If you've ever tried to download streaming videos, you may have come across M3U8 files. These files typically contain information that guides your device on how to load and play the video stream. Unfortunately, simply downloading the M3U8 file won't let you play it directly.
In this guide, we'll walk you through a simple method to convert M3U8 files to the more versatile MP4 format. This allows you to watch your downloaded videos offline on various devices without any hassle. By following these steps, you can easily manage and enjoy your favorite streaming content on any device.
And since you're here, you may also be interested in how to solve Netflix Code NW-3-6 problem, and how to download Netflix videos in MP4 format.
What is M3U8?
M3U8 is a text-based file format used to create playlists for streaming audio and video content. It essentially acts as a table of contents, listing the URLs of individual media segments (often in TS format). This segmented approach allows for efficient streaming, especially over slower internet connections.
While M3U8 files themselves aren't directly playable in most video players, they provide the necessary information to access and play the actual media content. This is why you'll often find them used in conjunction with streaming services like TVer, Hulu, and others that employ HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) technology.
To watch M3U8 videos offline, you'll need to convert them into a more common format like MP4 or MKV first. In the following sections, we'll guide you through the process of downloading and converting M3U8 files. To learn about how to download TVer videos and save Hulu content, continue to read the 2 posts.
Fix 1: Common Method to Download M3U8 Videos [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 in a compatible format on any device you like. However, this method is quite complex and needs certain computer skills. So we do not recommend it.
How to Extract (Obtain) M3U8 Video URLs
For Windows PC:
- 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:
- 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.
Fix 2: Easily Download M3U8 Videos in MP4 Format [Highly Recommended!]
While M3U8 files are commonly used for streaming content on platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, and HBO, downloading these videos directly isn't straightforward. These services implement robust Digital Rights Management (DRM) systems to protect their content from unauthorized copying.
Unfortunately, traditional methods of downloading M3U8 files won't work with DRM-protected content. To overcome this limit, you'll need specialized software designed to bypass DRM and download videos from these platforms.
In the next section, we'll introduce KeepStreams for M3U8, a professional downloader that can handle DRM-protected content and offers support for a wide range of streaming services.
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.
How to Use KeepStreams to Download M3U8 to MP4?
To begin with, please check if KeepStreams can work on your device. The operating environment of KeepStreams is as follows:
- Windows 10/11 or macOS 10.10 - 15.x
- 4GB or more of RAM
- 40GB or more of free hard disk space
- Internet connection required
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.
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.
In the "Downloaded" section on the left side of the main screen, you can check the information of downloading or downloaded video files.
Click on the file icon to open the location where the video is saved and confirm the downloaded video in mp4 format.
Fix 3: Use Online Tools to Download M3U8 Video to MP4 File
Offliberty is a useful tool for downloading M3U8 videos. You can directly find it from your web browser. 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."
Fix 4: Use 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.
Fix 5: Use CocoCut Without URL Copying
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.
FAQs
Q. Why do we need to convert M3U8 to formats like MP4?
A1. 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 for M3U8 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.