IPTV Education · · 3 min read
IPTV Playlist Formats Compared: M3U, JSON & Xtream Codes
M3U is the most common format, but there are a few others.
M3U / M3U8
A simple text playlist listing channel names and stream URLs. See the full format explanation.
Xtream Codes API
This isn't a file. It's a live API that returns data based on your login credentials. See how it works.
JSON-based formats
Some newer or custom systems use JSON for channel and EPG data. Like Xtream Codes, it's live structured data instead of a static file, but it's less standardized.
Which one you'll use
Your provider decides which formats are offered. Most, including Xtreme HD IPTV, support both M3U and Xtream Codes so they work with as many player apps as possible.
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