IPTV Catch-Up TV and Video on Demand, Explained

IPTV catch-up (also called replay or timeshift) lets you go back in the TV guide and play a programme that has already aired on a supported channel. Video on demand (VOD) is a separate library of titles you can start whenever you like.

Together they make an IPTV subscription far more flexible than a fixed broadcast schedule. Here is how both work and how to get the most from them.

How catch-up works

On channels where catch-up is enabled, recent programmes are stored for a limited window — commonly a few days, depending on the channel. In the player, these channels are marked with a small clock or replay icon. Open the IPTV EPG, scroll back to the programme you missed and select it to play from the beginning.

Catch-up availability is set per channel, so you won't find it everywhere. That is normal and not a fault with your setup.

Players that support catch-up

Catch-up works best with Xtream Codes login, because the player can request archived programmes directly from the server. Many players with M3U-only support cannot use catch-up at all. If replay is important to you, choose a player that lists catch-up or timeshift among its features — our IPTV player guide explains what to look for.

Browsing video on demand

VOD titles appear in their own Movies and Series sections in most Xtream-compatible players. You can search, filter by category, resume where you left off and, in many players, add titles to a watch-later list.

Because on-demand titles are delivered as files rather than live streams, they are less sensitive to brief network dips. If a title still stutters, the advice in our buffering guide applies.

Catch-up troubleshooting

• No replay icon — the channel may not offer catch-up, or your player may not support it with your login type.
• Programme won't start — the programme may be outside the channel's archive window.
• Starts at the wrong point — check the EPG time offset; a shifted guide also shifts catch-up.