How to extract mp4 video from m3u8 link

M3U8 is commonly employed in streaming video over the internet. They are similar to playlists that reference multiple pieces of video segments, usually of.ts (MPEG-2 Transport Stream) type. Suppose, however, you would prefer to download and encode an M3U8 stream into a single MP4 file. In this article, I will show you methods on how you can do it. Method 1: Using M3U8 Player Online's Downloader If you prefer a quick and easy way to download M3U8 videos, M3U8 Player Online provides an online solution for that. Here's the process: Paste the M3U8 link into the input box. Click "Analyze" to get accessible video qualities. Select the quality you prefer from the list. Click "Download", and the tool will merge all video segments into an MP4 file. Save the end video to your device. This is the simplest method as it does not involve installing any software. Method 2: Using VLC Media Player VLC is a free media player that can also be used to convert M3U8 streams to MP4. Here's how: Start VLC and navigate to Media > Open Network Stream. Copy and paste the M3U8 URL into the input field. Click the drop-down button beside "Play" and select Convert. Set the output format to MP4. Select a destination folder and click Start. VLC will now download and stream the stream into an MP4 file. Method 3: Using FFmpeg (Command Line) If you prefer something technical, FFmpeg is a capable tool that can handle M3U8 streams with ease. Here are the instructions: Install FFmpeg if you haven't already. Open a Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac/Linux). Run the following command: ffmpeg -i "M3U8_URL" -c copy output.mp4 Replace M3U8_URL with your actual M3U8 link and output.mp4 with your desired filename. This is best for power users and more flexible. Method 4: Using Browser Extensions When you download M3U8 streams frequently, using a browser extension is a quick solution. Here's how to do it: Download an extension like M3U8 Downloader for Chrome or Firefox. Stream the video that uses an M3U8 stream. The extension will, by default, identify the stream and provide a download option. Choose the quality and save the MP4 file. This is simple to use since you can download videos straight from your browser. Things to Remember There may be restrictions on some M3U8 streams (e.g., DRM protection) such that not all videos can be downloaded. Obtain permission from the owner before you download. Your internet connection speed may hinder downloading, especially if you are working with HD-quality videos. With these approaches, you can easily download MP4 videos from M3U8 links, whether you prefer an online tool, a media player, or a command-line approach. If you have tried any of these, please let me know and what worked for you!

Mar 17, 2025 - 14:23

M3U8 is commonly employed in streaming video over the internet. They are similar to playlists that reference multiple pieces of video segments, usually of.ts (MPEG-2 Transport Stream) type. Suppose, however, you would prefer to download and encode an M3U8 stream into a single MP4 file. In this article, I will show you methods on how you can do it.

Method 1: Using M3U8 Player Online's Downloader

If you prefer a quick and easy way to download M3U8 videos, M3U8 Player Online provides an online solution for that. Here's the process:

Paste the M3U8 link into the input box.

Click "Analyze" to get accessible video qualities.

Select the quality you prefer from the list.
Click "Download", and the tool will merge all video segments into an MP4 file.
Save the end video to your device.

This is the simplest method as it does not involve installing any software.

Method 2: Using VLC Media Player

VLC is a free media player that can also be used to convert M3U8 streams to MP4. Here's how:

Start VLC and navigate to Media > Open Network Stream.
Copy and paste the M3U8 URL into the input field.
Click the drop-down button beside "Play" and select Convert.
Set the output format to MP4.
Select a destination folder and click Start.
VLC will now download and stream the stream into an MP4 file.

Method 3: Using FFmpeg (Command Line)

If you prefer something technical, FFmpeg is a capable tool that can handle M3U8 streams with ease. Here are the instructions:

Install FFmpeg if you haven't already.
Open a Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac/Linux).
Run the following command:
ffmpeg -i "M3U8_URL" -c copy output.mp4
Replace M3U8_URL with your actual M3U8 link and output.mp4 with your desired filename.

This is best for power users and more flexible.

Method 4: Using Browser Extensions

When you download M3U8 streams frequently, using a browser extension is a quick solution. Here's how to do it:

Download an extension like M3U8 Downloader for Chrome or Firefox.
Stream the video that uses an M3U8 stream.
The extension will, by default, identify the stream and provide a download option.
Choose the quality and save the MP4 file.

This is simple to use since you can download videos straight from your browser.

Things to Remember

There may be restrictions on some M3U8 streams (e.g., DRM protection) such that not all videos can be downloaded.

Obtain permission from the owner before you download.

Your internet connection speed may hinder downloading, especially if you are working with HD-quality videos.

With these approaches, you can easily download MP4 videos from M3U8 links, whether you prefer an online tool, a media player, or a command-line approach. If you have tried any of these, please let me know and what worked for you!