HTTP Live Streaming (HLS)

HLS is Apple's adaptive streaming protocol: video is split into short segments listed in m3u8 playlists, and the player switches quality based on bandwidth. It is required for Apple devices and works everywhere else. Security-wise it is neutral, carrying anything from unencrypted segments to AES-128 to full FairPlay DRM.

What is HLS?

HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) is Apple's adaptive streaming protocol. Video is split into short segments listed in m3u8 playlists, and the player automatically switches between quality levels based on the viewer's available bandwidth.

How HLS Works

An encoder produces several renditions of the video at different bitrates and cuts each into short segments. A master playlist lists the renditions; the player starts at one quality and moves up or down as network conditions change, keeping playback smooth. HLS is the required protocol for Apple devices and is widely supported elsewhere.

HLS and Security

Protocol is neutral: HLS can carry unencrypted segments, AES-128 encrypted segments, or full FairPlay DRM (SAMPLE-AES).
Not protection by itself: Serving over HLS says nothing about how well the content is protected.
Pairs with FairPlay: For Apple devices, protected HLS uses FairPlay key exchange.

For Platform Owners

Many multi-DRM platforms serve HLS to Apple devices and MPEG-DASH to everything else from a single CMAF encode. The choice of HLS vs DASH matters far less than what encryption and DRM travel inside them.