How to Use an M3U Playlist

An M3U playlist is a plain text file that lists TV channels: a name, sometimes a logo and category, and a stream URL for each one. Your IPTV provider gives you either a link to this file (an M3U URL) or the file itself.

Two ways to open one

  • M3U URL — a link, usually starting with http:// or https://, often ending in .m3u or .m3u8, or containing get.php. Paste it directly into the player's address field.
  • M3U file — a downloaded .m3u or .m3u8 file on your device. Use the Upload button instead of the URL field.

Both routes lead to the same place: once loaded, your channels appear in a searchable list with logos and categories, exactly like a native app would show them.

What's inside the file

#EXTM3U
#EXTINF:-1 tvg-logo="https://…/logo.png" group-title="News",Example News HD
https://example-cdn.com/live/news/master.m3u8

The #EXTINF line carries the channel's display name and metadata; the line after it is the actual stream address. A playlist is just hundreds or thousands of these pairs in sequence.

Related guides

Questions, answered.

What is an M3U playlist?+

A plain text file listing TV channels — a name and stream URL per entry, often with a logo and category too. It's the standard format IPTV providers and players use to organize channel lists.

How do I open an M3U file?+

Paste the M3U URL into a web IPTV player and press Load, or use the Upload button for a downloaded .m3u file. Both routes work the same in our player, with no software to install.

Where do I get an M3U playlist URL?+

Your IPTV provider supplies it directly — usually a link ending in .m3u, .m3u8, or containing get.php. It's not something a player generates on its own; you need a provider or a legitimate free source like a public broadcaster.