Reference
Video & Streaming Glossary
Short, precise definitions for the terms that come up when you work with online video. Each entry is written for engineers, by engineers, with cross-references to deeper guides and tools. Use this glossary as a quick lookup whenever you hit a streaming acronym in the wild.
Protocol
HLS
HTTP Live Streaming. Apple's adaptive bitrate protocol that delivers video as small segments described by an M3U8 playlist.
Read definition →File format
M3U8
The UTF-8 playlist file format used by HLS. Lists video segment URLs and the metadata a player needs to assemble them.
Read definition →Manifest format
DASH MPD
Media Presentation Description. The XML manifest behind MPEG-DASH that describes available representations and segment URLs.
Read definition →Encryption
AES-128
The symmetric cipher most commonly used to encrypt HLS segments, with a key referenced inline through the EXT-X-KEY tag.
Read definition →More entries coming
We expand the glossary as new questions land in support. Upcoming entries cover Widevine DRM, fragmented MP4, byte-range requests, and CMAF. If a term is missing and you would like it defined, send a note via the support page.
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