---
title: Authoring multivariant and media playlists
framework: http-live-streaming
role: article
role_heading: Article
path: http-live-streaming/multivariant-and-media-playlists
---

# Authoring multivariant and media playlists

Author the HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) multivariant and media playlists that Apple Podcasts requires, with the tags and attributes each playlist uses.

## Overview

Overview An HLS presentation for Apple Podcasts consists of two playlist types: a multivariant playlist that lists the available variant streams and media renditions, and a media playlist for each variant stream or rendition that lists its individual segments. Author both playlist types using the tags described below. For general information about video-on-demand playlists, see Video on Demand playlist construction. Declare multivariant playlist tags The multivariant playlist describes all the available variant streams (different video bit rate tiers and formats) and media renditions (audio languages, subtitles, and others) for the presentation. A URI and descriptive tags specify each variant stream and media rendition. The URI tells the player where to download the media playlist for the variant stream or media rendition.  |  |  |  |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |  |  |  |  |  Declare media playlist tags The media playlist contains a list of media segments (video or audio chunks) for a specific variant stream or media rendition, along with a group of descriptive tags. Each media segment is specified by URI and optional byte range, telling the player exactly which files and byte ranges to download and play in sequence. A media playlist can contain advertising markers or HLS interstitials specified by media metadata tags.  |  |  |  |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |  |  |  |  |   |  |  |  |  |

## See Also

- [Encoding media for HLS](http-live-streaming/encoding-media.md)
- [Configuring delivery for HLS](http-live-streaming/configuring-delivery.md)
- [Delivering ad interstitials in podcast streams](http-live-streaming/delivering-ad-interstitials.md)
- [Delivering WebVTT subtitles and captions in HLS](http-live-streaming/delivering-subtitles-and-captions.md)
- [Reviewing sample playlists and validating streams](http-live-streaming/examples-and-validation.md)
- [Handling downloads and playback](http-live-streaming/downloads-and-playback.md)