I wanted to save a video of a live concert or a live broadcast on my PC and watch it later, but sometimes I can only save files with the unusual .m3u8 file extension. What is an m3u8 file anyway? How can I play m3u8 video files, and is there any way to convert m3u8-rated files to mp4?
As it turns out, you can use a video downloader to play m3u8 files in mp4 format, even DRM-protected content can be downloaded.
This article will explain m3u8 files. We will also introduce a video downloader that supports m3u8 files and can convert them to mp4 format. Please take a look.
1. what is m3u8?
I want to save a video of a live performance or a live broadcast on my PC and watch it later, but sometimes I can only save an unusual file with the extension .m3u8. What is an m3u8 file anyway?
An m3u8-rated file is not a file that stores video content. It is a playlist that records a URL that displays the location of video files divided into 10-second segments for continuous playback. It is often used for streaming videos and music over a network. For example, video distribution services such as TVer, Toei Special Effects Fan Club, GYAO!, NHK Plus, javmix, and sujav use m3u8 format streaming playback.
Although it is not a video file that can be played directly, if you have this playlist, you can save the video file with a compatible downloader.
2. DRM can be removed! After converting m3u8 videos to MP4, download!
The official name for DRM is Digital Rights Management. It is a mechanism to protect the copyright of digital content to prevent unauthorized use of electronic content.
If you try to record a video that is protected by DRM, the screen will go black and you will not be able to record it. What should I do if I want to save a video in such a situation?
It is recommended to get the m3u8 file of the video content you want to save and download the video. m3u8-compatible downloaders allow you to easily save MP4-rated video files on your own PC.
Now, let's check out the m3u8-compatible downloaders.
3. Software to download & convert m3u8 video to MP4
Software to convert m3u8 videos to MP4 #1 FlixPal
FlixPal is a software developed specifically for converting and saving m3u8 digital content to mp4. It is characterized by quick and easy downloading, and supports more than 100 main video services, including Netflix, Disney+ , Amazon prime TV, Hulu, and more than 100 other video services. It has features such as batch download, automatic download of new episodes, ad removal, etc., and can download videos with high quality and high speed.
Below are the steps to download & convert m3u8 videos to MP4 with FlixPal
STEP1 First, download & install FlixPal from the website.
Official website FlixPal
STEP2 Launch FlixPal and there are two ways to find videos.
1) Select a streaming video subscription service (60+ such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney Plus, etc.) in the user interface, then access the video site with the built-in browser to find the video you want to download.
*If you download videos from a subscription video service, please register an account first.
(2) Enter the address of the video site you want to download in the search bar and use the built-in browser to find the video you want to download.
STEP3 Select the video title you found and open the playback page of the video you wish to save. Click on the blue "DRM M3U8" button in the upper left corner to set up video saving.
STEP4 After selecting the video quality, audio, and other advanced settings for the video file, click "Download Now" to start downloading the video.
STEP5 You can check the video download progress by clicking the "Downloading" item in the function list on the left of the user interface.
STEP6 After the download is complete, click on the file icon to view the file location.
No. 2 software to convert m3u8 videos to MP4 - VideoProc Converter
VideoProc Converter is a software to download m3u8 videos.
Unlike FlixPal, you have to extract the URL of the .m3u8 file from the video site yourself.
Below are the steps to download & convert m3u8 videos to MP4 with VideoProc Converter
STEP1 First, download and install VideoProc Converter. The first time you use the software, you will be guided to the paid version, but you can skip it by clicking the notification later.
STEP2 On the main screen, click "Download" and then "Add Video" to go to the download screen. The following screen will appear.
STEP3 Save the video file according to the operation indicated in the red basket.
Software #3 for converting m3u8 videos to MP4 - UniConverter
UniConverter is a software to download video files from video sharing sites such as VIMEO and Nico Nico Douga. It offers a full range of video-related functions such as video downloading, video editing, and video converting, but it offers even more editing features such as adding/removing watermarks, cropping videos to the optimal size for popular social networking sites, and more.
Below are the steps to download and convert m3u8 video to MP4 with UniConverter
STEP1 First, install the UniConverter software.
STEP2 Open the web page of the video you want to save in your web browser. Copy the URL address at the top of the screen.
STEP3 Click Download from the menu on the left side of the main screen, and turn on Download Conversion in the lower left corner. Then the conversion destination setting screen will pop up. Here you can set the format of the file you wish to download, the desired screen size, etc.
STEP4 After completing the settings, click on the file icon in the middle of the screen. The URL you copied to the destination will automatically be read, and the download will be executed after the URL analysis is complete.
No. 4 software to convert m3u8 videos to MP4 - CleverGet
CleverGet is a video downloader developed by software vendor Moyea Software that allows users to download video content from video sharing sites, video distribution services, and social networking sites without DRM. licenses are available.
Below are the steps to download & convert m3u8 videos to MP4 with CleverGet.
STEP1 Download CleverGet and follow the instructions to install it.
STEP2 The main screen looks like a web browser. You can also use it as a web browser. Open the site address of the video you want to download in your browser or copy and paste it in advance to open it.
STEP3 Play the video. As it plays, the m3u8 URL will be automatically parsed. Click the blue download button that appears in the lower right corner of the screen.
STEP4 Select the desired rating and click "Download" to download the video.
STEP5
Software to convert m3u8 videos to MP4 #5- StreamFab DRM M3U8 Downloader
StreamFab DRM M3U8 Downloader is a software that belongs to StreamFab series and allows you to save videos from M3U8 protected websites on your own PC. STVer, GYAO!, Johnny's net online, and other famous video distribution services.
STEP1 Download StreamFab DRM M3U8 Downloader from the homepage to your PC, install and launch it.
STEP2 Paste the m3u8 video site address into the search bar on the main screen.
STEP3 Once you are on the site, play your favorite video. Once it starts playing, press the download button that appears in the upper left corner. A pop-up window will open where you can set your desired image quality and screen size. Click the "Download Now" button to start downloading the m3u8 video.
Summary
What is an m3u8-rated file?
How can I save m3u8 videos?
What if I am trying to save DRM-protected digital content?
This article answers the above questions.
Since m3u8-rated files play streaming videos as a playlist of video files, you can only download m3u8 videos with a professional downloader. You can also download DRM-protected digital content that cannot be recorded.
The most recommended video downloader is FlixPal. I have used it and found its features to be powerful and easy to use. There are no troublesome advertisements and no data provision. Please give it a try.