[5 Methods] How to convert M3U8 to MP4 format Safely?

M3U8 files are likely what you came across if you have ever tried downloading streaming videos. Usually, these files include data that direct your gadget on loading and running the video stream. Sadly, downloading the M3U8 file won't allow you to play it straight-forward.

This guide will walk you through a basic approach to translate M3U8 files into the more flexible MP4 format. This lets you hassle-free view your downloaded videos offline on many devices. These guidelines will help you to readily control and enjoy your preferred streaming material on any device.

Additionally interested in how to download Netflix videos in MP4 format and how to handle Netflix Code NW-3-6 problem since you're here?

What is M3U8?

Playlists for streaming music and video content are generated using text-based M3U8 file format. Listing the URLs of different media segments—often in TS format—it functions as almost a table of contents. Particularly over slower internet connections, this segmented technique lets streaming be efficient.

Although most video players cannot directly access and play M3U8 files, they nonetheless give the required information. This is why you will frequently find them utilized in concert with streaming services as TVer, Hulu, and others using HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) technology.

First you must convert M3U8 videos offline into a more widely used format such as MP4 or MKV. We will walk you through downloading and converting M3U8 files in the next parts. Keep reading the two pieces to learn about downloading TVer videos and saving Hulu content.

Fix 1: Common Method to Download M3U8 Videos [Not Recommended]

Playing streaming videos need M3U8 files; downloading them will enable offline viewing. 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".
1. Click on "Show page source" in "Development".
2. Enter m3u8 in the search box at the bottom of the displayed window.
3. Copy the URL shown on the right window in "Full URL".
Extract the URL, paste it into specialist downloading software, examine the video URL, set the destination file, and start the download M3U8 videos.

Fix 2: Easily Download M3U8 Videos in MP4 Format [Highly Recommended!]

Although M3U8 files are widely utilized for streaming material on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, and HBO, downloading these videos straight isn't easy. These companies use strong Digital Rights Management (DRM) technologies to guard their material against illegal replication.

Unfortunately, DRM-protected content won't allow conventional techniques of downloading M3U8 files to work. You will need specific tools meant to break DRM and download videos from these platforms if you want to go above this restriction.

We will then introduce KeepStreams for M3U8, a professional downloader with support for a broad spectrum of streaming services and handling of DRM-protected content in the next part.

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.
KeepStreams For M3U8

Download M3U8 videos from 50+ streaming services and save the downloads in compatible MP4/MKV format.
Download multiple videos simultaneously

Support for saving subtitles in SRT format in multiple languages

Save videos in resolutions from 720p to 1080p

Possibility to save downloaded videos in MP4/MKV formats

Analyze and download directly without extracting URLs using the built-in browser

Free download 3 videos from each streaming service in 30 days.
Free Trial Free Trial
Learn More
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
Step 1

Access the official site of KeepStreams for M3U8 and download the software to install it.

Step 2

Enter the video URL you want to download/convert

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.

Step 3

Click on the target video's title to start playing it once you located it.

Step 4

At the top of the playback window, under "DRM M3U8," click.

Step 5

Customize download settings and click on Download Now

In the download box that shows, select the bitrate and intended video quality. Downloading premium videos is simple since 240P to full HD 1080P supports video qualities.

Step 6

Find the downloaded MP4 files on your computer

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:
1. Access the Offliberty website.
2. Copy the URL of the video you want to download, paste it into the Offliberty address bar, and click "OFF".
1. 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:
1. Starting WonderFox Free HD Video Converter, choose "Downloader".
2. Click "New Download," copy the M3U8 video URL into the text box, then click "Analyze".
3. Click "OK" to include the video to the download list after the analysis is finished choosing "MP4" in the video metadata.
4. To get the M3U8 file at last, click "Start Download".
Stated differently, this M3U8 download freeware lets you straight download M3U8 files in MP4 format without conversion required. Downloading M3U8 files using WonderFox Free HD Video Converter Factory follows this process.

Fix 5: Use CocoCut Without URL Copying

Download M3U8 videos straight away with the extension "CocoCut," without copying URLs. Major browsers including Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are compatible with this extension. < Install Cococut Video Downloader in your browser first so you may download M3U8 videos using the "CocoCut" plugin.

Starting "Google Chrome" on your PC, look for Cococut Video Downloader in the "Chrome Web Store". Alternatively, the official site is immediately accessible under here. After clicking "Add to Chrome," verify adding the extension.

Next, explain how to download M3U8 videos using CocoCut.
1. Use Cococut Video Downloader to access the video site from which you want to download.
2. 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.
1. Check the chosen video and click on "Download selected items" to start the download.
2. On the fresh screen, one can verify new development. Click "Save" to choose the destination for saving. Once the download finishes. You can thus readily save the video.
This is the M3U8 download technique without using "CocoCut's URL copying capability". This will let you download M3U8 videos with simplicity.
FAQs
Q. Why do we need to convert M3U8 to formats like MP4?
A1. Supported on many devices, programs, and systems, MP4 is the most flexible multimedia format. Converting M3U8 to formats like MP4 has various benefits.
1. You can play it on various devices and systems such as smartphones, tablets, PCs, TVs, game consoles, etc.
2. Supported by most video editing software and apps
3. 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.