FAQ
Everything you need to know about m3u8 and HLS
What is an m3u8 file?
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m3u8 is essentially a "playlist", similar to a music playlist you create in a music app — except it lists video segment URLs instead.
For example: when watching a movie in MP4 format, it's a single complete file. But in m3u8 format, the movie is split into hundreds of small segments (each about 5-10 seconds), and the .m3u8 file lists all these segment URLs in order.
What is HLS? Why is it so popular?
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HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) is a streaming protocol released by Apple in 2009, now the standard for online video. YouTube, Netflix, and major streaming platforms all use it. Benefits include:
- Adaptive Quality: Automatically switches to high quality on fast connections, downgrades on slow ones
- Server-friendly: Uses standard HTTP protocol, works on regular web servers
- CDN-friendly: Segments can be distributed via CDN for fast, low-latency delivery
- Live & VOD: Flexible for both live streaming and on-demand content
Why can't some m3u8 videos play?
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CORS Restrictions: The most common reason. If the video server doesn't have CORS configured, the browser will refuse to load it.
Expired Links: Some m3u8 URLs are time-limited and will return 404 after expiration.
Encrypted Videos: Some platforms encrypt segments with AES-128, requiring a decryption key to play.
How to download m3u8 videos?
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Method 1: Use FFmpeg (Recommended)
ffmpeg -i "m3u8_url" -c copy output.mp4
Method 2: Use our online tool
Visit M3U8 to MP4 page, paste the link to convert and download (suitable for short videos).