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How to Create M3U Files from URLs Online: Complete Guide
You can create a M3U file by adding all the URLs to a .txt file
5 min. read
Updated onSeptember 5, 2024
updated onSeptember 5, 2024
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Here’s how to create and use .m3u playlists not only for traditional media players but also forIPTVor streaming devices such asFirestick. M3U (file extension.m3u) is a file format that stores a list of audio files and/or video files or just the online URL to the actual audio/video content.
How do I create and use M3U playlists?
1. 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 tosongs, movies, channels, or video clips you want.
The m3u playlist is just a file that contains the index entries to each 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:
#EXTINF:-1, Pro Sport 2
http://185.65.30.452:1223/Tv4243
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. The M3U URL is the relative path of theM3Ufile.
You can drag& drop audio/video files from your computer into the M3U playlist, then import them to your device using a preferred app or media player that supports theM3Ufile 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 avideo converter tool.
3. How to create an M3U playlist for IPTV
To stream IPTV, use a multimedia player that supports M3U files. Depending on your device, there are apps available in the Apple Store or Google Store, such as TV Streams, IPTV, or Smart IPTV.
You can find dedicatedIPTV playlists on GitHub. While most are free, they might expire eventually. Once synced with your device, you’ll have permanent access.
After downloading the app, simply add the IPTV playlist URL and start watching your favorite shows.
4. How to use M3U playlist on Kodi
To use m3u playlists onKodiyou need to first install thePVR 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.
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 toSettings > 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.
More about the topics:Amazon Fire TV,IPTV
Vlad Turiceanu
Windows Editor
Passionate about technology,Windows, and everything that has a power button, he spent most of his time developing new skills and learning more about the tech world.
Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, with a complete expertise in touch-based devices, he is constantly keeping an eye out for the latest and greatest!
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Vlad Turiceanu
Windows Editor
Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, he’s a Windows 11 Privacy & Security expert.
