Slicing: Chopping Video into Chunks
Servers use tools like FFmpeg to cut full videos into 2–10 second TS segments. Shorter chunks mean lower live latency, but more files to juggle.
Indexing: Writing the Menu
The M3U8 file is that menu. It lists each TS segment's URL, duration, and sequence number so the player knows where to fetch next.
Dynamic Updates: The Live Trick
For live streams, the server keeps rewriting the M3U8 file — adding fresh chunks, removing old ones. The player refreshes the menu periodically to stay current.
Adaptation: Multiple Menus at Once
Advanced setups create separate M3U8 playlists for each quality level. A master playlist points to them all, and the player picks the best one based on current speed.