In this article, we focus on how to download M3U8 videos. If you're also finding the answers to these questions, then you're in luck. Read on to discover the hassle-free methods for M3U8 file downloads.
Brief Introduction to M3U8 Videos
M3U8 is a playlist file format commonly used for HTTP Live Streaming (HLS). As a text file, it lists the URLs of media segments. An M3U8 file contains links to online media, such as internet radio stations or various streaming services. It can reference specific media files or entire directories using absolute paths, relative paths, or URLs.
An M3U8 video file usually has the following features:
- It could be an audio playlist encoded in UTF-8 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 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. But before we get into the shelves listing the M3U8 downloaders, we should know the legality and safety first.
Is It Legal & Safe to Download DRM-Protected M3U8 Videos?
Legality
To be real with you, downloading M3U8 video files isn’t inherently illegal—but, and this is important, it all depends on what you’re downloading and how you intend to use it. If the content is public domain, or the creator has clearly given permission to download, you’re golden! If, however, you’re looking at paid, copyrighted, or restricted videos just for sharing or commercial purposes, you could be crossing a legal line.
- Here’s my two cents: Always check the copyright info and think about your usage before downloading anything. Personal offline viewing usually is fine. If you’re not sure, spend a minute to look it up, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. I believe respecting the work of content creators is something we can all stand behind.
Safety
Safety is a huge deal, too. When I was figuring out how to download these videos, I always wondered: “Am I exposing my computer to viruses or sketchy software?” Here are some simple but important tips I try to follow and recommend to you:
- Use official or reputable download sources whenever possible. Avoid shady third-party sites.
- Keep your antivirus software and system up to date, it’s a basic but effective barrier.
- Don’t open suspicious files or install anything that asks you to disable your security protections. That’s a huge red flag!
In short, let’s enjoy the convenience of these tools, but let’s be law-abiding and security-conscious while we do.
How to Download M3U8 Videos?
Method 1: StreamFab DRM M3U8 Downloader
If you just want the simplest method to download M3U8 videos, no matter whether DRM-encrypted or not, there is an easier solution available. That is by using StreamFab DRM M3U8 Downloader, which can make downloads completely hassle-free.
- Download M3U8 videos in up to 1080p Full HD quality
- Save M3U8 videos to the common MP4/MKV format
- Available for downloading DRM-encrypted/DRM-free M3U8 videos
- Remove all the ads contained in the M3U8 videos automatically
- Preserve the subtitles with the M3U8 titles together or into single files
- Bulk download multiple M3U8 episodes to provide high efficiency
With StreamFab DRM M3U8 Downloader, it’s easy to download Beachbody on Demand videos or save M3U8 videos from other DRM-encrypted websites. Here’s how you can do it:
Method 2: N_m3u8DL-RE
Another famous M3U8 video download tool is N_m3u8DL-RE, an open-source project on GitHub. It can download m3u8 links or files to MP4 or TS format, but its operation mainly relies on cumbersome and complicated command-line options.
I tried it and realized that if I want to fully master downloading M3U8 videos with it, I need to spend a terrifying amount of time to achieve it. Here is a guide concluded from the official tutorial to provide you with simplified instructions to download M3U8 videos with it:
Method 3: VLC Player
You might know VLC as a popular free and open-source player, but beyond its playback capabilities, it also lets you easily handle M3U8 files. For detailed guidance, check out this dedicated vlc m3u8 resource explaining how to use VLC for M3U8 downloads and conversions.
VLC features an inbuilt video converter and downloader that is able to download M3U8 videos and convert them later into popular MP4 or other video formats so that you can play them on any device. Below are the detailed steps for 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 popped-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 to MP4 files.
Overall Comparison Between M3U8 Downloaders
If you find it so hard to pick the real suitable M3U8 downloader for yourself, then refer to this sheet to have a quick view of their specific status for making a precise choice.
| Downloaders | StreamFab DRM M3U8 Downloader | VLC Player | N_m3u8DL-RE |
|---|---|---|---|
|
System |
Win, Mac |
Win, Mac, Linux, Android |
Win, Mac, Linux, Android |
|
Resolution |
1080p |
1080p |
1080p |
|
Audio |
EAC3 |
Original |
Original |
|
Format |
MP4, MKV |
MP4 |
MP4, TS |
|
Ads-free? |
✅ |
❌ |
❌ |
|
DRM-free? |
✅ |
❌ |
❌ |
|
Batch-process? |
✅ |
❌ |
✅ |
|
User-friendliness |
High with built-in browser |
Medium with image GUI |
Low with completely command-lines |
FAQs
That depends. If you give it a DRM-free M3U8 video, then it is able to play. But if the video is DRM-encrypted, it cannot be downloaded or played by VLC.
Yes. It is legal when you decide to download them for personal entertainment, education, etc. But you will violate the copyright laws if you distribute or sell them to any third party.
There are plenty of M3U8 downloaders available, but most of them do not support DRM-protected streams. If you indeed want to try something different, here is a range of browser extensions, command-line tools, or online solutions.
- Browser extensions: e.g., Stream Recorder — HLS & m3u8 Video Downloader
- Command-line tools: e.g., yt-dlp + FFmpeg
- Mobile apps: e.g., 1DM, M3U8 Mpjex
- Online downloaders: e.g., m3u8.dev
Final Words
Maybe many of the readers who are unfamiliar with M3U8 videos will know that these are the playlist files that many streaming libraries have. If you wish to download M3U8 videos from such a playlist file, all we need to do is use the right downloader software.
That’s where StreamFab DRM M3U8 Downloader stands out. With easier controls and broader platform support than ordinary M3U8 downloaders, it’s the top recommendation—for beginners and experienced users alike. If you especially need to download CBC Gem videos or any other similar streaming services using DRM-protected M3U8 videos.
