How to Download Blob Videos?

As online video platforms continue to evolve, many websites now use advanced streaming technologies to protect their content. One result of this is the widespread use of blob videos, which cannot be downloaded using traditional “Save video as” options or basic download tools. If you’ve ever tried to download a video and encountered a strange URL starting with blob: or found that no downloader could detect the video, you were likely dealing with a blob video.

In this guide, we’ll explain what blob videos are, why they are difficult to download, and walk you through multiple effective methods to download blob videos.

1. What Is a Blob Video?

A blob video is a video streamed using a Blob URL, a browser-generated reference that points to video data temporarily stored in memory rather than a direct media file on a server. A typical blob URL looks like this:

blob:https://example.com/xxxxxxxx-xxxx-xxxx

Unlike standard MP4 or WEBM videos that have a downloadable file URL, blob videos are assembled dynamically in the browser using technologies such as:

• HTML5 Media Source Extensions (MSE)
• HLS (.m3u8) streaming
• MPEG-DASH (.mpd) streaming

Instead of downloading one video file, the browser continuously loads and plays hundreds or thousands of small media segments. This method improves streaming performance and helps platforms limit unauthorized downloads.

Blob videos are commonly found on:

• Online course platforms
• Membership and subscription websites
• Streaming services
• Private video hosting platforms

2. Why Blob Videos Are Hard to Download?

Blob videos are intentionally designed to prevent easy downloading. Here are the main reasons they’re challenging to save:

• No Real File URL : The video is assembled in real time from many small media segments.
• Segmented Streaming : Videos are broken into hundreds or thousands of tiny .ts or .m4s files.
• Temporary Browser Storage : Once the page is closed, the blob data disappears.
• DRM Protection (in Some Cases) : Some blob videos are protected by Digital Rights Management, which cannot be legally or technically bypassed.

Because of these factors, standard downloaders and online tools often fail to detect or save blob videos.

3. How to Download Blob Videos?

3.1 Using Browser Developer Tools

Using browser developer tools is one of the most effective ways to download non-DRM blob videos while preserving original quality.

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Open the webpage containing the blob video, then press F12 to open Developer Tools.
• Play the video and use the Element tool to locate the Blob URL.
• Copy the Blob URL and open it in a new tab, then download the video on your device.

Pros:

• Maintains original video quality
• No re-encoding required

Cons:

• Doesn’t work with DRM-protected videos
• Requires some technical knowledge
• URLs may expire quickly

3.2 Using Browser Extensions

Some browser extensions can simplify blob video downloads by automatically detecting streaming media files.

Instead of downloading the blob URL itself, extensions scan network traffic for:

• HLS playlists
• DASH manifests
• Media segments

Once detected, they allow you to download or convert the stream.

Steps:

• Install a reputable video downloader extension like Video Downloader Professional.
• Play the blob video on the webpage and click the extension icon.
• Choose the detected stream and start downloading.

Pros:

• Easy to use
• No command-line skills needed
• Good for casual users

Cons:

• Often fail on protected or private websites
• May limit resolution in free versions
• Poor support for batch downloads

3.3 Using FFmpeg

FFmpeg is a powerful open-source tool capable of downloading and merging blob-based streams.

When to Use FFmpeg:

• You’ve extracted an .m3u8 or .mpd URL
• You want full control over the output
• You prefer a free, professional-grade solution

Basic FFmpeg Command:

ffmpeg -i "playlist_url" -c copy output.mp4

This command downloads all segments and merges them into a single video without re-encoding.

Pros:

• Free and open-source
• Preserves original quality
• Supports almost all streaming formats

Cons:

• Command-line learning curve
• No built-in browser
• Not ideal for bulk downloads

4. Advanced Bulk Download Blob Videos with VidJuice UniTube

For users who want a fast, reliable, and beginner-friendly solution, VidJuice UniTube is one of the best tools for downloading blob videos in bulk.

VidJuice UniTube is a professional desktop video downloader designed to handle complex streaming formats, including blob-based videos delivered via HLS and DASH.

Key Features of UniTube:

• Built-in browser for secure login
• Automatic detection of hidden streams
• Support for high-resolution downloads (HD, 4K, 8K)
• One-click bulk downloading
• Fast download speeds with no quality loss
• Supports 10,000+ websites

How to Download Blob Videos with VidJuice UniTube

• Install VidJuice UniTube on your Windows or macOS computer to get started.
• Open the built-in browser and log in to the video website.
• Play the blob video you want to download and let UniTube analyze the streaming data.
• Select video format and resolution, then click Download to save the video instantly.

For multiple videos, simply add them to the download queue and download everything in one go.

5. Conclusion

Blob videos may seem impossible to download at first, but with the right tools and methods, they can be handled efficiently. Browser developer tools and FFmpeg offer powerful solutions for technically inclined users, while browser extensions provide convenience for simple tasks. However, these methods often fall short when dealing with multiple videos or complex streaming structures.

For users who value speed, quality, and ease of use, VidJuice UniTube stands out as the best solution. Its ability to detect blob video streams automatically and download them in bulk makes it ideal for both beginners and professionals. If you regularly download streaming videos and want a hassle-free experience, VidJuice UniTube is highly recommended.