M3U8 is a playlist file format for HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) protocol, developed by Apple Inc., and is now widely used for streaming media video transmission. Unlike traditional complete video file downloads, M3U8 divides video into multiple small segments, enabling streaming transmission that downloads while playing.
The advantage of M3U8 format lies in its support for Adaptive Bitrate (ABR), which can automatically adjust video quality based on the user's network conditions, ensuring smooth viewing experience. At the same time, since it uses HTTP protocol for transmission, it requires no special server and has excellent compatibility.
Main features of M3U8:
- Adaptive Bitrate: Automatically adjusts video quality based on network speed
- Segmented Transmission: Video is divided into multiple small segments for fast loading and switching
- Cross-platform Compatibility: Supports various devices and browsers
- Low Latency: Supports live streaming and on-demand content