What is HLS, and how is it different from MP4?
Short answer
MP4 is a single video file. HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) splits a video into short segments at several quality levels and lists them in a playlist file (.m3u8). The player picks the quality that fits the viewer’s connection and screen, and changes it during playback. Mindstamp streams uploaded videos with HLS, and it can also play an MP4 or HLS link that you host.
How to do it
Copy link to How to do it- If you upload the file, you do not need to do anything. Mindstamp makes the streaming versions for you.
- If you host the video yourself and have an HLS playlist, select New video > Link and paste the .m3u8 address.
- If you host only an MP4 file, paste the .mp4 address instead.
- Test the published video on a slow connection and on a phone.
How they compare
Copy link to How they compare- Start time: HLS can start after the first few segments arrive. A large MP4 can take longer to start on a slow connection.
- Quality: HLS changes quality to match the connection. An MP4 plays at one quality for every viewer.
- Hosting: an MP4 is one file. HLS is a playlist and many segment files, which all need correct server settings.
- Features: transcripts and Download source work for uploaded videos and MP4 links, but not for HLS links.
How viewers choose a quality
Copy link to How viewers choose a qualityWhen a video has more than one quality level, viewers can open Settings in the player and select Quality. By default the player chooses the quality for them.
HLS does not repair a poor source
Copy link to HLS does not repair a poor sourceAdaptive streaming chooses from the quality levels that exist. It cannot add detail that was lost in the source file. Start from a clear master. See why a video looks blurry.
Self-hosted HLS
Copy link to Self-hosted HLSServe the playlist and every segment over HTTPS, publicly, and with cross-origin access for the Mindstamp player. See self-hosting.