How To Download M3U8
In this article, we introduced what M3U8 is and how to use M3U8 for online playback. Essentially, M3U8 is a plain text file that tells you where the video resources are and how to play them. So, assuming you already have such an M3U8 resource URL, we will now introduce three download methods.
Method 1: Online Tools
Online tools are simple and fast. You don’t need to download any software—just a browser. Here, we first recommend our self-developed website M3U8 Downloader. The usage is very straightforward: simply enter the M3U8 URL on the page and click download. Note that browser-based downloads are not suitable for large files, as this depends on your computer’s memory. Therefore, if your needs are relatively simple and the video is not too large, you can prioritize using the web-based M3U8 downloader.
Method 2: Browser Extensions
Extensions can be integrated into your browser and automatically identify M3U8 resources during playback. Simply search for “M3U8 Video Downloader” in your browser’s extension store.
Method 3: Lightweight Desktop Software
Online tools may fail to download large files due to size limitations. In such cases, you can use famous desktop software like PotPlayer, which supports both online playback and downloading. The steps for downloading with PotPlayer are as follows:
- After installing PotPlayer, open the software → click “File” in the top-left corner → select “Open Link.”
- Paste the M3U8 URL and click “OK.” The software will start playing the video.
- During playback, right-click on the video screen → select “Video” → choose “Download Video.”
Important Considerations
Downloading M3U8 videos is fully protected by copyright:
- If it is for personal learning or backing up videos you purchased, it may be considered fair use.
- Downloading unauthorized videos is strictly prohibited. Such videos must not be distributed or used commercially, as this may lead to legal liability.