Fix IPTV VOD Movies and Series Not Playing
When Video on Demand content won't play while live TV works fine, the issue is usually different streaming protocols, expired content links, or VOD-specific server problems. VOD uses different technology than live channels.
Common Symptoms
- ▸ Live TV works but movies/series won't start
- ▸ VOD shows loading forever then times out
- ▸ Movie starts then immediately stops
- ▸ VOD worked yesterday but not today
- ▸ Some VOD content plays but most doesn't
Why This Happens
- ▸ VOD content links have expired (common with pirated content)
- ▸ Different streaming protocol (HLS vs MPEG-TS) not supported by player
- ▸ VOD server is separate from live TV and may be down
- ▸ App doesn't properly support VOD playback
- ▸ Content was removed from provider's library
Quick Fixes
Try these solutions first - they resolve most issues.
Try a different movie to see if it's specific content or all VOD
Refresh your playlist to get updated VOD links
Try playing the VOD content in VLC or an external player
Clear app cache and restart the app
Check if your subscription includes VOD access
Device-Specific Instructions
Note: Menu paths may vary slightly depending on your app version and device manufacturer.
Amazon Firestick
Use external player
In TiviMate: Long press on VOD > Play with > Select VLC or MX Player
Tip: External players handle more formats
Refresh VOD database
In TiviMate: Settings > Playlists > [Your playlist] > Update. Wait for VOD to re-sync
Tip: Can take several minutes for large libraries
Clear app cache
Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications > [IPTV app] > Clear Cache
Tip: Removes corrupted VOD metadata
Check stream format
In app settings, try changing Stream type or Format between HLS, MPEG-TS, or RTMP
Tip: VOD often uses different format than live TV
Try web interface
Your provider may have a web player - test VOD there to confirm if issue is app-specific
Tip: Isolates app vs. provider issue
Android TV / Nvidia Shield
Install external players
Install VLC and MX Player from Play Store. Try playing VOD using these players
Tip: They support more codecs and formats
Update VOD section
In your IPTV app, find VOD settings and tap Refresh or Sync
Tip: VOD links expire and need refreshing
Change player setting
In app Settings, look for Player or Playback settings. Try different player options
Tip: Internal vs external player may work differently
Check network
VOD streams from different servers. Verify your network allows these connections
Tip: Some ISPs block VOD servers specifically
Test with Kodi
Install Kodi > Add PVR IPTV Simple Client > Add your M3U. Kodi handles VOD well
Tip: Kodi is excellent for VOD playback
Smart TV (Samsung/LG)
Try different app
If using built-in app, try IPTV Smarters or Smart IPTV from your TV's app store
Tip: Different apps handle VOD differently
Refresh playlist
In app settings, refresh or re-add your playlist to get updated VOD links
Tip: VOD content links change frequently
Check subscription
Log into your provider's web portal and verify VOD is included in your plan
Tip: Some plans are live TV only
Clear app data
Settings > Apps > [IPTV App] > Clear Cache and try again
Tip: Clears potentially corrupted VOD cache
Use external device
Smart TV apps have limited VOD support. Firestick with TiviMate works much better
Tip: External devices recommended for VOD
Pro Tips
- ★ VOD links expire faster than live TV - refresh your playlist regularly (weekly at minimum)
- ★ TiviMate with external player (VLC) is the most reliable VOD solution
- ★ If specific content doesn't play, search for an alternative version in the library
- ★ VOD servers are often lower priority than live TV - try during off-peak hours
When to Contact Your Provider
- ▶ All VOD content stopped working suddenly
- ▶ Your account shows VOD access but nothing plays
- ▶ Provider recently changed their VOD system
- ▶ Other subscribers reporting same VOD issues
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does live TV work but VOD doesn't?
Live TV and VOD use completely different systems. Live TV is real-time streaming from broadcast sources, while VOD is stored content on separate servers. They use different protocols (usually HLS for VOD vs MPEG-TS for live), different servers, and different caching systems. A problem with one doesn't affect the other.
Why do VOD links expire?
VOD content is often hosted on third-party servers or temporary links. Providers regularly update their libraries, remove old content, and refresh links for security reasons. This is why refreshing your playlist regularly is essential for VOD to work consistently.