This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Akeel Almas
What is HLS Streaming Protocol and Why Developers are Switching from RTMP
HTML5 live streaming solutions have gained huge traction in recent years. One of the most widely adopted is the HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) protocol, originally introduced by Apple in 2009.
The shift towards HLS became more important when Adobe officially ended support for RTMP in 2020. Since then, developers, broadcasters, and streaming platforms have looked for alternatives that work seamlessly across browsers and devices.
Why HLS is Popular
- Works natively on iOS, Android, and all modern browsers (Chrome, Safari, Edge, etc.)
- Adaptive bitrate streaming ensures smooth playback regardless of network speed
- Scalable and reliable for audiences of any size
- Now supports Low Latency HLS (LL-HLS) with 2–5 seconds delay
HLS may not be the right protocol when you need sub-second latency (e.g., for real-time interactions or video conferencing). For those scenarios, protocols like WebRTC or SRT are better suited.
How HLS Works
HLS delivers video by breaking it into small chunks (segments) and sending them over HTTP. A .m3u8 manifest file tells the player which segments to load and in what order. Players can adaptively switch between qualities to ensure the best possible user experience.
For example, a sports broadcast might offer multiple bitrates (1080p, 720p, 480p). If the viewer’s connection slows down, the player automatically switches to a lower bitrate, avoiding buffering.
Developer-Friendly Implementation
The good news is, you don’t need to build everything from scratch. Many media servers already support HLS out of the box.
One option developers often use is Ant Media Server, which provides:
- Full HLS and Low Latency HLS support
- WebRTC for sub-second delivery
- RTSP/SRT for IP camera and contribution workflows
- REST APIs and SDKs for quick integration
- On-premises or cloud deployment (including AWS Marketplace)
This makes it easier to experiment with different protocols and decide what works best for your use case.
When to Use HLS vs Other Protocols
- Use HLS when video quality, reliability, and broad device support are most important (sports, entertainment, education).
- Use WebRTC when interaction and real-time communication matter (gaming, video conferencing, auctions).
- Use CMAF/SRT when you need a balance of low latency and scale.
Conclusion
HLS has become the default protocol for most streaming workflows because of its compatibility and scalability. While its latency can be higher than WebRTC, the arrival of Low Latency HLS makes it a strong candidate even for near-real-time streaming.
If you’re planning to move from RTMP or Flash-era solutions, consider testing HLS in your stack. Tools like Ant Media Server give you flexibility to combine HLS with other protocols, so you don’t have to commit to just one approach.
This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Akeel Almas
Akeel Almas | Sciencx (2025-09-24T08:02:07+00:00) What is HLS? When to Use HLS Streaming Protocol?. Retrieved from https://www.scien.cx/2025/09/24/what-is-hls-when-to-use-hls-streaming-protocol/
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