used to share the data format for digital media players. The playlist specifies the series of objects to be rendered. Objects can be in any form of media, including audio, video, text playlist, and much more. The playlist should recognize the object type and obey its sequence. It is a popular file format used by many media players, including VLC media player, Audacious, AIMP, Clementine, and many more.

XSPF files do not include real audio and video data. However, it stores only the information about the playlist and references to media files saved on your playlist library. In addition, it identifies what file to open and play in the media player. For XSPF file playlists, the mime format is application/xspf+xml.

Features of XSPF

• It supports Unicode to encode, represent, and handle text.
• There are no patents by the primary authors.
• It consists of MIME content type.
• This file supports cross-platform.
• Easy to convert files to M3U or ASX format.
• It is portable, flexible, and simple to use.
• It is a Desktop and Mobile Friendly file format.

How to Open XSPF File

Since the XSPF file is an XML-based text file format, you can use text editors like Notepad++, Brackets, Visual Studio Code, Komodo Edit, and many more to open, view, and find the location of the original files.

To open the XSPF file, right-click on the file and open it with any one of the text editor tools. You are able to see the location of the media files in text format. Then you are allowed to convert, edit, or modify the file using the converter.

Compatible Media Players to Open XSPF Files

Device	Media Players
Windows	Roxio Creator NXT Pro 9 VideoLAN VLC media player Pot Player Clementine AIMP Spifffy Cruxy Second Life Player Musicmobs or Mobster Yahoo! Music Jukebox Zoom Player Ace Player
MAC	VideoLAN VLC media player Clementine Macgo Mac Media Player I/ON
Linux	Amarok Audacious VideoLAN VLC media player Clementine BMPx GNomoradio Serpentine

Note: If you want to know an extensive list of IPTV apps that support XSPF, you shall click on this link.

How to Convert XSPF File

Unfortunately, you can not convert XSPF to a digital file format. But it is possible to convert the file into M3U format. An M3U file is supported on many compatible devices, and it is an easy way to play to file on more devices. You can follow the steps given below to convert the XSPF file.

[1]. Turn on your PC and launch the VLC media player.

[2]. Now, import an XSPF playlist into the VLC media player.

[3]. On the top left corner of the window, click on the Media tab.

[4]. Select Save Playlist to File option from the menu list.

[5]. Click on the Save button to convert the XSPF file to the M3U file format.

That’s it, you can now play the converted M3U playlist on other compatible media players.

Note: It is important to know that there is no third-party tool to convert the XSPF playlist into other media formats.

Frequently Asked Questions