How multi-DRM works
DRM (digital rights management) encrypts your video and hands each device a license to decrypt it. There is no single DRM the whole industry agreed on - instead three systems split the ecosystem, and you generally need all of them:
- Google Widevine - web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge), Roku, and the entire Android family: Android TV, Fire TV, and Chromecast.
- Apple FairPlay - Safari, iOS, and tvOS. Apple devices play only FairPlay, and only over HLS.
- Microsoft PlayReady - Windows, Xbox, and most smart TVs (Samsung Tizen, LG webOS).
The good news: you package the video once in CMAF (fMP4) with common encryption, and a multi-DRM license service hands each device the license type it understands. You do not encode three times.
Security levels, briefly
| Tier | Widevine | PlayReady | HDCP | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Software / basic | L3 | SL2000 | Not required | SD, UGC, AVOD |
| Standard HD | L1 (recommended) | SL2000 | HDCP 1.4 | Premium HD |
| Hardware / studio 4K | L1 | SL3000 | HDCP 2.2 | 4K UHD, studio titles |
L1 vs L3: Widevine L1 runs decryption inside a hardware secure zone and is required for premium HD and 4K; L3 is software-only and limited to SD. PlayReady's SL3000 is the hardware equivalent of Widevine L1. Devices that only support the lower level get dropped to SD or blocked on premium content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which DRM do I need?
It depends on your platforms. Widevine covers web browsers, Roku, and the Android family; FairPlay covers Apple (Safari, iOS, tvOS); PlayReady covers Windows, Xbox, and most smart TVs. Reaching the whole ecosystem needs all three.
What is the difference between Widevine L1 and L3?
L1 is hardware-backed and required for premium HD and 4K; L3 is software-only and typically limited to SD. A device that only supports L3 is dropped to a lower resolution or blocked on premium titles.
Do I really need all three DRMs?
To reach every device, yes - Apple only plays FairPlay, browsers and Android use Widevine, Windows and smart TVs use PlayReady. Package once in CMAF and license all three through one multi-DRM service.
Does 4K streaming need special DRM?
Yes. 4K UHD and studio-tier content need hardware-backed DRM (Widevine L1, PlayReady SL3000) plus HDCP 2.2. Devices without a secure video path are denied the top renditions.