M3U playlist validator
I built this checker to turn a messy channel list into specific fixes, one line at a time.
Find the line that needs attention
My M3U validator checks playlist text for missing headers, incomplete channel entries, invalid URLs, duplicate streams and malformed attributes. Paste a playlist or open a local file to get line-by-line fixes and a group breakdown. Everything stays in your browser, and you can download a cleaned copy.
Paste text or open a local file to begin.
Validation results
Group-title breakdown
Parse, review, then clean
1. Read the text
I check the EXTM3U header, numeric EXTINF durations, titles and following URL lines. I flag blank lines, byte order marks, mixed line endings and incomplete attribute pairs.
2. Inspect each entry
I check http, https, rtmp, rtsp, udp and related stream URL syntax. Duplicate URL checks normalise host casing and default ports, while repeated names ignore case and extra spaces.
3. Keep HLS timing intact
I distinguish variant indexes from segment playlists, check common EXT-X tag values and preserve HLS repetitions. Relative paths are reported without inventing a source URL.
Review errors before importing the cleaned copy. A syntax check cannot confirm ownership, server availability, EPG mapping, codecs or whether your player supports a protocol.
M3U validation FAQs
Does my playlist leave my browser?
No. I parse pasted text and local files in your browser. This validator makes no stream or logo requests and stores no playlist data.
Can this validator tell me whether a channel plays?
No. It checks playlist structure and URL syntax. A valid URL may still need authentication, a supported codec or an available server. Use the IPTV playlist checker for an optional browser reachability check.
What does the cleaned download change?
For channel playlists, it removes duplicate URL entry blocks, keeps the first copy, removes a leading BOM and normalises line endings to LF. It keeps different URLs with the same channel name. It does not guess missing values or repair errors.
Are M3U8 and HLS supported?
Yes. M3U8 means a UTF-8 playlist and can describe channels or HLS. I check common master and media playlist tags, segment durations and relative paths. This is a structural check, not a complete HLS specification or media conformance test.
Why does an HLS segment have no title?
An empty title after the EXTINF comma is valid for HLS segments. A channel catalogue needs a readable title. Repeated HLS segment URLs are preserved because removing them can change playback timing.
Which local files can I open?
Open a UTF-8 M3U, M3U8 or text file up to 2 MiB and 50,000 lines. Larger files should be split locally. A relative HLS URL still needs the original playlist location when a player resolves it.
Need a cleaner workflow?
I can help you design validation and handoff steps for the data your team manages.
Talk through your workflow