Download HLS Streams with FFmpeg: Step-by-Step

1. Install FFmpeg — from ffmpeg.org or your package manager.
2. Get the M3U8 URL — usually ends in .m3u8.
3. Open a terminal — Command Prompt, PowerShell, Terminal, or shell.
4. Run:

   ffmpeg -i "https://example.com/stream.m3u8" -c copy output.mp4

5. Wait for progress — time, speed, and size update until complete.

If the playlist includes #EXT-X-KEY and the key is public, FFmpeg often decrypts automatically while downloading. If not, ensure the key URI is reachable (network/auth). DRM-protected streams cannot be decrypted with generic tools. Related: complete FFmpeg convert guide.

VOD playlists end with #EXT-X-ENDLIST and download to completion. Live playlists never end — use -t for duration or stop with Ctrl+C. Guide: download M3U8 with FFmpeg.

#!/bin/bash
urls=(
  "https://example.com/stream1.m3u8"
  "https://example.com/stream2.m3u8"
)
i=1
for url in "${urls[@]}"; do
  ffmpeg -i "$url" -c copy "out-$i.mp4"
  i=$((i+1))
done

Or use yt-dlp with a URL list. Batch ideas: batch download M3U8.

For one-off downloads without a terminal, use our free browser downloader — multi-threaded segment fetch and merge, no install.

How do I download HLS with FFmpeg?
ffmpeg -i "url.m3u8" -c copy out.mp4

Does it work on Windows?
Yes — install FFmpeg and run the same command in PowerShell or CMD.

Can it download encrypted HLS?
AES-128 if the key is reachable; not DRM.

How do I stop a live capture?
Ctrl+C, or set -t seconds in advance.