You right-click a video, choose "Inspect", and instead of a normal file address the video tag says src="blob:https://example.com/3f2a…". Copying that address into a new tab shows nothing, and "Save video as" is greyed out or saves an empty file. Blob videos confuse almost everyone who tries to download one. The good news: the blob is not the video, and the real video is usually easy to reach. This guide explains what a blob URL is and how to download the video behind it.
What a blob: URL is
A blob URL is a temporary address that a web page creates inside your browser's memory. Modern players do not hand the video file to the browser directly. Instead, the page's JavaScript downloads the video in small pieces from a stream (usually HLS with an .m3u8 playlist, or DASH with an .mpd manifest), assembles them in memory and gives the player a blob address that points to that memory.
That is why the address:
- only exists in your tab while the page is open;
- cannot be opened in another tab, another browser or another device;
- cannot be pasted into any downloader, because there is nothing at that address outside your browser.
So the trick is not to download the blob, but the stream that feeds it.
Method 1: paste the page link
The fastest way is to let the service find the stream for you:
- Copy the address of the page where the video plays (from the address bar, not from the video).
- Paste it into Skachok and press "Find".
- Choose the quality and press "Download".
The service opens the page the way a browser would, finds the stream behind the player and gives you a regular MP4. If the page has several videos, it saves the main one; for the others, open their own pages.
Method 2: find the stream address
When the page link finds nothing, take the stream address yourself:
- Open the page in Chrome or Edge and press F12.
- Open the Network tab.
- In the filter box type
m3u8. If nothing appears, trympd. - Play the video so the requests show up.
- Right-click the playlist request → Copy → Copy link address, and paste it into Skachok.
An .m3u8 link is an HLS playlist, explained in detail in the M3U8 downloader guide. If you see only many small requests ending in .ts, .m4s or .mp4 with numbers, scroll up to find the playlist that lists them; a single segment is just a few seconds of video.
Why "Save video as" does not work
The browser's "Save video as" saves the file at the video's address. For a blob, that address is memory inside the tab, and browsers do not export media assembled by a player's script. Screen recording is the only thing that "works" without the stream, but it records in real time, captures the player interface and loses quality. Downloading the stream gives you the original file in a fraction of the time.
When a blob video cannot be downloaded
- DRM-protected video. Streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Apple TV+ and many paid course platforms encrypt the stream with DRM. The blob is filled with decrypted frames that never leave the protected part of the browser. No honest tool downloads these; use the official offline mode in their apps.
- Video behind a login. If you have to sign in to watch, the stream usually requires your session. Downloading by link works only for videos that play without signing in.
- Expired stream links. Signed stream addresses expire after minutes or hours. Copy a fresh one right before pasting.
Typical sites with blob videos
Almost every modern player uses blob URLs: YouTube, Vimeo, Twitch, Kick, X, Facebook, news sites and TV broadcasters. For the big platforms you do not need developer tools at all: copy the normal video link (for example, the YouTube watch link) and paste it. Developer tools are only needed for smaller sites with custom players.
Quality, formats and limits
The result is an MP4 file. The qualities are those the stream offers. Free downloads go up to 720p: 3 a day without an account and 5 with a free account. On the paid plans, 1080p comes with Lite at $1.99 a month, 1440p with Pro at $3.99 and 4K with Max at $5.99. Audio only, as MP3 or M4A, starts with Lite. Several links, one per line, are processed 3 at a time for free and up to 50 on Max.
Step-by-step example
Say a museum's website shows a lecture in a custom player. The video tag says blob:. You:
- Paste the page link into Skachok. If the lecture appears, download it and you are done.
- If not, press F12 → Network, type
m3u8, play the video and copy themaster.m3u8link. - Paste that link into Skachok, choose 1080p, and download.
Two minutes, no extensions, no screen recording.
Prices
| Plan | Price | Video | Audio | Downloads a day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | up to 720p | — | 5 (3 without an account) |
| Lite | $1.99/mo | up to 1080p | MP3, M4A | 20 |
| Pro | $3.99/mo | up to 1440p | MP3, M4A, OGG | 50 |
| Max | $5.99/mo | up to 4K | MP3, M4A, OGG, FLAC | 100 |
No automatic renewal; after registration, Pro is free for 2 days. Details on the pricing page.
FAQ
How do I download a blob video?
Paste the page address into Skachok. If that does not work, copy the .m3u8 or .mpd link from the Network tab of the developer tools and paste that instead.
Why can't I open a blob: URL in a new tab?
A blob address points to memory inside the original tab. It does not exist anywhere else.
Is there a blob video downloader extension?
You do not need one. Downloading the stream behind the blob by link gives the same result without installing anything.
Can I download blob videos from Netflix or Disney+?
No. Those streams are DRM-protected and cannot be downloaded.
Does it work on a phone?
Yes, if you paste the page link. Developer tools are only available on a computer.