Common IPTV M3U attributes
tvg-id should identify the matching XMLTV channel;
tvg-name is a provider/player label;
tvg-logo points to artwork; and
group-title organizes entries. These IPTV extensions
are conventions, so players and providers can interpret them
differently.
Attribute reference
| Attribute | Purpose | Safe practice |
|---|---|---|
tvg-id |
EPG identity | Match the XMLTV channel id exactly. |
tvg-name |
Alternate channel name | Do not rely on fuzzy name matching when a stable ID exists. |
tvg-logo |
Artwork URL | Use HTTPS and an authorized, stable image source. |
group-title |
Playlist category | Keep names consistent; grouping does not establish channel identity. |
radio |
Audio-service hint |
Commonly true; support varies by player.
|
catchup |
Catch-up mode | Provider-specific; preserve unknown values. |
catchup-days |
Archive window | Use a non-negative provider-supported number. |
catchup-source |
Catch-up URL template | Treat it as a secret if it embeds credentials. |
Example
#EXTINF:-1 tvg-id="example.channel" tvg-name="Example" tvg-logo="https://media.example/logo.png" group-title="News",Example HD https://media.example/live.m3u8
The display name after the comma can differ from the EPG identity. Read how exact XMLTV matching works before editing IDs.
Compatibility note
There is no single universal standard for every IPTV-specific attribute above. Preserve unfamiliar attributes and verify behavior against the player and the lawful source that issued the playlist.