Host and Embed an HLS Live Stream: An Easy 2025 Guide

Alexander Shpilka -

HLS Streaming that is also called HTTP Live Streaming, was introduced by Apple 16 years ago - in 2009. It was originally created to work with Apple's devices and was first used to stream content to the iPhone. With time, it became popular across different platforms and devices due to its ability to handle varying internet speeds by adjusting video quality "on the go". This adaptability has made HLS a popular choice for live streaming and on-demand content, and it is also often referred to as M3U8 streaming due to its use of the M3U8 file format.

In simple words, an HLS Stream is a way to send video and audio over the internet. It breaks the video into tiny little pieces and sends them one at a time. This allows the video to adjust its quality based on how good (or bad 😂) your internet connection is, so you can watch smoothly without buffering. This method is popular because it works great on different devices and provides a good viewing experience even if your internet speed sometimes changes.

How to Embed an HLS Stream on Your Website?

Step 1: Navigate to LiveReacting's integrated HLS Player tool. It's completely free and secure.

Step 2: Enter your Stream URL in the specified field.

Step 3: Before proceeding, ensure that your stream is properly configured by clicking "Play." This preview allows you to verify that the HLS player operates smoothly and the content appears as intended.

Step 4: Click "Embed Player" to generate the code needed to place your stream where your audience can see it. Press "Copy to Clipboard," and your M3U8 player code is ready for embedding on your chosen platform.

HLS Stream vs. M3U8 Stream: What's The Difference?

Simply put - HLS uses the M3U8 file format, which is why "HLS stream" is often called "M3U8 stream." An M3U8 file is like a playlist that organizes video segments for streaming, making it essential for HLS. So, when you use an HLS player, it also performs as an M3U8 player.

  1. What is Youtube HLS?
    YouTube HLS refers to the use of HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) technology by YouTube to deliver the video content. With HLS, YouTube can provide adaptive bitrate streaming, which adjusts the video quality based on the viewer's connection, ensuring good playback without buffering. This streaming format breaks videos into small pieces and delivers them efficiently to different devices, making it easier for YouTube to offer a consistent viewing experience. By using HLS, YouTube enhances compatibility with different platforms and provides high-quality streaming performance to viewers worldwide.
  2. What is HLS Media?
    HLS media refers to the individual video and audio files that are divided into small, manageable segments within the HLS stream protocol. These segments are typically a few seconds long and are delivered to the viewer's device in sequence, allowing for smooth playback and the ability to adjust quality based on network conditions.
  3. What is M3U8 Playlist?
    An M3U8 Playlist is a text file for streaming that lists the locations of media segments for playback, typically using the HLS protocol. This playlist contains URLs pointing to each segment of the video or audio stream, allowing the player to fetch these pieces sequentially. By following the M3U8 Playlist, the player can also dynamically adjust the stream quality to match the viewer's current internet speed, providing a seamless viewing experience.
  4. Choosing Stream Format: MPEG or HLS?
    MPEG streaming and HLS streaming are two different ways to send video over the internet. MPEG streaming typically uses a constant bit rate, meaning the video quality doesn't change, which can lead to buffering if your internet speed drops. On the other hand, HLS streaming breaks the video into small pieces and adjusts the quality of these pieces based on your current internet speed, providing a smoother viewing experience. HLS is more flexible and works better on various devices and fluctuating internet connections.

Conclusion

To wrap things up, HLS Streaming, which uses the M3U8 format, has changed the game for video streaming by adjusting video quality based on your internet speed, ensuring everything runs smoothly on any device. This makes it a top choice worldwide for both live and on-demand videos. Speaking of LiveReacting's HLS Player , it not only lets you embed HLS streams easily and securely but also helps you boost your stream's engagement by adding cool features like pre-recorded videos, games, polls, and countdowns. So, with HLS and M3U8, you're all set to deliver great video content and keep your audience entertained.