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aria2-m3u8-plugin

A native plugin for aria2 that intercepts M3U8 playlist URLs, parses the manifest, resolves segment URLs (handling key encryption, byte ranges, and redirects), and feeds them into aria2's native multi-connection download engine. Users point aria2 at an M3U8 URL and it downloads like any other file—no script writing, no tool switching.

PLUGIN

14 weeks • 70% confidence

Value Proposition

Stays within the aria2 ecosystem developers already know and trust. Leverages aria2's proven speed, connection pooling, and resume capabilities instead of forcing a new tool. Handles encryption keys and segment resolution automatically—no manual playlist parsing. Works with aria2's existing config files and scripting.

Target Audience

Linux/macOS developers, penetration testers, security researchers, and automation engineers already using aria2 for bulk downloads who occasionally encounter HLS streams

Key Features

  • Automatic M3U8 manifest parsing and segment URL resolution
  • AES-128 encryption key fetching and decryption
  • Byte-range request support for partial segment downloads
  • And more, with full implementation detail...

Tech Stack

C++ (aria2 plugin API) libcurl (HTTP requests for KEY URIs) OpenSSL (AES-128 decryption) ffmpeg (optional post-processing)
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Original Problem

Developers need download managers that support HLS/M3U8 streaming formats

Developers and power users struggle to download HLS video streams (M3U8 playlists) using existing download tools like aria2, which lack native M3U8 support. Current workarounds require switching between multiple tools or writing custom scripts, creating friction in workflows that involve downloading video content, live streams, or media files. This gap forces users to abandon their preferred download managers or spend time on manual solutions.

Score: 17.5%