What is MIME type "application/dash+xml"?

A MIME type is a string that tells browsers and other tools how to handle a particular kind of file.

application/dash+xml is an XML-based MIME type. It defines a media presentation description for MPEG-DASH streaming.

In this format, the file (commonly seen as MPD) outlines how media segments—video, audio, and other data—are organized and delivered. The file tells media players where to find each segment and how to adapt the streaming quality in real time.

Adaptive Streaming: Guides players for dynamic quality switching based on network conditions.
XML Structure: Uses a structured and standardized language that is easy to parse.
Key to delivering uninterrupted video and audio experiences over various connection speeds.

This MIME type provides the roadmap for efficient and flexible streaming on modern networks. For more details on MPEG-DASH, check out this reference.

Associated file extensions

.mpd

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

When serving content with this MIME type, set the Content-Type header:


    Content-Type: application/dash+xml

HTML

In HTML, you can specify the MIME type in various elements:


    <a href="file.dat" type="application/dash+xml">Download file</a>

Server-side (Node.js)

Setting the Content-Type header in Node.js:


    const http = require('http');    
    
    http.createServer((req, res) => {    
      res.setHeader('Content-Type', 'application/dash+xml');    
      res.end('Content here');    
    }).listen(3000);

Associated file extensions

.mpd

FAQ

What is a MIME type?

A MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) type is a standard that indicates the nature and format of a document, file, or assortment of bytes. MIME types are defined and standardized in IETF's RFC 6838.

MIME types are important because they help browsers and servers understand how to process a file. When a browser receives a file from a server, it uses the MIME type to determine how to display or handle the content, whether it's an image to display, a PDF to open in a viewer, or a video to play.

MIME types consist of a type and a subtype, separated by a slash (e.g., text/html, image/jpeg, application/pdf). Some MIME types also include optional parameters.

How do I find the MIME type for a file?

You can check the file extension or use a file identification tool such as file --mime-type on the command line. Many programming languages also provide libraries to detect MIME types.

Why are multiple MIME types listed for one extension?

Different applications and historical conventions may use alternative MIME identifiers for the same kind of file. Showing them all helps ensure compatibility across systems.