M3U8 / HLS Stream Downloader
Download HLS (M3U8) video streams in your browser. Fetch all segments and save as a single .ts file with real-time progress tracking.
About M3U8 / HLS Stream Downloader
Overview
M3U8 HLS Downloader lets you download HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) videos directly in your browser. HLS is a widely used streaming protocol that splits videos into small .ts (Transport Stream) segments described by an M3U8 playlist file. This tool fetches the playlist, downloads every segment, combines them into a single file, and lets you save it locally — all without any server-side processing. Simply paste the M3U8 URL, choose your preferred quality from master playlists, and watch the real-time download progress. The downloaded .ts file can then be converted to MP4 using our TS to MP4 Converter tool.
Features
- Supports both master playlists (multi-quality) and media playlists
- Automatic quality variant selection from master playlists with bandwidth info
- Real-time download progress showing segment count, size, and speed
- Relative and absolute URL resolution for all segment paths
- Encrypted stream detection (AES-128) with clear user notification
- Combines all segments into a single .ts transport stream file
- Fully browser-based — no uploads, no servers, complete privacy
- Shows total downloaded size and live download speed
How to Use
- Paste the direct URL of an M3U8 playlist file into the input field
- Click Load to fetch and parse the playlist
- If the stream is a master playlist, select your preferred quality level
- Click "Download Stream" to start downloading all segments
- Monitor the real-time progress showing segments downloaded and speed
- Once complete, click "Save" to download the combined .ts file to your device
FAQ
What is an M3U8 file?
An M3U8 file is a playlist format used by HLS (HTTP Live Streaming). It lists URLs of video/audio segments that players download and play sequentially. Master playlists reference multiple quality variants; media playlists list the actual downloadable segments.
Why do I get a "Failed to fetch" or CORS error?
Most private streaming platforms block cross-origin browser requests for copyright protection. This tool only works with streams whose servers explicitly allow CORS. Public CDN-hosted streams and open demo streams typically work fine.
Can I convert the downloaded .ts file to MP4?
Yes! Use our TS to MP4 Converter tool to convert the downloaded .ts file to MP4 format using FFmpeg directly in your browser. Files under 2GB can be converted without any additional software needed.
Why is the download slow?
Download speed depends on the stream server bandwidth and your connection. Segments are fetched one at a time. Speed shown reflects actual throughput from the CDN server hosting the stream segments.
Does this work for encrypted HLS streams?
The tool detects AES-128 encryption and warns you. Encrypted segments are downloaded as-is but will not play without the decryption key. Full decryption support is not included as keys are typically server-protected.