What is HLS streaming and why can't I just right-click save?

HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) delivers video in small segments (typically 2-10 seconds each) rather than as a single file. Your browser plays these segments in sequence, but there is no single file to right-click and save. Video Downloader Pro intercepts all segments, downloads them, and merges them into one complete MP4 file.

Does Video Downloader Pro work on DRM-protected streams?

No. Video Downloader Pro cannot download DRM (Digital Rights Management) protected content from services like Netflix, Disney+, or Amazon Prime Video. DRM encryption prevents any browser extension from capturing the video stream. The extension works on unprotected HLS streams, which are common on news sites, educational platforms, and many other websites.

What video format is the downloaded file?

HLS downloads are saved as standard MP4 files, which are universally compatible with all video players, editing software, and devices. The extension handles the conversion from HLS segments to MP4 automatically — no additional conversion tools needed.

Can I download live HLS streams?

Video Downloader Pro can capture segments from live HLS streams as they broadcast. However, you can only capture what has been broadcast while you are on the page — you cannot go back and download earlier portions of a live stream that you missed. For live content, start the extension capture as early as possible.

Why does the extension show multiple quality options?

HLS uses adaptive bitrate streaming, which means the server provides the same video at multiple quality levels (e.g., 1080p, 720p, 480p). Your browser normally switches between these based on connection speed. Video Downloader Pro shows all available quality levels so you can choose the one you want — typically the highest for best quality, or a lower one for faster download and smaller file size.

Updated Feb 2026

How to Download HLS Streaming Videos from Any Site

HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) videos cannot be saved with a simple right-click. Video Downloader Pro intercepts HLS streams automatically and lets you download them in the highest available quality — no command-line tools or technical knowledge needed.

Intermediate

5 minutes

5 steps

Before You Start

Google Chrome browser (desktop)
Video Downloader Pro installed from the Chrome Web Store
A webpage with HLS streaming video content

Install Video Downloader Pro from the Chrome Web Store

Visit the Chrome Web Store listing and click "Add to Chrome." The extension installs instantly and begins detecting video streams on any page you visit. No configuration or account setup is required.

Chrome Web Store page for Video Downloader Pro

Screenshot the Chrome Web Store listing page with the 'Add to Chrome' button highlighted.

Navigate to the page with the HLS video

Go to the website hosting the HLS streaming video you want to download. This could be a news site, educational platform, sports streaming page, or any site using HLS (m3u8) delivery. Start playing the video — Video Downloader Pro needs the stream to be active in order to detect and intercept it.

Pro Tip

You can tell a video uses HLS streaming if it loads progressively (not all at once), adapts quality based on your connection speed, or if the video URL in browser DevTools contains '.m3u8'. Most modern streaming sites use HLS.

A webpage with an HLS streaming video playing

Screenshot a webpage with a video player active, showing the Video Downloader Pro icon in the toolbar with a badge count indicating detected streams.

Click the Video Downloader Pro icon to see detected streams

Once the video is playing, click the Video Downloader Pro icon in your Chrome toolbar. A dropdown appears listing all detected video streams on the current page. HLS streams are labeled with their quality levels (e.g., 1080p, 720p, 480p). Each entry shows the estimated file size, format, and resolution. If the stream uses adaptive bitrate (ABR), you will see multiple quality options for the same video.

Video Downloader Pro dropdown showing detected HLS streams with quality options

Screenshot the extension dropdown listing multiple HLS stream quality options (1080p, 720p, 480p) with file sizes and format labels.

Select your preferred quality and download

Choose the quality level you want (higher quality = larger file size). Click the "Download" button next to your selected stream. Video Downloader Pro captures the HLS segments and merges them into a single MP4 file. A progress bar shows the download status. The final file is saved to your default downloads folder as a standard MP4 that plays in any video player.

Important

HLS downloads may take longer than regular video downloads because the extension must capture and merge many small segments into one file. A 10-minute video at 1080p typically takes 1-3 minutes to process depending on your connection speed.

HLS download in progress with progress bar showing segment capture

Screenshot the download progress bar showing segment capture progress, estimated time remaining, and the selected quality level.

Handle adaptive bitrate and multi-audio streams

Some HLS streams include multiple audio tracks (different languages) or subtitle tracks. Video Downloader Pro detects these automatically and shows them as separate options. Select your preferred audio track alongside the video quality. For streams with embedded subtitles, the extension can capture those as well. The final download merges your selected video, audio, and subtitle tracks into one file.

Pro Tip

If you only see lower quality options (480p or below), try refreshing the page and letting the video play for 10-20 seconds at the highest quality before opening the extension. Some sites only load higher quality streams after the player determines your connection can handle them.

Multi-track HLS stream options showing video and audio track selection

Screenshot the extension showing a stream with multiple audio tracks and video quality levels available for selection.

Summary

You have successfully downloaded an HLS streaming video using Video Downloader Pro. The extension handles the complexity of HLS (segment capture, merging, format conversion) automatically — you just click download and get a standard MP4 file. This works on virtually any website that uses HLS/m3u8 streaming, which is the majority of modern video platforms. The downloaded file plays in any video player (VLC, QuickTime, Windows Media Player) and can be edited in any video editing software. For the best results, always let the video start playing before opening the extension, and select the highest quality option available.

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Video Downloader Pro captures HLS, m3u8, and other streaming formats automatically. Free to install, no technical setup required.

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