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Using HLS Live Stream (External Link) on Strimm

Using an External HLS Live Stream on Strimm

An HLS live link lets you show a broadcast from an external streaming service on your Strimm channel. A compatible .m3u8 feed can play on Strimm’s web player and all supported mobile and TV apps, including Roku and Apple TV.

How it works

  • Create your broadcast externally: Your camera or streaming software sends the broadcast to a live-streaming server or service, which generates an HLS feed. A CDN can distribute that feed to viewers.

  • Get the playback link: Your provider supplies an HTTPS URL such as https://live.example.com/channel/index.m3u8. This playlist points to the video segments that make up the live broadcast.

  • Use it on a Strimm channel: Add the HLS link as the channel’s live source to show the external broadcast outside its pre-scheduled programming.

  • Broadcast through your apps: The same compatible HLS source can serve your branded apps, including Roku and Apple TV. Playback depends on the feed meeting each device’s requirements.

  • Hosting and bandwidth: Strimm does not host or relay your video and does not charge for video bandwidth. Your external streaming/CDN provider handles delivery and may charge for hosting, streaming, or bandwidth.

Required settings

  • Direct HLS URL: Supply the actual .m3u8 playback link—not a website page, iframe code, RTMP/RTMPS publishing address, or stream key. Keep any required query parameters in the URL.

  • HTTPS: Use HTTPS with a valid certificate for the playlist and all referenced video, audio, and other resources.

  • Compatible encoding: For broad compatibility, use H.264 video with AAC audio in a standard HLS stream. A .m3u8 extension alone does not guarantee device compatibility.

  • External access: The playlist and its media segments must be accessible to viewers. Login pages, session cookies, IP restrictions, or domain locks can prevent playback.

  • Browser access / CORS: Your provider must allow the Strimm web player to request the playlists and media segments across domains. Ask the provider to configure the necessary CORS headers.

  • Stable link: Use a persistent playback URL. If the link contains an expiring token, it must remain valid throughout the broadcast; an expired link can interrupt playback.

  • Active live feed: Start the broadcast externally and confirm the HLS playlist updates continuously. Adding the link to Strimm does not start your camera, encoder, or streaming server.

  • Delivery capacity: Your streaming server or CDN must support the expected number of viewers. Multiple quality levels are recommended for viewers with different connection speeds.

  • Playback test: Test the feed on your Strimm channel and each intended app before going live. DRM-protected feeds or feeds requiring custom authentication need compatibility confirmation from Strimm Support.

Important: Streaming software that only outputs RTMP needs an external service or server to convert that broadcast into an HLS .m3u8 playback feed.