Quick answer
iptv-org is an open-source project on GitHub that collects publicly available TV channels from around the world and publishes them as M3U playlists by country, category and language. Load a playlist URL in any IPTV player; expect free-to-air channels only and some dead links.
On this page
What "IPTV GitHub" means
GitHub is a website where developers publish code and data. "IPTV GitHub" usually refers to one of three things:
- Public playlists — text files of free channel links, the best known being iptv-org/iptv.
- EPG tools — scripts that generate TV guide data, such as iptv-org/epg.
- Software — open-source players, playlist editors and server tools.
The iptv-org project
iptv-org is a community project that gathers links to channels broadcasters stream publicly — national public TV, local news, religious, music and shopping channels, and many international stations. It publishes them as M3U playlists that any IPTV player can open.
| Playlist | What it contains |
|---|---|
| Main index | Every channel in one large list |
| By country | One list per country (e.g. the US or UK list) |
| By category | News, sport, kids, music, movies… |
| By language | One list per language |
The playlist links are listed in the project's README on GitHub. The main one is:
https://iptv-org.github.io/iptv/index.m3uHow to load it
Pick a playlist
Use a country or category list rather than the full index — it loads much faster and is easier to browse.
Add it as an M3U URL
In VLC use Open Network Stream; in TiviMate or IPTV Smarters choose Add playlist → URL. No login needed. Step-by-step: loading a playlist URL.
Add a guide (optional)
Guide data comes from the iptv-org/epg project. It needs some setup, and channel IDs must match.
Limits to know about
What it is good for
- Free, legal public channels
- International news and culture
- Testing IPTV players and setups
- Developers and hobbyists
What it is not
- No premium sport, film or entertainment networks
- No support if a channel stops
- Many dead or geo-blocked links
- Quality varies from SD to HD
Watch out for copies
Some sites copy iptv-org lists and add pirated channels. Stick to the official iptv-org repository, and be careful with playlists that promise premium channels for free.
iptv-org vs a paid IPTV service
iptv-org is a great way to explore free-to-air TV. If you want the big US, UK and Canadian networks, live sport and a film library with a guide that works and someone to call when it does not, you need a subscription. You can compare the two yourself with a free Ottoceean trial.
Frequently asked questions
What is iptv-org?
An open-source project on GitHub that collects links to publicly available TV channels from around the world and publishes them as M3U playlists, sorted by country, category and language. A sister project, iptv-org/epg, builds guide data.
Is iptv-org legal?
The project says it only lists streams that broadcasters make publicly available, and it removes links on request. It does not host video itself. Paid channels are not part of it.
Why do many iptv-org channels not work?
The links point to other people's servers. Broadcasters change addresses, geo-block viewers or switch streams off, so a share of links are always offline.
Can I use iptv-org in IPTV Smarters or TiviMate?
Yes. Add the playlist URL as an M3U playlist. There is no username or password.