M3U playlist checker & channel counter
Paste an M3U or M3U8 playlist to count channels and groups, check your EPG coverage and catch formatting problems before you import it — nothing leaves your browser.
What a healthy M3U playlist looks like
An M3U playlist starts with an #EXTM3U header, then pairs each
#EXTINF line (the channel’s name and tags) with the stream URL on the
next line. Good playlists include a tvg-id and group-title
so your player can build the TV guide and organise channels.
Once your playlist checks out, turn a login into a link with the Xtream Codes to M3U tool, or confirm your line is fast enough with the IPTV speed test.
A validated playlist loads into any standard player — Hot Player, IBO Player Premium, BOB Player and others.
M3U playlist checker — FAQs
What does the M3U playlist checker do?
Paste an M3U or M3U8 playlist and it counts the channels and groups, checks how many entries have a tvg-id for the TV guide, and flags common formatting problems such as a missing #EXTM3U header or entries without a stream URL.
Does it validate an M3U file or a URL?
It analyses the playlist text you paste in. If your playlist is a URL, open it in your browser or player, copy the contents and paste them here. Browsers block reading most remote playlist URLs directly for security, so pasting the text is the reliable way.
Why is my channel count different from my player?
Some players hide dead or duplicate entries, merge groups or filter adult categories. This tool counts every #EXTINF entry it finds, so a small difference from your player is normal.
What is a tvg-id and why does it matter?
A tvg-id links a channel to its entry in the EPG (XMLTV guide). If many channels have no tvg-id, your TV guide will look incomplete even though the channels play. The checker shows how many of your channels include one.
Is my playlist uploaded anywhere?
No. All parsing happens in your browser with JavaScript. The playlist you paste — including any embedded login or URLs — is never sent to us, stored or shared.
My playlist shows errors — how do I fix it?
Make sure the first line is #EXTM3U, that every #EXTINF line is followed by a stream URL, and that quotes around group-title and tvg-id are straight quotes. If your provider’s file is malformed, ask them for a corrected export. A BOB IPTV UK playlist is delivered ready to use.
Want a playlist that just works? BOB IPTV UK
Get a clean, ready-to-load M3U or Xtream login with 34,000+ channels and full EPG.