How to Test Your M3U8 Online Player Link

The M3U8 link allows you to deliver your live and VOD streaming to Roku TV, Apple TV, or any private web TV channel and mobile app. Using the M3U8 file as its manifest, M3U8 file links contain plain text that specifies the locations of media files, either through absolute URLs or relative paths. In this post, we’re going to cover how to configure and test your M3U8 player online. The two methods that we will use include using an M3U8 online player and using VLC Media Player.

Table of Contents:

  • How to Use an M3U8 Player
  • Using the VLC Media Player
  • HLS Streaming and M3U8 Technology
  • Additional Resources:

Before we get started, we’d like to point out that the M3U8 feature is not activated by default on your Dacast account. If you are interested in accessing it, please contact us. We will evaluate your eligibility and set it up free of charge.

How to Use an M3U8 Player

We recommend using HLS Tester to check your M3U8 player link, as it is easy and convenient to use. Here’s how to use this method:

STEP 1: Log in to your Dacast account

STEP 2: Open your live stream

STEP 3: Go to the “General” tab

STEP 4: Scroll to the bottom and copy the M3U8 link from under “Advanced Video Links”

STEP 5: Open the M3U8 online player, https://hlstester.com/ in your browser

STEP 6: Paste the HLS M3U8 link

STEP 7: Click “Play,” and your live stream will appear:

Dacast M3U8 Player Link - Advanced

In this example the full M3U8 link is:

https://dacastmmd.mmdlive.lldns.net/dacastmmd/e448bec06c5c49bbbe82bdeb170fc32f/manifest.m3u8?p=79&h=3e2e034290e07bc2798b02ba004d7566

Dacast M3U8 Player Link - Streaming

Using the VLC Media Player

VLC Media Player is an open-source player software. It has excellent tools for video and audio playback.

It also does everything without spyware or ads. 

When you create a live stream, select a stream and go to « choose other options »:

Here you can select the appropriate stream slot type:

 

Here’s how to test your M3U8 player link with VLC Media Player:

STEP 1: Log in to your Dacast account

STEP 2: Open your live or VOD

STEP 3: Click on the “General” tab

STEP 4: Scroll to the bottom and copy the M3U8 link from under “Advanced Video Links”

STEP 5: Open the VLC Media Player app

STEP 6: In the top bar menu, click on “Media” and select “Open Network Stream”

Dacast M3U8 Player Link - VLC Media Player

STEP 7: Paste the M3U8 link in ‘Network’. 

STEP 8: Click “Play,” and your stream will appear:

Dacast M3U8 Player Link - Confirmation

HLS Streaming and M3U8 Technology

As a quick refresher, HLS streaming and M3U8 technology work in unison to make mobile streaming and Smart TV streaming possible. HLS stands for “ HTTP Live Streaming,” and its most notable feature is that it supports adaptive bitrate streaming. This protocol was designed to promote universality in the world of online video players. These two technologies paired with an HTML5 video player create a recipe for an all-device video player. Going this route makes your video accessible on more devices, therefore it helps you reach the largest audience possible.

If you have any questions about M3U8 links, live streaming, VOD, or playlists or need help with this Dacast feature, feel free to contact us directly. Not yet a Dacast user, and interested in trying Dacast risk-free for 14 days? Sign up today to get started.

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Additional Resources

 

Jose Guevara

Jose is a part of the Dacast Customer Onboarding team and started working with the company in 2016. He has vast experience in customer service/engagement and live streaming support.