M3U8 to MP4 Converter (HLS & IPTV)
What is a M3U8 file?
M3U8 is a playlist file format based on the M3U format but encoded in UTF-8. It is commonly used to describe multimedia playlists, especially for HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) by Apple.
Instead of storing video, an M3U8 file points to media segments and streaming instructions. It’s widely used in web video streaming and adaptive bitrate playback.
How to open M3U8 files
M3U8 files can be opened with VLC, iTunes, JW Player, and online streaming platforms. They serve as playlists for media segments, not actual video content.
You can use AnyConv to extract or convert the video segments linked in an M3U8 playlist to formats like MP4.
Key facts about M3U8
- Full name: UTF-8 M3U Playlist File
- Extension: .m3u8
- MIME type: application/vnd.apple.mpegurl
- Developed by: Apple Inc.
- Initial release: 2009
Useful links and resources
What is a MP4 file?
MP4 (MPEG-4 Part 14) is one of the most widely used video container formats in the world. It supports high-quality video and audio, subtitles, and still images in a compact file size.
MP4 is ideal for streaming, downloading, and sharing content across nearly all devices and platforms, making it a universal standard for video.
How to open MP4 files
MP4 is universally supported by nearly every media player, browser, and mobile device. It works on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux without the need for additional codecs.
Use AnyConv to convert MP4 to other formats like AVI, MOV, or MKV depending on your needs.
Key facts about MP4
- Full name: MPEG-4 Part 14
- Extension: .mp4
- MIME type: video/mp4
- Developed by: ISO/IEC
- Initial release: 2001
Useful links and resources
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
- Why do I need absolute links in my playlist?M3U8 playlists must contain full URLs for each segment (e.g.
https://example.com/video/seg001.ts). If your playlist uses relative paths likeseg001.ts, add a Base URL or use the ZIP method with all segment files included. - Do you support .m3u as well as .m3u8?Yes. Both
.m3u8and.m3uplaylists are supported. If your file is in.m3u, just upload it or paste its contents. - Why does this converter run in my browser, not on the server?Unlike other AnyConv tools, M3U8 to MP4 runs directly in your browser using FFmpeg (WebAssembly).
✅ Advantage: faster, private, your files never leave your computer.
⚠️ Limitation: very large playlists may run out of memory, and some older browsers may not support it. - What about DRM-protected streams?Streams with DRM (Widevine, FairPlay, etc.) cannot be converted. Even if the playlist looks valid, DRM prevents saving or merging into MP4.
- What’s the difference between Static mode and Live mode?Static mode: The playlist is fixed. Only the listed segments are downloaded. Best for VOD and finished streams.
Live mode: The playlist refreshes in real time. New segments are fetched continuously until you stop recording. Perfect for live broadcasts. - Why can’t I record the start of a live stream?Live playlists only contain the most recent few minutes. If you need the entire broadcast, start recording before the show begins. To rewind or access earlier parts, your provider must offer DVR/archived URLs.
- Why do long recordings fail?Since everything runs in your browser, memory is limited. Very long sessions (hours of video) may crash. Use the Duration limit or the ZIP method with pre-downloaded files.
- When should I use the ZIP method?Use ZIP if:
- Your playlist uses relative segment paths.
- You already downloaded all segment files.
Put the.m3u8file and all.ts/.m4ssegments in one archive, upload it, and we’ll merge them into MP4. - Which segment formats are supported?We support
.tsand.m4ssegments (common in HLS). If your stream uses uncommon codecs, video or audio may not play correctly. Try selecting another variant (e.g. 720p). - Why do I need to select a quality sometimes?Some playlists are “master” playlists that contain multiple streams (1080p, 720p, 480p). In these cases, you must choose which quality to convert.
🗨️ What Users Say About AnyConv
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