An HTTP-based published standard or protocol for adaptive bitrate streaming originally developed by Apple Inc. to distribute live or pre-recorded audio and video with low latency over the Internet. It allows a receiver to adapt the bit rate of the media to the current network conditions in order to maintain uninterrupted playback at the best possible quality. The protocol has been implemented in media players, web browsers, mobile devices, and streaming media servers. While HLS started as an Apple proprietary streaming protocol, it has become an open industry standard.
