“A Playlist is either a Media Playlist or a Master Playlist.”
The published HLS specification defines playlist structure, tags, segments, variants, and encryption signaling.
RFC Editor — RFC 8216HLS manifest inspector
M3U8 Playlist Analyzer
Analyze HLS playlists online and inspect variants, segments, codecs, bandwidth, audio tracks, subtitles, encryption and playlist metadata.
Related HLS Tools
Quick guide
How to Analyze an M3U8 Playlist
Inspect an HLS manifest in four steps without uploading the playlist to FlowPick.
- 1
Add the playlist
Paste a public M3U8 URL or switch to Playlist Content and paste the raw manifest.
- 2
Run the analyzer
Click Analyze Playlist to parse the manifest locally with m3u8-parser.
- 3
Review the stream
Inspect variants, tracks, segments, encryption and playlist metadata.
- 4
Check warnings
Use the health report to spot missing attributes and common configuration issues.
What Is an M3U8 Playlist?
An M3U8 file is a UTF-8 playlist used by HTTP Live Streaming (HLS). A master playlist describes available qualities, audio tracks and subtitles. Each variant normally points to a media playlist, which lists the TS or fMP4 segments played by the browser.
Master Playlist
├── Video variants → Media playlists → .ts or .m4s segments
├── Audio renditions → Audio playlists → media segments
└── Subtitle renditions → WebVTT playlists
Master Playlist vs Media Playlist
| Master Playlist | Media Playlist | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Describes available streams | Describes media segments |
| Contains | Variants, audio and subtitles | TS or fMP4 segments |
| Resolution | Often declared per variant | Usually inherited |
| #EXT-X-STREAM-INF | Yes | No |
| #EXTINF | No | Yes |
What Can the M3U8 Analyzer Inspect?
The analyzer reads common HLS playlist structures and reports the metadata that is actually present in the manifest.
Master and media playlists
Video resolutions and bandwidth
Video and audio codecs
Frame rates and average bandwidth
Audio and subtitle renditions
Media segments and duration
AES-128 and SAMPLE-AES signals
Byte ranges and initialization maps
Live and VOD playlist state
Common M3U8 / HLS Tags
| Tag | Meaning |
|---|---|
| #EXTM3U | Identifies an extended M3U playlist. |
| #EXT-X-STREAM-INF | Describes a variant stream in a master playlist. |
| #EXTINF | Specifies the duration of a media segment. |
| #EXT-X-TARGETDURATION | Declares the maximum media segment duration. |
| #EXT-X-MEDIA | Defines an alternative audio or subtitle rendition. |
| #EXT-X-KEY | Describes the encryption method and key information. |
| #EXT-X-MAP | Defines an initialization section for fMP4 media. |
| #EXT-X-ENDLIST | Marks a media playlist as complete rather than live. |
Why Can't an M3U8 Playlist Be Analyzed?
URL analysis depends on the source allowing your browser to read the playlist. Raw playlist content avoids most network restrictions.
CORS restrictions
The source may not allow another website to read its playlist response. Paste the playlist content or use FlowPick on the original page.
403 or authentication
The URL may require a logged-in session, authorization header or permission that the analyzer does not have.
Referer and cookies
Some CDNs only accept requests made with the original page context. The FlowPick extension can detect permitted requests on that page.
Expired signed URL
Temporary playlist URLs can expire quickly. Return to the source page and capture a fresh URL.
Authoritative sources
HLS Specifications and Browser Guidance
These primary references support the playlist definitions, adaptive-streaming behavior, and browser access limitations described above.
“HLS is designed for reliability and dynamically adapts to network conditions.”
Apple's official overview explains adaptive playback, alternate streams, live and VOD delivery, and media encryption.
Apple Developer — HTTP Live Streaming“CORS is an HTTP-header based mechanism.”
Browser URL analysis depends on the source server returning headers that permit cross-origin access.
MDN Web Docs — CORSFAQ
About M3U8 playlist analysis
What is an M3U8 playlist?
An M3U8 playlist is a UTF-8 text manifest used by HLS. It can describe available stream variants or list the media segments for one stream.
How do I analyze an M3U8 URL?
Paste a public HTTP or HTTPS playlist URL and click Analyze Playlist. If the source blocks browser requests, paste the raw playlist content instead.
What is the difference between a master playlist and a media playlist?
A master playlist lists available video variants, audio renditions, and subtitles. A media playlist lists the actual media segments for one stream.
Does an encryption signal mean a stream can be downloaded?
No. This tool only reports playlist metadata. FlowPick does not bypass DRM, paywalls, or other access controls.
Can the analyzer detect video resolution and bitrate?
Yes, when the master playlist declares RESOLUTION, BANDWIDTH or AVERAGE-BANDWIDTH attributes for its variants. Missing metadata is reported as unavailable.
Why cannot the analyzer fetch my playlist URL?
The source may block cross-origin browser requests, require cookies, a Referer, or a logged-in session, or the URL may have expired. Use the FlowPick extension on the original page when you are authorized to access the media.