Source: https://mindstamp.com/help/what-is-http-live-streaming-hls-how-is-it-different-from-mp4
Generated from the Help Center records: 2026-10-05

# What is HLS, and how is it different from MP4?

Topic: [Videos and playback](https://mindstamp.com/help/videos) · Updated: 2026-09-25

## 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.

## Steps

1. If you upload the file, you do not need to do anything. Mindstamp makes the streaming versions for you.
2. If you host the video yourself and have an HLS playlist, select **New video** > **Link** and paste the .m3u8 address.
3. If you host only an MP4 file, paste the .mp4 address instead.
4. Test the published video on a slow connection and on a phone.

![Audio & streaming section of Mindstamp video Settings with Streaming set to Adaptive and Auto Quality](https://cdn.mindstamp.com/website2026/help/settings-streaming.webp)

_Settings > Audio & streaming: Adaptive streaming serves the best quality for each viewer’s connection speed._

## 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

When 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

Adaptive 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](https://mindstamp.com/help/why-is-my-video-blurry-how-does-adaptive-streaming-work).

## Self-hosted HLS

Serve the playlist and every segment over HTTPS, publicly, and with cross-origin access for the Mindstamp player. See [self-hosting](https://mindstamp.com/help/self-hosting-101-what-does-it-mean-to-self-host-videos-on-mindstamp).

## Go further

- [New Video tutorial](https://mindstamp.com/tutorials/new-video)

## Related answers

- [What does it mean to self-host a video for Mindstamp?](https://mindstamp.com/help/self-hosting-101-what-does-it-mean-to-self-host-videos-on-mindstamp)
- [Why is my video blurry, and how does adaptive streaming work?](https://mindstamp.com/help/why-is-my-video-blurry-how-does-adaptive-streaming-work)
- [How do I compress a video to reduce its file size?](https://mindstamp.com/help/video-compression-to-reduce-file-size)

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