Complete DRM Video Protection Guide

Published on Jan 7, 2026

DRM (Digital Rights Management) is technology that protects video content from illegal copying and distribution. This guide covers how major DRM systems work and how to implement them.

🔐 What is DRM?

DRM is an encryption and licensing system that ensures only authorized users can play video content. It protects content through:

• Content Encryption: Video encrypted with keys, unplayable without keys
• License Service: Decryption keys issued only after verifying user rights
• Secure Playback: Decrypt and play in protected environment

💡 Note: PlayM3U8 is a general player and does not support DRM-encrypted videos. DRM videos require officially licensed players.

🏢 Three Major DRM Systems

Widevine

by Google

Platforms: Chrome, Android, Chromecast, Smart TVs

Security Levels:

L1Hardware-level, supports 4K/HDR

L2Software decrypt, hardware decode

L3Software only, lowest security

FairPlay

by Apple

Platforms: Safari, iOS, macOS, tvOS

Security Levels:

StandardUnified standard for all Apple devices

PlayReady

by Microsoft

Platforms: Edge, Windows, Xbox, Smart TVs

Security Levels:

SL3000Hardware TEE protection

SL2000Software protection

📱 Platform Coverage

Platform	Widevine	FairPlay	PlayReady
Chrome (Desktop)	✅	❌	❌
Safari (macOS)	❌	✅	❌
Edge (Windows)	✅	❌	✅
iOS Safari	❌	✅	❌
Android Chrome	✅	❌	❌
Smart TVs	✅	⚠️	✅

⚠️ Only Apple TV supports FairPlay

⚙️ How DRM Works

Content Encryption

Video encrypted on server with keys, generating encrypted M3U8/DASH streams

User Requests Playback

Player loads encrypted video, detects DRM license requirement

License Request

Player sends request to license server with device info and user credentials

License Validation

Server validates user rights (paid, within validity period, etc.)

Key Delivery

After validation, server returns encrypted decryption key

Secure Playback

Player decrypts and plays video in secure environment

🔄 AES-128 vs DRM

Feature	AES-128	DRM
Security Level	Basic	Advanced
Implementation	Simple	Complex
Cost	Free	License fees required
Key Protection	Key can be intercepted	Hardware-level protection
Use Case	General content protection	Premium content (movies, sports)

💡 Summary

DRM is the industry standard for protecting premium video content. If you need to protect paid content, support both Widevine and FairPlay to cover major platforms. For general content, AES-128 encryption may be sufficient.

Learn how to use FFmpeg for AES encryption →