What is M3U Playlist?

There used to be a time when we’d be glued to our televisions, waiting for our favorite show to air. We’d spend hours setting up the appropriate channels, subscribing to expensive services, and what not to watch our favorite content. Then came the internet, and gave rise to online streaming. Now you can watch whatever you want on the internet while making your own playlists of content. However, wouldn’t it be easier if you could just download pre-made playlists instead of putting in all that work? Why not, M3U Playlists allow you to do just that! Keep reading to find out the best M3U Playlist URLs and binge-watch to your heart’s content.

What is IPTV?

IPTV, also known as Internet Protocol Television is a service that delivers television programs through TCP/IP network, while traditional television programs are delivered to us through satellites or cable signals.

IPTV allows you to stream media for as long as you want, whenever you want. All you need is a stable internet connection. An IPTV roughly covers three categories, which are:

• On-Demand Videos: IPTV has several catalogs, and it lets the users choose whichever video or whatever show they want to watch at any time and for as many times as they wish.
• Live Television: this category allows users to watch the latest live television streams online rather than cable TV, with little to no latency.
• Time-Shifted Media: the technology of time-shifted media allows users to watch and replay live shows as often as they want from a more interactive and user-friendly menu.

If you wish to use IPTV to view live television broadcasts on your device, you must use files with an M3U extension. Your device’s media player uses the file type to distinguish between different channels.

What Is an M3U File?

M3U is an MP3 file’s URL. It was a format widely used for audio files; however, it has now expanded into containing information about multimedia files. Most multimedia players such as VLC use these M3U files to queue several files for playback. This is probably the most popular methodology used by multimedia and MP3 players for audio and live streaming on an IPTV format.

The M3U file contains information on the media that you wish to add to your playlists like basic knowledge about the channels and relevant connection information for each channel such as channel name, channel ID, and channel address over the IPTV server.

Once this information is retrieved, your device’s media player processes the M3U extension or URL and displays a channel list for you. You can then choose your desired channel and select what you want to watch.

Moreover, you can open these M3U files on pretty much all your devices: smartphone, tablet, or computer.

How Do Media Players Open an M3U File?

The process is simple. Just like how multimedia players can create playlists for your favorite type of content, these playlists are then compiled into one single M3U file by your media player. These M3U files can also be accessed using a text editor because the information compiled in the file is text-based.

Usually, each channel description has two lines: the first line contains the channel name, and the second line contains the direct channel address on the IPTV server. Moreover, it may contain a username and password for identification purposes and channel authentication.

Your media player will then read both lines corresponding to each channel, and separate channel names will display on the channel list. After which, requests are sent to the initial server, and the player will then send encrypted requests to the server. The server will convert the received packets to images on your device, and the desired channel will then begin playing.

Use a VPN Before Streaming

It is empirical to download and subscribe to an efficient VPN before you begin streaming or using IPTV. Using a VPN will decrease the chances of ISP throttling, hacking, or spying.

Without a VPN, your ISP or anyone else can easily view and record your online activity and later use it for inappropriate purposes. To avoid getting into any roadblocks, we suggest you subscribe to iProVPN for a secure and private streaming experience. It will help spoof your IP address, make you anonymous online and provide you with an additional layer of safety.

The Best M3U Playlist Download Links

Finding the right M3U Playlists can be tough since there are several options –  so many to choose from. This is why we’ve listed down all of the best M3U URL links. Here’s a list of all the best M3U URL links, ranging from sports to music, movies, etc.:

• https://rb.gy/8ihlil (sports)
• http://playlist.autoiptv.net/sport.php (sports)
• https://rb.gy/5cozdp (movies and TV shows)
• http://xml.autoiptv.net/movie.php (movies)
• (worldwide IPTV channels)
• https://rb.gy/uagrz6 (normal IPTV channels)
• http://37.133.25.67:9981/playlist (music)
• http://playlist.autoiptv.net/music.php (music)
• http://79.153.214.157:9981/playlist (Live News)
• http://playlist.autoiptv.net/news.php (Live News)
• http://xml.autoiptv.net/news.php (Live News)

How to Open M3U Files?

Opening M3U files is simple. You have to simply download the files from the links mentioned above, then copy/paste the URL into your media player. Select your desired channel and press play.

However, one thing that you must check is whether your media player supports M3U files or not. VLC Media Player is one of the safest media players. You can download it on multiple devices, and it supports M3U files as well. It is a free media player and so, a perfect choice.

Conclusion

M3U files are a great way to stream your favorite channels and an easy way to get all your favorites in one place. So, make sure to download from the links mentioned above. However, don’t forget to activate iProVPN before you download and stream any of these links to ensure that your online activity remains private and you stay safe from online threats.