This file format was originally created for playlists in Winamp software (or similar), but in time it came to be supported by most multimedia players software, such as VLC, Windows Media Player, Kodi, iTunes, or KMPlayer. M3U playlists can be played by a wide range of software tools, so streaming them at a later date does not imply using the same app that created the playlist. In this article, we are going to explore how to create and use .m3u playlists not only for traditional media players but also for IPTV or streaming devices such as Firestick.
How to create and use M3U playlists
1. How to create an M3U file from URLs online
The basic method to create an m3u playlist is to create a .txt file on your computer, which you edit with Notepad (or your preferred text editor). In this file you will add, one by one, paths to songs, movies, channels, or video clips you want. The m3u playlist is just a file that contains the index entries to each individual item in it, but it’s not a real audio/video file. Each file path should contain a 2-line description that points to the online source. The syntax of the source should look like this: The number following the “#EXTINF” section is the audio length in seconds. If the audio is being streamed online and no length is set, then you will see -1. And the m3u URL is the relative path of the M3U file. http://185.65.30.452:1223/Tv4243 You can drag& drop audio/video files from your computer into the m3u playlist, and then import it to your device using a preferred app or media player that supports the M3U file format. We will discuss below how to create m3u playlists in specific media players.
2. Adding an M3U playlist to VLC
You can find the m3u file format of many TV channels online – make sure you get both the #extinf and the URL. Also, you can convert YouTube channels to an m3u format using a converter (there are several available online, as well). Add all the info to your txt file and then import it to your VLC media player. The files will be played in the order they were saved in the playlist. Since VLC is compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, or Linux, you can use any device running on these systems and import this list. SPONSORED
3. How to create an M3U playlist for IPTV
You can use the above method to create your own m3u playlist. Alternatively, there are many sources where you can find pre-defined m3u playlists with TV channels and shows. Dedicated IPTV playlists can be found on GitHub, for instance. Most playlists are free, but they sometimes expire after a while. But once you sync the list with your device, you have permanent access. Then to stream IPTV, you need to use a multimedia player that supports the M3U file type. Depending on the device you’re using there are dedicated apps that you can find in your Apple Store or Google Store, such as TV Streams, IPTV, or Smart IPTV. Once you download the app, just add the URL to the IPTV playlist in the app and watch your favorite shows.
4. How to use M3U playlist on Kodi
To use m3u playlists on Kodi you need to first install the PVR Simple Client add-on, which works with your IPTV subscription, and then you should have the M3U Playlist URL, which should be provided by your IPTV provider. Then re-open Kodi and go to TV > Channels. you should see here all the available channels via IPTV.
5. Using the M3U playlist on Firestick
To use m3u playlists on a Firestick you need to first install an app that will play the menu files. In this example, we will use Perfect Player and an additional app that you need to have, Downloader. Allow the app then install the files then click Done. You can also delete the file after the installation is finished. To import the m3u playlists, open Perfect Player on your Firestick > go to Settings > General > Playlist. Here, you have to insert the URL offered by your IPTV provider. We hope that you found the article helpful. If you have any suggestions on the topic, please use the comments section below.
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