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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.
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
It is easy to download M3U8 videos from DRM-encrypted video sites like Beachbody on Demand with StreamFab DRM M3U8 Downloader. The steps to do so are as follows:
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
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 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-available? |
✅ |
❌ |
❌ |
|
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 actually a lot of common M3U8 downloaders available, but since nearly all of them are incompatible with DRM-encrypted M3U8 files and basically work the same, I just put the simple list here for you to refer to.
- Browser extensions: eg, Stream Recorder - HLS & m3u8 Video Downloader
- Command-line tools: eg, yt-dlp + ffmpeg
- Mobile apps: eg, 1DM, M3U8 Mpjex
- Online downloaders: eg, 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 is where StreamFab DRM M3U8 Downloader comes into use. With relatively easy operations and wider support than regular M3U8 downloaders, it's a better choice for both newbies and pros.
