---
title: HLS master playlists are not supported
slug: troubleshooting/hls-master-playlists-are-not-supported
createdAt: 2025-05-07T19:08:42.379Z
---

### ISSUE

"HLS master playlists are not supported" error when creating a HLS source.

### CAUSE

The issue is that you are passing a master playlist, whereas the API expects a media playlist.

When using the ZM UI, it validates the playlist and, if it’s a master playlist, allows the user to select the media playlist they are interested in. However, when using the API, it’s up to the user to provide a valid media playlist.

A master playlist is an HLS playlist that includes all available bitrates, while a media playlist is a single-bitrate playlist that lists only the segments for playback. 

Note: Some provided URL's are signed, and such URLs typically expire. If that happens, the broadcaster won’t be able to pull the playlist or its segments.

### RESOLUTION

Provide a media playlist instead of a master playlist.