# Method 2: yt-dlp at the m3u8 stream


# Method 2: `yt-dlp` at the m3u8 stream

## 1. Open DevTools & Play the Video

* Open the page with the Vimeo embed (or `player.vimeo.com/video/...`).
* Open **Chrome DevTools → Network tab**.
* Click **Media** filter (optional but helpful).
* **Play the video** so the actual streaming requests fire.



## 2. Search for the Right Requests

* In the filter box, type **`m3u8`**.

  * You’ll see requests like:

    ```
    .../playlist/av/primary/prot/.../playlist.m3u8?...sf=fmp4
    ```
* Optional: search **`vtt`** if you want subtitles.
* Optional: search **`json`** if you want the DASH manifests (but `m3u8` is usually simpler).


## 3. Copy the URL

* Right-click the `.m3u8` request → **Copy → Copy link address**.
* If you need headers (for referer/cookies), use **Copy → Copy as cURL (bash)**.


## 4. Run yt-dlp

Paste the `.m3u8` URL into this command:

```bash
yt-dlp --referer "https://player.vimeo.com/" \
  -f "bv*+ba/best" \
  --merge-output-format mp4 \
  --remux-video mp4 \
  --postprocessor-args "ffmpeg:-movflags +faststart" \
  "PASTE_M3U8_URL_HERE"
```

* This grabs the best AVC video + audio, merges them, and saves as MP4.
* Swap in `-f "bv*[height=1080][vcodec*=avc1]+ba/best"` if you want a **specific quality**.




---

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## Related

- [SERP Apps](https://apps.serp.co)
- [SERP Apps github](https://github.com/serpapps)
 - [Vimeo Downloader](https://apps.serp.co/vimeo-video-downloader)
 - [Vimeo Downloader Repo](https://github.com/serpapps/vimeo-video-downloader)