Compare live and VOD HLS playlists, including moving windows, ENDLIST, segment availability and export risks.

Key points

  • VOD playlists usually end with EXT-X-ENDLIST and have a stable segment list.
  • Live playlists usually move forward over time and may drop older segments.
  • Low-latency live features can add partial segments and preload hints.
  • Static publishing should not freeze private or expiring live stream URLs.

Owner-side workflow

  1. Start with a public or authorized test URL.
  2. Inspect access and playlist structure in the Checker.
  3. Compare playback behavior in the target browsers.
  4. Record network evidence before changing content, code or publishing settings.

Common mistake

Do not assume that a URL visible in one player will work from a static public page. The browser, origin headers, tokens and segment paths all matter.

Safe use boundary

  • Use these checks only for streams you own, operate or are authorized to inspect.
  • Do not paste private tokens, account-bound URLs, credentials or DRM-protected media keys.
  • A diagnostic result explains what the browser can see; it is not permission to copy or redistribute media.