Setting up an M3U playlist
Updated in August 20261 min read
An M3U playlist is a plain text file listing streams. It is the most widespread format, and the poorest: it carries neither a structured catalogue nor account information.
What the file contains
Each entry starts with an #EXTINF line that may carry attributes: tvg-id to join the channel to the programme guide, tvg-logo for its logo, group-title for its category. A channel with no group-title lands in an "Uncategorised" group.
https://example.com/my-playlist.m3u8Playlist URL or file
A URL is preferable: it re-synchronises on its own when your provider adds or removes channels. An imported file is frozen at the moment of import.
The programme guide
M3U carries no EPG. You supply the URL of an XMLTV file separately — often compressed — which the player normalises on its side.