What is .m3u8 File Extension?
.m3u8 extension is not a popular format like .mp4 or .mp3. M3U8 files are not actual videos or audios directly available to us for playing. Files with M3U8 file extension can be paths or URLs referring to specific media files or folders. A .m3u8 file is simple text file encoded with UTF-8.
Because of the complication of M3U8 files, it is hard to play M3U8 directly on players or devices. If you want a video converter which is able to convert M3U8 file to MP4 or MP3 directly, it is impossible to find one relying on the present converting market, maybe in the future. So in order to freely enjoy M3U8 files, it is a recommended way to convert M3U8 to popular video formats with a media player, and then convert files from player to other popular formats for widely playing.
The following articles will tell two easy to use and wonderful M3U8 file converters for you. One is VLC media player (For streaming M3U8 files to MP4/MP3 etc.). The other is M3U8 Converter (For converting files from VLC media player to other popular formats). For your convenience, a step by step guide on how to convert M3U8 videos is also available here.
Option 1: Convert M3U8 Files to MP4, MP3 with VLC Media Player
Pros and Cons of Converting M3U8 Files to MP3/MP4 with VLC
Pros:
- It is free and easy to use.
- Play M3U8 files successfully.
- Download M3U8 files online with zero trouble.
- Convert M3U8 to MP4, MP3, ASF, OGG, FLAC, WebM and so on.
Cons:
- Only convert M3U8 files to several VLC supported formats.
- Fail to play M3U8 files on any devices freely.
- Converted files cannot be played on many devices sometimes.
- Require a stable network and may turn slow depending on the Internet network.
- The viewing effect depends on the speed of the internet connection.
Steps to Convert M3U8 Files to MP4, MP3 with VLC Media Player
Step 1. Download VLC Media Player
Get VLC Media Player from videolan.org and start it when you complete installing.
Step 2. Add M3U8 Files or URL to M3U8 Converter
- Towards to M3U8 files saved in .m3u8 file extension in computer, click “Media” ->”Open File…” or “Open Folder…” to add files.
- Towards to M3U8 files in URL, click “Media” -> “Open Network Stream…” -> “Network” to get M3U8 files.
Step 3. Convert M3U8 to MP4, MP3, FLV, AIFF etc.
There are two ways to do it:
- Click “Media” -> “Convert/Save…” to load your files or paste the URL to get your files and then click “Convert” button on the right corner of the new tab to convert M3U8 files according instructions.
- Click “Media” -> “Stream…” to add your files or paste the URL to get your files and then click “Stream” button on the right corner of the new tab to finish M3U8 converting.
Option 2: Convert M3U8 Files with M3U8 Converter (Strongly Recommended by Customers)
M3U8 file converter is able to convert M3U8 files to any video audio formats for freely playing in any devices.
- Convert M3U8 videos streamed from VLC media player to MP4, WMV, AIFF, ALAC, and MP3 etc. for playback on iPod, iPad, iPhone, iTunes, QuickTime, Android, PS4, Xbox 360, Apple TV, Android, Samsung phone or TV, Windows phone, etc.
- Convert M3U8 files streamed from VLC media player to MOV, DV, and FLV etc. for editing in iMovie, Windows Movie Maker or for uploading to some video websites or for burning into CD or DVD.
- Convert M3U8 files streamed from VLC media player to almost all the popular video audio formats like AVI, MKV, ASF, MPG, RM, AAC, AC3, M4A, FLAC, AU, etc. with high quality.
- Batch converting multiple video/audio files at a time
- Edit, enhance & personalize your videos file via cropping, clipping, merging, trimming, adding subtitles/watermark, adjusting volume/bitrate and more.
Pros and Cons of Converting M3U8 Files to MP4/MP3 with M3U8 Converter
Pros:
- It is stable and free trial.
- Convert videos streamed from VLC media player to any popular formats with high quality.
- Make M3U8 files play on any devices freely.
- Converting process does not reply on Internet network.
Cons:
- Impossible to load or convert M3U8 files directly.
- Only support managing M3U8 files already successfully converted by VLC media player once.
Guides of Converting M3U8 Files to MP4/MP3 with M3U8 Converter
Make Preparation: Free download M3U8 Converter (For Windows, For Mac) and launch it when all is ready.
Step 1. Add Files
Click “Add File” button to import files to the interface of the M3U8 file converter.
Step 2. Set Output Format
Click “Profile” drop down button and set the format you prefer from M3U8 video converter.
Tips: You can edit M3U8 files in “Enhance” “Trim” “3D” “Edit” button as you wish.
Step 3. Convert M3U8 Files with M3U8 Converter
Click “Convert” button to start file converting.
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