HTTP Live Streaming
HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) is an adaptive bitrate streaming protocol that delivers audio and video in short segments over HTTP, guided by playlists.
M3U8: M3U8 is a UTF-8 playlist file format based on the extended M3U specification. HLS playlists use M3U8 files to list media segments or variant streams.
MPEG-2 Transport Stream: MPEG-2 Transport Stream is a container format designed to carry audio, video, and data in packetized streams. Traditional HLS commonly packages each media segment as a transport stream.
Live streaming: Live streaming delivers media to audiences while an event is being captured or produced. HLS playlists can be updated continuously to publish newly produced live segments.
Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP: Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (DASH) is an adaptive streaming standard that delivers media through HTTP-based segments and manifests. DASH solves a similar delivery problem with a standards-based manifest and packaging model.
Apple Inc.: Apple Inc. is a technology company that develops consumer electronics, software, and online services. Apple developed HLS and introduced it as a way to stream media to its devices.
HLS playlist: An HLS playlist is a text file that describes media segments or available stream variants. It directs clients to segments and, for adaptive playback, alternative renditions.
Fragmented MP4: Fragmented MP4 stores media in an initialization section followed by separately addressable fragments. HLS can use fragmented MP4 segments, including for low-latency and CMAF workflows.
Low-Latency HLS: Low-Latency HLS is an Apple extension that reduces live-stream delay using partial segments and playlist updates. It adapts HLS for interactive and near-real-time live viewing.
Real-Time Messaging Protocol: Real-Time Messaging Protocol is a network protocol originally designed to deliver audio, video, and data between Flash clients and servers. RTMP commonly carries media from encoders to ingest servers, unlike HLS's segment-based viewer delivery.
Steve Jobs: Steve Jobs was an American entrepreneur and Apple co-founder who led the company as its chief executive. Jobs publicly introduced HLS during Apple's 2009 iPhone 3GS announcement.