An IPTV playlist is a text file, usually in M3U format, that lists TV channels and the web address of each channel's stream. Your player app reads the playlist to build its channel list. You normally receive it from your IPTV provider as a playlist URL, a link that always returns the latest version of your channel list.
What's inside a playlist
Open an M3U file in a text editor and you'll see something like this:
#EXTM3U url-tvg="https://example.com/guide.xml.gz"
#EXTINF:-1 tvg-id="news.example" tvg-logo="https://example.com/logos/news.png" group-title="News",Example News
https://example.com/live/news.m3u8#EXTM3Umarks the start of the file;url-tvgcan point to the TV guide.- Each
#EXTINFline describes one channel: its guide ID (tvg-id), logo (tvg-logo), category (group-title) and display name after the comma. - The next line is the stream address the player opens.
Playlist file vs. playlist URL
A playlist URL is better than a downloaded file. When your provider updates the lineup, the URL returns the new list automatically, while a saved file goes out of date. The URL usually includes your username and password, so treat it like a password.
Where a legitimate playlist comes from
From your subscription provider, delivered after you sign up. Many providers also offer an Xtream Codes login instead of (or as well as) a playlist URL; we compare the two in M3U vs. Xtream Codes.
How to add a playlist to a player
- Open your player and choose Add playlist (or similar).
- Choose M3U or URL.
- Paste the full playlist URL, name it, and save.
- If channels show no listings, add your EPG URL; see setting up and fixing the TV guide.
Want to test a playlist quickly? Open it in VLC. Want to tidy one up? See how to edit an IPTV playlist.