M3U is one of the familiar file formats that is used to access both audio and video files. However, most IPTV service providers deliver their content to the customers in the M3U playlist format. Hence, the IPTV streamers might know what it is. If you are unaware of it, no worries! We have gathered all the information about what an M3U URL is and how to open and access it on various streaming devices using media players.
What is an M3U File Format
M3U is the short form of an MP3 URL that is not an actual audio file. It is a plain text that is used to store audio files. Apart from audio, it also has the capacity to store video files sometimes. An M3U file format holds the URLs and the relative path names of certain media files and folders. Hence, you can use the supported media players to access it.
How to Create an M3U File using VLC
To create an M3U file with audio and video files using the VLC Media Player, follow the procedure below.
- Run the VLC app on your streaming device.
- Hit the View tab at the top of the screen.
- Select Playlist on the left side menu and right-click on the screen.
- Next, tap the Add File or Add Folder option and open the file.
- Now, arrange the keys and press the Ctrl+Y keys.
- Select the File location and name the file.
- Pick the playlist as the File type.
- Now, hit the Save button to create the playlist.
How to Covert an M3U File
Unfortunately, you cannot convert an M3U file format to an accessible MP3 and MP4 as it is just a text file. However, you can convert the file to another playlist format, such as M3U8, HTML, and XSPF. You can use the VLC Media Player on your device to convert it.
- Go to the VLC Media Player on your device.
- Click the Media tab.
- Next, select the Save Playlist to File option.
- Select the format that you would like to convert.
- Now, the file will be converted to the selected playlist format.
M3U Supported Devices and Media Players
| Device | Player |
|---|---|
| Android | VLC Media Player Rayo IPTV Player |
| iOS | VLC Media Player |
| Mac | Clementine Songbird Nullsoft Winamp VLC Media Player |
| Windows | Clementine Nullsoft Winamp VLC Media Player Microsoft Groove Music Windows Media Player |
| Linux | Clementine VideoLAN VLC player |
How to Play M3U File Format using the VLC Media Player
VLC is the best M3U player that supports different playlist formats, including M3U8, XSPF, PLS, ASF, CUE, WVX, and more.
1. Open the VLC Media Player app on your device.
2. Tap the Media tab.
3. Pick the Open Network Stream option from the menu.
4. Hit the Network option and paste the URL in the field.
5. Now, tap on the Play button to access files on your device.
Note – There are various free M3U playlists with thousands of live TV channels and video-on-demand content in different categories.
FAQ
Yes, you can convert the M3U file to text using a text editor. You can launch the file in a text editor and save it in TXT, HTML, or other text formats.
Yes, you can access M3U on Roku by downloading the desired IPTV Player on Roku.
The Rayo IPTV Player, Simple IPTV Player, and VLC are the best IPTV players for Android.
