Downloading Videos from Blob URLs: A Comprehensive Approach

When you encounter a video on a webpage with a source URL that looks like a blob, such as blob:http://www.example.com/d70a74e1-0324-4b9f-bad4-84e3036ad354, it can seem challenging to download. Blob URLs are typically used to represent data stored in the browser’s memory and aren’t directly accessible through regular file download methods.

Understanding Blob URLs

A blob URL (binary large object) is a unique way for web applications to create temporary references to raw data. When you see this format, it often indicates that the video or other media content is being served via streaming protocols such as HLS (HTTP Live Streaming), which use .m3u8 playlist files.

Steps to Download

Here’s how to convert a blob URL into an accessible download:

Step 1: Identify the Media Source

1. Open Developer Tools: Press F12 or right-click on the page and select "Inspect" to open the developer tools.
2. Navigate to the Network Tab: Refresh your webpage to populate network requests.
3. Locate the .m3u8 File:
   • Look for files with a .m3u8 extension in the list of resources.
   • Identify the request that corresponds to your video, often indicated by file size or specific name.

Step 2: Extract the URL

1. Click on the .m3u8 file within the Network tab to view its details.
2. Find and copy the full Request URL.

Step 3: Download Using Tools

You can use several tools and methods to download the video from an HLS stream:

Option A: VLC Media Player

• Open VLC, go to "Open Network Stream."
• Paste the copied .m3u8 URL.
• VLC will play the content, allowing you to convert it by choosing “Convert” > “Save as File.”

Option B: Command Line with FFmpeg

If you prefer using a command-line tool:

ffmpeg -i 'https://your-copied-m3u8-url' -c copy output.mp4

• -i: Input file, the .m3u8 URL.
• -c copy: Copies video and audio without re-encoding for quicker processing.

Step 4: Use Browser Extensions

For ease of use, consider browser extensions:

1. HLS Downloader Extension:
   • Install it from Chrome Web Store.
   • It will show a list of available playlists on the page.
   • Copy the playlist URL and download using youtube-dl or similar tools.

Example command for youtube-dl:

youtube-dl --all-subs -f mp4 -o "file-name.mp4" "https://copied-m3u8-link"

• --all-subs: Downloads all subtitles if available.
• -f mp4: Specifies the output format as MP4.

Additional Considerations

• Vimeo or Other Platforms: Some platforms may use different methods to host videos. For Vimeo, inspecting the player’s source code might help locate an MP4 link with a temporary token that you need to download promptly.

• Security and Permissions: Always ensure you have permission to download content from the website. Downloading protected or copyrighted content without authorization is illegal.

Conclusion

By understanding the nature of blob URLs and using appropriate tools, converting these streaming links into downloadable files becomes straightforward. Whether through VLC, FFmpeg, browser extensions, or direct inspection, each method provides a way to access video content for offline viewing.