Widely adopted in HTTP Live Streaming (HLS), M3U8 files are a core component that enables smooth playback across various bandwidth conditions. So what are M3U8 videos? Can you download M3U8 videos for offline viewing? This blog is a complete guide that covers the answers you need. Just read on to learn more about M3U8 videos and the best M3U8 downloader online!

Part 1: What is M3U8 Videos

Before looking into the best M3U8 downloader options, let’s have a look at the file format. What is an M3U8 video? Generally speaking, it’s a playlist of media files, which contains files like audio and videos for streaming. As mentioned earlier, M3U8 files are extensively applied in HTTP Live Streaming (HLS).

Specifically, M3U8 files are encoded with UTF-8, a standard type of encoding character that is internationally supported. It contains a list of URLs that link to media files, which can be absolute or relative paths. Meanwhile, M3U8 files contain metadata such as title, duration, and other attributes.

Supporting sequence media files for playback, M3U8 files are widely used for adaptive and segmented streaming. With the flexibility of HLS, M3U8 files facilitate real-time streaming, which delivers a much better viewing experience. So can you download M3U8 online videos? The answer is positive. Just read on to find the best M3U8 downloader tools.

Part 2: How to Download M3U8 Videos Online for Free

Now you might be wondering: Can you download M3U8 videos for free? YES. This part will introduce two solid M3U8 downloader options and the steps to help you download M3U8 videos easily. Just check them out.

Method One: Using a Chrome Extension – FetchV

The first way to download M3U8 videos online for free is to use a Chrome extension, and FetchV is a great choice that comes in handy. The M3U8 downloader supports HLS live streaming and integrates all M3U8 media fragments into a single MP4 file.

Main features of FetchV M3U8 Downloader:

○ Multi-thread downloading technologies to download large files and increase the download speed in good network conditions.

○ Provide a media preview before video capture for confirmation.

○ Feature-rich download interface to provide download speed, progress, and perform operations.

○ Easy to switch download threads, switch resolution, and modify file names.

○ No software installation. Download M3U8 videos to MP4 with a browser only.

How to download video from M3U8 with FetchV

Step 1. Head to the Chrome Web Store and add FetchV to your Chrome.

Step 2. Enable the FetchV extension in the top right. Play the HLS video, and FetchV will detect the video sources automatically.

Step 3. Click on the Download button to download M3U8 videos to your computer.

Method Two: Download M3U8 Videos for Free with VLC

The free and open-source media player VLC also allows you to download M3U8 videos easily. With sophisticated media playback and download features, VLC is your best choice for streaming online videos and downloading M3U8 to MP4.

Main features of VLC Media Player:

○ VLC allows you to stream media over networks with various streaming protocols.

○ Supporting many formats, including MPEG, DivX, XviD, H.264, and more, VLC is an all-in-one solution for media playback.

○ Transcode multimedia files and download videos from many sites, but server restrictions may apply.

○ Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux, VLC is a cross-platform M3U8 downloader online.

How to download M3U8 to MP4 with VLC

Step 1. Launch VLC. Head to Media > Open Network Stream.

Step 2. Input the .M3U8 playlist link. Select the Convert option under the Settings section.

Step 3. Set the output format as MP4. Click on the Browse button to set the output folder.

Step 4. Click on Start to download M3U8 videos with VLC.

Part 3: The Alternative Software to Download and Convert M3U8 Videos to MP4

How to download M3U8 online for free? The previous part has recommended the two M3U8 downloaders that prove to be 100% working. Both downloaders are 100% free to use, which is great for users who have a low budget. You can easily download your favorite live-streaming videos at no cost.

However, FetchV and VLC M3U8 downloaders are not ideal if you want to download M3U8 videos frequently. Here are the downsides of these two M3U8 downloaders.

○ For FetchV, an M3U8 downloader extension based on Chrome, the download speed can not be fully guaranteed. It might work well for clips but not long-form streams.

○ While VLC is stable and fast, it does not provide customization options that allow you to adjust resolution, audio, etc.

○ Both M3U8 downloaders can’t seem to download DRM-protected M3U8 videos.

For users who have frequent needs for HLS downloads, a stable M3U8 downloader is the best choice, and CleverGet M3U8 Downloader is the one to check out. Developed specifically for capturing M3U8 videos, the specialized M3U8 downloader software allows you to download all the live streams to MP4 with premium video quality. Want to see how powerful it is? Just check out the following features.

Main features of CleverGet M3U8 Downloader:

○ Download M3U8 videos to MP4

With professional video processing technologies, CleverGet M3U8 Downloader can help you download M3U8 videos successfully. Whether you want to download social media streams, live sports videos, or news, the downloader can analyze and detect videos with DRM removal. You can save and transfer downloaded HLS videos to any device for smooth playback.

○ Easy to Download selected M3U8 episodes

CleverGet M3U8 Downloader can identify all episodes associated with the current video and provide a full download list. There is no need for repetitive and manual operation; the M3U8 downloader is so intelligent that it saves you much time and effort.

○ Download M3U8 to MP4/MKV with 1:1 quality

With CleverGet M3U8 Downloader, you can download/convert M3U8 videos to MP4/MKV files for offline viewing. The M3U8 downloader supports up to 1080 resolution downloads, which allows you to save HLS videos with 1:1 quality retained. You can enjoy live streams offline with the highest quality possible.

○ Multi-language subtitles & audio tracks preserved

CleverGet M3U8 Downloader can also identify all the multi-language subtitles and audio tracks available. Whether you want to embed them into videos or save them as separate SRT/SUP files for post-editing, the M3U8 downloader allows you to do so. You can watch the M3U8 videos offline with a more immersive viewing experience.

○ Download M3U8 videos with ads removal

Today, almost all the HLS videos are stuffed with commercials, which can be quite annoying, especially coupled with constant buffering. But worry not. CleverGet M3U8 Downloader is here to help. It can successfully remove all the ads and download M3U8 videos to MP4. So you can enjoy M3U8 videos without interruption!

So, how to download M3U8 to MP4 with CleverGet M3U8 Downloader? Check out the steps below!

Step 1. Launch CleverGet M3U8 Downloader

CleverGet M3U8 Downloader is part of the CleverGet software. Download and install CleverGet software for free on your device.

• 

• CleverGet M3U8 Downloader

  – The simplest solution to save M3U8 videos for offline playback.
  – No restrictions on downloads. No expired deadline. No whatsoever.
  – Downloads M3U8 videos to MP4/MKV with up to 1080P resolution.
  – Allows downloading all seasons and episodes in batch that are associated with the playing videos.

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Step 2. Set Output Directory

Before you download M3U8 videos, click on the Settings icon to adjust the output folder based on your needs.

Step 3. Locate M3U8 Video

Paste the M3U8 link to the URL of CleverGet M3U8 Downloader. Play the video and click on the Download icon in the bottom right.

Step 4. Download M3U8 to MP4

You will see a window displaying all the download options, with resolutions, quality, size, etc. You can pick any option to download M3U8 to MP4.

Part 4: Conclusion

Want to download M3U8 to MP4? This blog has introduced 3 useful tools to help you out. While FetchV is a handy M3U8 downloader, it is not stable for long-form video capture. You might experience glitches when you download M3U8 to MP4. VLC is a solid choice, but it does not allow you to download M3U8 videos with customizations. That’s why CleverGet M3U8 downloader is your best choice. The downloader can help you download M3U8 videos of all kinds from all streaming platforms. You can save news, live sports, and social media streams to MP4/MKV with the best video quality possible. It’s stable, fast, and reliable, which is perfect for frequent M3U8 downloads. Just try it for free now!