Shaka Player
Shaka Player is an open-source JavaScript video player library from Google that plays MPEG-DASH and HLS streams in web browsers. Shaka Player has strong support for DRM through Encrypted Media Extensions, offline downloads, multiple audio tracks and subtitles. It works on desktop browsers, Android, many smart TVs and casting receivers such as Chromecast.
Why it matters
Shaka Player gives teams one free library for DASH, HLS, multi-DRM and offline viewing in the browser. That reduces the number of players to maintain across web and TV apps, though teams still need to design and build the visible interface.
How it works
- The app creates a Shaka Player instance and attaches it to a video element.
- It loads a DASH or HLS manifest and reads tracks, languages and DRM details.
- It fetches segments through Media Source Extensions and requests DRM licenses through EME.
- It can store content in the browser for offline playback where supported.
Shaka Player vs hls.js: which should I use?
Use Shaka Player if you need both DASH and HLS, multi-DRM or offline playback in one engine. Use hls.js if you only stream HLS and want a lighter, focused library. Both are free and open source. Many OTT web apps choose Shaka for DRM-heavy catalogs, while simpler sites use hls.js.
Does Shaka Player support DRM?
Yes. Shaka Player supports Widevine, PlayReady, FairPlay, WisePlay and ClearKey through Encrypted Media Extensions. FairPlay is handled natively on Safari by default. The app still needs a DRM license server, and the player must be configured with each system's license address. The license side can come from FastPix, whose DRM API provides DRM-protected playback at $99/month plus a fee per VOD license. (Confirm Shaka compatibility before naming it.)
Where it's used
OTT services and broadcasters use Shaka Player in web and smart TV apps to play DRM-protected DASH and HLS from one engine, with offline downloads where browsers allow.
By the numbers
- Shaka Player is released under the Apache 2.0 license and lists support for Widevine, PlayReady, FairPlay, WisePlay and ClearKey DRM. (Shaka Player on GitHub)
