If you want to download streaming videos, you may need to download M3U8 files. However, M3U8 format usually contains information to load stream data during playback, so just downloading it won't allow you to play it.
Therefore, this article explains with practical examples how to play downloaded M3U8 files offline on your computer or other devices and convert them to the versatile MP4 format. There are several methods to convert from M3U8 to MP4, but here we introduce a simple and effective method. By using this method, you can easily convert M3U8 format files to MP4 format and make them more widely available.
Handling M3U8 format files properly is useful for downloading and watching streaming videos. Refer to this article to find out how to easily download and enjoy your favorite videos.
What is M3U8?
M3U8 is a plaintext file format that records and distributes URL information in playlists to play videos and audios continuously. Normally, M3U8 files contain multiple ts files (short videos divided into segments), video playback time, playback order, etc.. In other words, M3U8 format files are playlists, and the file itself with the extension ".M3U8" is not a media file. With an M3U8 file, you should be able to play the media content corresponding to the playlist recorded within it.
M3U8 was originally developed by Apple based on the HLS video delivery technology for its own devices, enabling high-quality and fast streaming playback. It is currently adopted by other streaming services as a common format. For example, video streaming services such as TVer, hulu, Avgel, GYAO! apply HLS technology.
M3U8 files are mainly played in streaming video players, so they cannot be played with normal media players (traditional players like Windows Media Player cannot be applied). Therefore, if you want to download and watch M3U8 videos, you need to convert them to another format. Fortunately, many online converters and software are available, making it easy to convert them. By converting them to the versatile MP4/MKV file format, you can freely watch M3U8 videos. Below, we introduce how to download M3U8 videos and convert them to MP4.
Downloading M3U8 Videos Most Common Method [Not Recommended]
M3U8 files are necessary for playing streaming videos, and downloading them is required to watch them offline. By using specialized downloaders, you can convert M3U8 files and save videos. Here, we explain the most common method to download M3U8 videos. The usage mainly consists of the following two steps.
- First, extract (obtain) the M3U8 URL on your computer.
- After extracting the URL, copy and paste it into the downloader to download.
Once these steps are completed, you can enjoy streaming videos offline. Next, we will explain in order.
How to Extract (Obtain) M3U8 Video URLs
Windows Version:
- Open the M3U8 video page you want to download in the Google Chrome browser and press the "F12" button to activate the developer tools.
- Select the network.
- Enter M3U8 in the search bar at the bottom left.
- Set the search target to "ALL".
- Click on the search results displayed above.
- Click on "Headers" in the right window.
- Select and copy the URL displayed below the "General" field.
For MAC version:
- Open the video page you want to download in Safari.
- Open "Development" at the top and set the user agent to "Google Chrome".
- Click on "Show page source" in "Development".
- Enter m3u8 in the search box at the bottom of the displayed window.
- Copy the URL in "Full URL" displayed on the right window.
To download M3U8 videos, extract the URL, paste it into specialized downloading software, analyze the video URL, set the output file, and start the download.
[Must-See] Compatible with Fixed-Rate Video Services! Easily Download M3U8 Videos | KeepStreams Downloader
Content distributed on fixed-rate video services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, Hulu, HBO, etc., also plays as M3U8 files. Can you download videos from these fixed-rate video services using the above methods?
In conclusion, none of the above methods can download M3U8 videos from fixed-rate video services. This is because fixed-rate video services have implemented DRM (Digital Rights Management) mechanisms to prevent copying digital content. It is not possible to bypass such technologies using conventional means, making downloading videos particularly difficult.
Therefore, to easily download M3U8 videos from fixed-rate video services, specialized downloading software is required. Below, we introduce a downloading software - KeepStreams downloader that supports over 60 fixed-rate video services and various video sites.
What is KeepStreams
Using specialized software to convert M3U8 videos to MP4 for playback and storage is a convenient method. In this case, we recommend using KeepStreams.
KeepStreams is powerful software that converts MP4 as the main format, as well as AVI, MOV, FLV, MKV, WMV, and various other formats of M3U8 format videos. With KeepStreams, there is no need for complicated procedures such as extracting M3U8 URLs, and you can download M3U8 videos in MP4 format by simply playing them in the software's browser. Check out the features of KeepStreams below.
Steps to Convert and Download M3U8 Videos to MP4 with KeepStreams
The operating environment of KeepStreams is as follows:
- Windows 7/8/8.1/10/11 or macOS Catalina/Big Sur/Monterey
- 4GB or more of RAM
- 40GB or more of free hard disk space
- Internet connection required
Step ① Access the KeepStreams website and download the software to install it.
Step ② Launch KeepStreams and enter the URL of the video site you want to download in the search box at the top of the interface. If you want to download videos from sites like Amazon, Netflix, or U-NEXT, VIP service is required.
Step ③ Once you can find the target video, click on the title of the video to play it.
Step ④ Click on the "DRM M3U8" button at the top of the playback window.
Step ⑤ Choose the desired video quality and bitrate in the download box that appears. Video qualities from 240P to full HD 1080P are supported, making it easy to download high-quality videos.
Step ⑥ In the "Library" section on the left side of the main screen, you can check the information of downloading or downloaded video files.
Step ⑦ Click on the file icon to open the location where the video is saved and confirm the downloaded video in mp4 format.
Extension that can download M3U8 videos | Offliberty
Offliberty is a useful tool for downloading M3U8 videos, and there is also a Japanese version. Here are the steps:
- Access the Offliberty website.
- Copy the URL of the video you want to download, paste it into the Offliberty address bar, and click "OFF".
- Wait a few seconds for the video to be "analyzed." From the analysis results, select according to your preference, right-click and click "Save link as" to save the video in mp4 format to your PC. If you only want to save the audio, click "Audio."
Above is the procedure for downloading M3U8 videos using Offliberty.
Software that Can Download M3U8 Files | WonderFox Video Converter Factory
WonderFox Free HD Video Converter Factory is a completely free video download software that allows you to download videos not only from regular sources but also from over 500 video sites using M3U8 URLs. The steps to download M3U8 files are as follows:
- Launch WonderFox Free HD Video Converter and select "Downloader".
- Next, click on "New Download", paste the copied M3U8 video URL into the text box, and click "Analyze".
- Once the analysis is complete, select "MP4" in the video information, click "OK" to add the video to the download list.
- Finally, click on "Start Download" to download the M3U8 file.
In other words, this M3U8 download freeware allows you to download M3U8 files directly in MP4 format without the need for conversion. This is the procedure for downloading M3U8 files using WonderFox Free HD Video Converter Factory.
Download M3U8 Videos Easily Without URL Copying | CocoCut
With the extension "CocoCut", you can easily download M3U8 videos without the need to copy URLs. This extension is compatible with major browsers such as Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge. Before downloading M3U8 videos using the "CocoCut" extension, make sure to install Cococut Video Downloader in your browser. Launch "Google Chrome" on your computer and search for Cococut Video Downloader on the "Chrome Web Store". Alternatively, you can directly access the official site below. Click "Add to Chrome" and confirm adding the extension.
Next, explain how to download M3U8 videos using CocoCut.
- Use Cococut Video Downloader to access the video site from which you want to download.
- When you access the video playback page, you will see a number displayed on the Cococut Video Downloader icon in the top right. Clicking on it will show you the available video files for download, so select the desired video to download.
- After selecting the video, check it and click on "Download selected items" to start the download.
- New progress can be confirmed on the new screen. When the download is complete, click "Save" to select the destination to save. This way, you can easily save the video.
This is the download method for M3U8 videos without the need to copy URLs using "CocoCut". With this, you can easily download M3U8 videos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why convert M3U8 to formats like MP4?
A: MP4 is the most versatile multimedia format supported by various devices, software, and systems. Converting M3U8 to formats like MP4 has various benefits.
- You can play it on various devices and systems such as smartphones, tablets, PCs, TVs, game consoles, etc.
- Supported by most video editing software and apps
- Appropriate for transfer and upload with a light file size
Summary
The M3U8 format is based on the high-level video delivery technology called HLS, and it is applied to streaming services due to its characteristics. This article explained how to play and save M3U8 format videos from streaming services. You can play M3U8 format videos using specialized media players, but using KeepStreams to easily convert M3U8 format videos to MP4 and watch them on iOS or Android smartphones, or PCs will be even more helpful. Please try it out.