What is a manifest?
A manifest is a file that provides essential information about the structure and metadata of the media content being streamed. The manifest file serves as a roadmap or index for the media player to retrieve and assemble the appropriate segments or chunks of the content during playback.
Here are some key aspects of a manifest in streaming:
Structure and Segmentation: The manifest file defines the structure of the media content, specifying how it is divided into segments or chunks. It contains information such as the duration of each segment, the sequence of segments, and their associated metadata.
Media URLs: The manifest file includes URLs or references to the actual media segments or chunks that constitute the content. These URLs allow the media player to fetch and request the specific segments needed for playback.
Bitrate and Quality Levels: For adaptive bitrate streaming, the manifest file contains information about different bitrate versions of the media content. Each bitrate version corresponds to a different quality level, allowing the media player to dynamically switch between the versions based on the viewer's network conditions and device capabilities.
Metadata and DRM Information: The manifest file may include additional metadata associated with the media content, such as titles, descriptions, subtitles, audio languages, or other descriptive information. It can also include Digital Rights Management (DRM) information, specifying the encryption and decryption mechanisms required to protect copyrighted content.
Playlist or Indexing: In streaming protocols like HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) or MPEG-DASH (Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP), the manifest file is often referred to as a playlist or an index file. It provides a structured representation of the media content, allowing the media player to fetch the necessary segments in the correct order for seamless playback.
Dynamic Updates: Manifest files can be dynamically updated or refreshed during streaming sessions. This enables the media player to receive updates on available bitrates, new segments, or changes in the content structure, allowing for adaptive bitrate switching, dynamic content insertion, or live streaming scenarios.
The manifest file is typically hosted on a web server and is accessed by the media player via a URL. It provides crucial information for the media player to locate, retrieve, and assemble the appropriate media segments in the correct sequence, ensuring smooth playback and seamless transitions in the streaming experience.
Here are some key aspects of a manifest in streaming:
Structure and Segmentation: The manifest file defines the structure of the media content, specifying how it is divided into segments or chunks. It contains information such as the duration of each segment, the sequence of segments, and their associated metadata.
Media URLs: The manifest file includes URLs or references to the actual media segments or chunks that constitute the content. These URLs allow the media player to fetch and request the specific segments needed for playback.
Bitrate and Quality Levels: For adaptive bitrate streaming, the manifest file contains information about different bitrate versions of the media content. Each bitrate version corresponds to a different quality level, allowing the media player to dynamically switch between the versions based on the viewer's network conditions and device capabilities.
Metadata and DRM Information: The manifest file may include additional metadata associated with the media content, such as titles, descriptions, subtitles, audio languages, or other descriptive information. It can also include Digital Rights Management (DRM) information, specifying the encryption and decryption mechanisms required to protect copyrighted content.
Playlist or Indexing: In streaming protocols like HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) or MPEG-DASH (Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP), the manifest file is often referred to as a playlist or an index file. It provides a structured representation of the media content, allowing the media player to fetch the necessary segments in the correct order for seamless playback.
Dynamic Updates: Manifest files can be dynamically updated or refreshed during streaming sessions. This enables the media player to receive updates on available bitrates, new segments, or changes in the content structure, allowing for adaptive bitrate switching, dynamic content insertion, or live streaming scenarios.
The manifest file is typically hosted on a web server and is accessed by the media player via a URL. It provides crucial information for the media player to locate, retrieve, and assemble the appropriate media segments in the correct sequence, ensuring smooth playback and seamless transitions in the streaming experience.
Article written by
Sylvain Corvaisier
Independent streaming and iOS engineer
Last modified: December 19th, 2024
Sylvain Corvaisier
Independent streaming and iOS engineer
Last modified: December 19th, 2024
