Detect a permitted playlist
Open a source that explicitly permits downloading, or a direct M3U8 URL provided for saving. ALBA identifies a supported media or master playlist delivered to your device.
Save compatible HLS and M3U8 video on iPhone.
HLS video is delivered as a playlist and media segments instead of one obvious file. ALBA can detect supported playlists, show available variants, and manage an authorized save for offline playback.
Some vault-account, search, and bulk features require Pro. Current limits and pricing are shown inside the app.
Only save media you own or that the source explicitly authorizes you to download and keep. Availability depends on the page, format, and source rules. ALBA is not designed to bypass access controls or digital rights protections.
From an HLS page to one offline item.
ALBA handles the playlist and segment workflow when the source and stream are compatible.
Choose an available variant
If the master playlist exposes several distinct versions, choose a quality based on resolution, bandwidth, and expected storage.
Download, finalize, and play
ALBA retrieves the compatible segments, tracks progress, finalizes the result into your vault, and opens supported completed media offline.
What HLS and M3U8 mean
M3U8 is a playlist format commonly used by HTTP Live Streaming, or HLS. A master playlist can point to several variants, while each media playlist points to many short audio or video segments. That is why copying a single segment URL does not create a complete offline video.
For a compatible stream that the source explicitly permits you to download, ALBA can follow the playlist structure, choose a source-provided variant, save the required media pieces, and finalize the result as a protected vault item. The exact output depends on the source, codecs, playlist structure, and device support.
- Compatible master and media playlists
- Variant grouping by meaningful quality
- Progress across many media segments
- Pause, resume, retry, and relaunch recovery where supported
- Private storage after finalization
Why an HLS download can fail
Playlist-based media has more moving parts than a direct file.
Temporary source URL expires
A playlist or media URL can be short-lived. Reopen the authorized source to obtain a fresh source-provided download.
The playlist changes
Live or dynamic playlists can add and remove segments. An offline save needs a compatible finite sequence or stable point in time.
Protection or codec is unsupported
License-backed DRM, unsupported encryption, uncommon codecs, or separate tracks can prevent finalization or playback.
HLS and M3U8 FAQ
Technical answers in plain language.
Is every M3U8 URL downloadable?
No. The playlist may be live, expired, protected, malformed, unsupported, or not explicitly authorized by the source for saving.
Why are several qualities shown?
A compatible master playlist can list multiple variants with different resolution or bandwidth. ALBA groups meaningful options and lets you select one exposed by the source.
Can ALBA download DRM-protected HLS?
No. ALBA is not designed to bypass digital rights management, license systems, or access controls.
Why does an HLS download take longer to finalize?
The app must retrieve and validate many segments, then finalize the compatible result into the vault. File size, segment count, network, and device performance all matter.
Choose an exposed quality and keep it offline.
Use ALBA with a compatible HLS or M3U8 source you own or are authorized to save.