Free HLS Playlist Inspector
M3U8 Analyzer Online
Paste an M3U8 URL to inspect HLS playlist structure, variants, codecs, tracks, segment counts, and duration without installing desktop software.
Heads up: Analysis depends on browser access to the playlist. Signed links, blocked CORS, expired URLs, or DRM-protected streams can prevent inspection.
What the analyzer shows
- Master or media playlist type
- Variant resolution, bitrate, frame rate, and codec declarations
- Audio and subtitle track groups declared in the manifest
- Segment count, target duration, estimated total duration, and live/VOD status
How to analyze an M3U8 playlist
- 1
Paste the playlist URL
Enter a public or browser-accessible M3U8 / HLS manifest URL.
- 2
Click Analyze
The tool fetches the playlist in your browser and inspects its structure.
- 3
Review variants and tracks
Check bitrate ladders, codecs, audio, subtitles, and live/VOD status.
- 4
Continue to play or export
Open the player to test playback, or move to downloader / converter if needed.
Who this is for
- Developers checking whether an M3U8 is master or media before embedding it.
- QA teams comparing declared variants and codec ladders across streams.
- Publishers confirming segment counts and rough duration before download or conversion.
Limitations
- CORS-blocked, expired, or private signed URLs may fail in the browser.
- DRM-protected or key-restricted streams cannot be fully inspected.
- Some live playlists only expose the current window, so duration estimates can change.
- The analyzer inspects manifest metadata; it does not prove every segment will play.
FAQ
What is an M3U8 analyzer?
It is a tool that inspects an HLS playlist so you can see variants, codecs, tracks, and segment metadata before you play, download, or embed the stream.
Do I need to upload the playlist file?
No. Paste a URL. The browser fetches the manifest directly when the source allows it.
Why does analysis fail for some streams?
Common causes are CORS restrictions, expired signed links, private access, or DRM. Try a public sample stream to confirm the tool itself works.
Is this the same as playing the stream?
No. Analysis shows playlist structure. Use the LivePlayer homepage to verify actual playback.