Online browser-based HLS (M3U8) player

Test your HLS (M3U8) live and on-demand streams to see how they are played in the browser.

+ Add captions (VTT)

Add video url to start playing

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FAQ and Troubleshooting for HLS (M3U8) Video Player

If you encounter any problems while using the HLS (M3U8) video player, consider the following solutions:

1. Why is my video not playing?

Ensure the video URL is correct and the video format is supported (HLS).

2. Why is there no sound?

Check your computer's sound settings and ensure the video player is not muted.

3. Why is the video buffering?

This could be due to a slow internet connection. Try lowering the video quality or checking your network connection.

4. Why is the video quality poor?

Ensure you have a stable internet connection and the video source is of high quality.

5. How do I enable subtitles or captions?

If your HLS stream includes embedded subtitle tracks, they appear automatically in the player's CC menu. You can also load an external WebVTT (.vtt) captions file — click "+ Add captions (VTT)" under the video URL field. The server hosting the .vtt file must allow cross-origin requests (CORS). External captions are intended for on-demand videos, as a static file can't stay in sync with a live stream.

6. Is this online HLS player free to use?

Yes, this online HLS (M3U8) player is completely free to use for playing and testing your HLS streams directly in your browser.

7. Do I need to download or install any software?

No installation is required. This is a web-based tool that works directly in your browser. Just paste the M3U8 stream URL and click play.

8. Which web browsers are supported?

This HLS player works on most modern web browsers. Chrome, Firefox, and Edge play HLS streams through hls.js, while Safari plays them natively. Make sure your browser is up to date for the best experience.

9. What is an HLS (M3U8) stream?

HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) is a streaming format created by Apple that delivers video in small segments listed in an .m3u8 playlist file. It adjusts video quality to your connection automatically, which makes it one of the most common formats for live and on-demand streaming.

10. Why won't my M3U8 stream play here?

The most common cause is CORS: the server hosting the stream must allow cross-origin requests. Also make sure the link points directly to an .m3u8 playlist and that the stream is currently live or available.

11. Can I play both live and on-demand (VOD) streams?

Yes. The player supports both live HLS streams and on-demand (VOD) M3U8 playlists. When embedding a live stream, enable livestream mode to hide the seek bar and timeline.

12. Are the streams I play stored or saved anywhere?

No, we do not store or save any streams you play using this tool. The player loads the video directly from the URL you provide. Your privacy is important to us.

13. How do I embed this player on my website?

Click the "Embed Player" button next to the play button. You can customize the size and options, then copy the generated iframe code to paste into your website's HTML.
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