How to Use an M3U Playlist

What is an M3U file?

M3U is a text-based playlist format. A minimal file starts with #EXTM3U, then repeats #EXTINF entries plus a URL line for each channel:

#EXTM3U
#EXTINF:-1 tvg-name="Example Channel" group-title="News",Example Channel
http://example.com/live.m3u8

Opening M3U in VLC

1. Open VLC and go to Media → Open Network Stream (or Open File for a local .m3u).
2. Paste your M3U URL or select your file.
3. Click Play. VLC will load the channel list in the playlist panel.

Opening M3U in TiviMate

1. Open TiviMate and go to Settings → Playlists.
2. Choose Add Playlist and enter the M3U URL (or paste the playlist text).
3. Set an EPG source if you have one, then save.

Opening M3U in IPTV Smarters

1. On the login screen choose Load Your Playlist or File/URL.
2. Paste the M3U URL, add a name, and tap Add User.
3. Your channels will appear under Live TV.

Opening M3U in Kodi

1. Install an IPTV PVR add-on (for example, the IPTV Simple Client).
2. In the add-on settings set M3U Play List URL to your M3U file or URL.
3. Enable the PVR client and restart Kodi to load the channels and EPG.