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In this article, we focus on a certain type of file extension called M3U8 that some of you might not have heard of. What is an M3U8 file? What software is required to open this file, and how to download M3U8 videos?
If you're also finding the answers to these questions, then you're in good luck, read on to discover all the myths beneath M3U8 files.
1. What Is an M3U8 File?
Before we delve into M3U8 downloader applications we first take a look at what is an M3U8 file. From the term, it is apparent that we are talking of some kind of file format, a computer file format that allows you to access a stream via the internet. A UTF-8 encoded audio playlist file takes the M3U8 file extension.
The M3U8 video file contains a link to online files for an internet radio station or other streaming services. To refer to specific media files and/or entire directories of media files, the file can employ absolute paths, relative paths, and URLs.
An M3U8 file usually has the following features:
- It could be an audio playlist encoded in UTF8 format.
- It can be read by media players such as Songbird, iTunes, VLC, and others.
- It can be converted into XSPF, HTML, or M3U using players such as VLC.
- Usually, files of such extensions include encoded audio playlists.
- They include location details for media files that are mentioned in the playlist.
- These files help one to locate audio or video files that are part of a playlist.
If you are wondering how to download M3U8, there are several ways to do so.
Method 1: Download M3U8 Videos with StreamFab
If the above download process seems too complicated, there is an easier solution available. That is by using the DRM M3U8 downloader offered by StreamFab. This software can make things easy.
It can download MP4 videos in 1080 quality, also from websites that have M3U8 encryptions. You could try the free version of this M3U8 video downloader software or opt to download the professional version for Windows.
It is easy to use the downloader software to download M3U8 videos from DRM M3U8-encrypted websites. The steps to do so are as follows:
- Download the trial program for free or choose to pay a subscription for the same.
- Once the file is downloaded to your computer, run it.
- On the main interface, visit the DRM-M3U8 website where you wish to download videos from.
- Play the video you wish to download; there will appear a button for download on the top left corner; once you click on it the file will save for offline viewing.
In order to use this M3U8 downloader software to its fullest potential, ensure that you own a computer with Windows 11, 10, 8, or 7 OS. Also, ensure that RAM is 4 GB and free hard disk drive space is 40 GB.
Method 2: Download M3U8 Videos with VLC Player
Most of you may only know VLC as a free open-source and cross-platform multimedia player, however, apart from its robust playback features, there are some easily-neglectable features beneath this well-known media player, such as the ability to edit videos, convert videos, and also, our focus here, download M3U8 videos is one of its wonderful features.
VLC features an inbuilt video converter and downloader that is able to download M3U8 videos and convert the latter into popular MP4 or other video formats so that you can play them on any device. Here below are the detailed steps on the job:
- Download, install, and open the latest version of VLC player.
- Click on the “MEDIA” option on the menu bar.
- Click on the “Open Network Stream” option on the drop-down menu.
- On the "Open Media" interface, open the "Network" tab.
- Paste the M3U8 file address you get from the HTTP Live Stream page into the blank bar.
- Then, click the inverted triangle button next to the "Play" button at the bottom right corner.
- Choose the "Convert" option on the drop-down menu.
- On the newly pop-up "Convert" interface, in the "Settings" part, choose MP4 profile as output format in the "Profile" drop-down panel. If you need, you could click the wrench icon to adjust the video and audio parameters of the output MP4 file.
- Then, click the "Browse" button in the "Destination file" section to set a download directory.
- After setting up the output directory, click the "Start" button to download and convert M3U8 videos MP4 files.
Final Words
Many of whom are unfamiliar with M3U8 files, will know that these are the playlist files that many libraries have. If you wish to export all media files from such a playlist file, all we need to do is use the right downloader software.
That is where StreamFab DRM M3U8 Downloader comes into use. Though there are ways to make M3U8 file download happen through Developer Tools on Chrome, the process is complicated.
