What is IPTV and how does it work

IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) is television delivered over a regular internet connection, instead of cable, satellite or an antenna. An IPTV player is the app you use to actually watch that stream.

How IPTV works technically

An IPTV provider supplies a playlist (via an M3U link or Xtream credentials) with references to live channels and on-demand content. That playlist doesn't contain the video itself, but addresses where the app can fetch the stream at the moment you watch.

Two separate roles: provider and player

The IPTV provider supplies the content/subscription. The IPTV player (like Bear IPTV) is the app that plays that playlist, with features like a TV guide, subtitles and continue watching built around it. See the difference between an IPTV provider and an IPTV player for more.

Why people choose IPTV

Often for flexibility (watching on any device with internet, not tied to a fixed cable connection) and a wider choice of channels/content than a local cable package typically offers.