How to Use HLS Downloader to Download HLS Video
HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) is one of the most popular video delivery protocols online. It’s widely used by streaming platforms, e-learning websites, news portals, and social media apps because it delivers smooth, adaptive-quality video. However, downloading an HLS stream isn’t as straightforward as downloading a normal MP4 file. To save these videos offline, you need a specialized tool—an HLS downloader.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to use HLS downloader tools, how HLS streaming works, how to obtain the M3U8 playlist link, and several different methods to download HLS video safely and efficiently. Whether you want a dedicated hls video downloader, browser extension, or download manager, this article covers every option in detail.
How HLS Downloaders Work?
Before learning how to use an HLS stream downloader, it’s important to understand what HLS actually is.
HLS videos are delivered in segments—tiny slices of a video file (usually .ts or .ts-like chunks). These slices are mapped inside an M3U8 playlist file, which tells the video player where to fetch each segment. When you watch a livestream or online video, your player fetches these slices in real time.
An HLS downloader works by:
- Reading the M3U8 playlist URL
- Fetching each video segment from the server
- Downloading all segments
- Merging them into one complete MP4 video
Because of this multi-step process, regular downloaders can’t grab HLS videos. You need specialized tools designed for M3U8/HLS playback and parsing.
The Most Important Step: How to Get the HLS/M3U8 Link?
To download HLS video, you must first extract the M3U8 link. This is the master file that contains the video’s structure and segment URLs.
Here’s the detailed, step-by-step method:
Method: Get the M3U8 Link via Browser Developer Tools
- Open the HLS video page
Go to the webpage where your video is streaming. - Open Developer Tools
Press:
- F12, or
- Ctrl + Shift + I, or
- Right-click → Inspect
- F12, or
- Go to the “Network” tab
- Filter for “m3u8” or “playlist”
- In the filter box, type: m3u8
- If nothing appears, type playlist or master
- In the filter box, type: m3u8
- Play the video
Once the video starts playing, new network activity will appear. - Look for entries ending in “.m3u8”
This could be:
- master.m3u8
- index.m3u8
- playlist.m3u8
- master.m3u8
- Right-click → Copy → Copy link address
- Save the M3U8 URL
This is what you will paste into your hls video downloader or download tool.
Tips for Hard-to-Find M3U8 Links
- Some sites hide streams behind DRM; these cannot be downloaded with basic HLS tools.
- If you see multiple M3U8 files, pick the master playlist—it contains all quality levels.
- If the site loads HLS via JavaScript, reload the page after opening Developer Tools.
How to Download HLS Videos?
Once you have the M3U8 playlist URL, you can download the full video using different methods. Below are the safest and most reliable techniques.
1. Use a Dedicated HLS Downloader (Recommended)
Dedicated tools offer the highest success rate, fastest speeds, and cleanest output files. Among them, CleverGet is one of the strongest options. It works smoothly for most HLS streams and is especially good for beginners.
Why Use CleverGet?
- Supports M3U8/HLS streams natively
- Downloads in high-quality MP4
- Merges segments automatically
- Easy to use
- Supports many popular streaming sites
How to Download HLS Videos with CleverGet
- Install and launch CleverGet.
- Open the built-in browser inside the software.
- Paste the HLS video URL or open the webpage directly.
- CleverGet will automatically detect the M3U8 playlist.
- Choose your preferred resolution and format.
- Click Download.
- Wait for CleverGet to merge and save the final video.
This method is extremely reliable and eliminates the need for technical setup.
2. Use Browser Extensions
Browser extensions are convenient because they work directly while you browse. They can detect HLS streams automatically but may struggle with encrypted content.
One commonly used tool is Video DownloadHelper.
Steps to Use a Browser Extension
- Install the extension from your browser’s add-on store:
Example: Video DownloadHelper (Chrome/Firefox). - Open the page with the HLS video.
- Play the video to allow the extension to detect the stream.
- Click the extension icon.
- Look for available video qualities.
- Click Download.
Pros
- Fast and simple
- No external software needed
- Works for many websites
Cons
- Many extensions require companion apps
- May fail on more complex or encrypted streams
- Slower merging process
- Possible ads or tracking
Browser extensions are good for basic downloads but not ideal for heavy or protected streaming.
3. Use a Download Manager
Download managers like Internet Download Manager (IDM) or Free Download Manager (FDM) can also act as hls stream downloader tools, but with limitations.
IDM, for example, can capture M3U8 streams using its browser integration.
Steps Using Internet Download Manager (IDM)
- Install IDM and enable browser integration.
- Go to the webpage with the HLS video.
- Play the video.
- If IDM detects the stream, it will show a Download this video button.
- Click it and select your preferred quality.
- IDM will fetch and merge the segments.
Pros
- Very fast download speeds
- Automatic detection of many streams
- Great for batch downloading
Cons
- Doesn’t work with all M3U8 streams
- Sometimes misdetects quality levels
- Paid software
Download managers work well for simple HLS setups but are not guaranteed for every site.
FAQs
Q1: Can all HLS videos be downloaded?
Not always. DRM-protected streams (Widevine, PlayReady, FairPlay) cannot be downloaded with standard tools.
Q2: Why is my downloaded video missing audio?
Some streams separate audio and video into different playlists. Choose the master M3U8 or ensure your downloader supports multi-track merging.
Q3: Which is the best tool for beginners?
A dedicated downloader like CleverGet is the most user-friendly option.
Q4: My extension doesn’t detect the video—what should I do?
Refresh the page, clear cache, or try playing the video for a few seconds. If it still fails, switch to a dedicated HLS downloader.
Conclusion
Knowing how to use HLS downloader tools opens the door to easily saving online videos for offline viewing. Whether you’re using a HLS video downloader, a browser extension, or a download manager, the key step is always obtaining the M3U8 playlist link. Once you have it, you can download HLS video in just a few clicks.
For the highest success rate and smoothest experience, a dedicated tool like CleverGet is strongly recommended—it handles complex HLS streams, supports multiple formats, and can even help you download videos from Netflix depending on the setup.
Choose the method that fits your needs, follow the steps, and enjoy seamless offline access to your favorite HLS content.