Similar to M3U, M3U8 is a widely recognized playlist file format that can be created using simple plain text. This format contains complete paths, relative paths, and URLs of specific media files or folders. Many IPTV services utilize M3U8 to deliver content, as it is easily accessible through various media players. If you’re unfamiliar with M3U8, this guide provides comprehensive details on what an M3U8 file is and explains how to open, convert, and create it on your devices.
What is an M3U8 Playlist?
An M3U8 file is an M3U playlist encoded with UTF-8. It is compatible with both audio and video players, as it directs them to the location of media files. This playlist format allows you to create a custom list of audio and video files. Additionally, M3U8 can include references to online media, such as internet radio stations.
M3U8 files provide fast access to stored media, enabling users to quickly retrieve and play the same audio tracks repeatedly. Furthermore, these files contain detailed information about the content within the playlist, making it easier to manage media.
Supported Devices and Players for M3U8 Format
M3U8 playlists can be accessed using various media players on different devices, as listed below:
| Device | Players |
|---|---|
| Android | Pocket IPTV, OTT Player |
| Windows | KMPlayer, GOM Media Player, VLC Media Player |
| Mac | Clementine, Vidmore Player, Songbird |
| Linux | Clementine, XMMS, VLC Media Player |
How to Open an M3U8 File
To open an M3U8 file, you can use VLC Media Player by following these steps:
- Open VLC Media Player on your device.
- Click the Media tab at the top of the screen.
- From the drop-down menu, select Open File, or use the shortcut Ctrl + O.
- Browse and select the M3U8 file you want to open.
- Click Open to load the file on your device.
How to Create an M3U8 File
VLC Media Player also allows you to create M3U8 files from the media you load into the player. Follow these steps to create an M3U8 playlist:
1. Open VLC Media Player.
2. Click on the Media tab at the top of the screen.
3. Select Save Playlist to File and choose M3U8 as the file type.
4. Click Save to create your M3U8 playlist.
M3U8 is a versatile and widely supported playlist format, perfect for managing both local and online media. Its UTF-8 encoding allows it to handle diverse character sets, making it ideal for global media use. Whether you’re looking to stream IPTV content, organize your audio and video files, or create custom playlists, M3U8 offers flexibility, ease of use, and compatibility across various platforms and devices. With media players like VLC, KMPlayer, and Pocket IPTV readily supporting the format, accessing and creating M3U8 playlists is simple and convenient, ensuring smooth playback of your favorite media.
