IPTV, or Internet Protocol Television, means delivering TV over IP networks, the same kind of network that carries web traffic. The term describes how video travels, not whether a service is legal. Phone companies run IPTV over their own networks. Internet-delivered live TV services such as YouTube TV and Sling also deliver TV over the internet. Unlicensed resellers borrow the same word. Only the last group is a problem, because it sells channels it has no right to sell.
The short definition
Internet Protocol television is TV content delivered over IP networks instead of through traditional broadcast, cable, or satellite signals. In its strictest sense, IPTV is usually sold and run by a telecom provider inside a closed network, with a set-top box that decodes the stream. People also use the word loosely for internet-delivered live TV.
How IPTV works, in plain terms
Live channels usually travel by multicast. One copy of a channel can reach many viewers on the same network at once. On-demand shows travel by unicast, which is a separate stream sent to each viewer. You don’t need to understand the protocols to choose a service. You need to know who holds the rights to the channels and where the stream comes from.
[Figure 1: Three routes to a TV]
Three things people mean by “IPTV”
| Type | How it reaches you | Example | Legal status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Telco IPTV | Phone company network, usually with a set-top box | Verizon Fios TV | Licensed and legal |
| Licensed internet live TV | An app on your TV, phone, or streaming stick | YouTube TV, Sling | Legal |
| Unlicensed reseller | Logins or playlists from an unknown seller | “Thousands of channels” for a few dollars | Illegal to run, risky to use |
Telco IPTV is the most controlled option. Licensed internet apps are the most common choice for people who cut the cord. Unlicensed resellers are the group to avoid.
[Figure 2: Set-top box next to a streaming stick]
Why the word causes confusion
Legal services and illegal sellers both use the term. The name doesn’t tell you whether a service is licensed. Check the company, its terms, and its channel list. Our red-flag guide covers the warning signs in detail.
Streaming versus IPTV
Streaming is the broader term. Most internet TV services are streamed. IPTV usually refers to TV delivered over IP networks, which covers both telco systems and internet apps. For buying decisions, the difference that matters is licensing, not the acronym.
Frequently asked questions
Is IPTV the same as cable? No. Cable uses its own coaxial infrastructure. IPTV delivers TV over IP networks, which can run on fiber, DSL, or other broadband.
Do I need a set-top box? Telco IPTV usually uses one. Internet live TV apps usually don’t. A smart TV or streaming stick is enough for most services.
Is IPTV legal? The technology is legal. Whether a service is legal depends on whether it has the rights to the channels it sells. Read our legal guide for the full picture.
Is IPTV safe? Licensed services are as safe as any app from a reputable company. Unlicensed services can carry malware, data theft, and payment risks.