Firefox Trick to Instantly Download Nearly Any Non-YouTube Video
A powerful new method has emerged for downloading videos from almost any non-YouTube website using free Firefox extensions. Here’s a straightforward guide to the top tools and techniques savvy users are employing:
Main Tool: Video DownloadHelper
The go-to Firefox extension, Video DownloadHelper, makes it easy to grab videos from thousands of sites by automatically detecting video streams as they play.
• After installing, play the desired video.
• The extension’s icon activates when a downloadable stream is found.
• Click the icon to see available formats and download directly.
If a video stream is split into segments, the extension may prompt you to install a companion app for safe merging and conversion.
Alternative: Native HLS Downloader
When DownloadHelper isn’t enough, Native HLS Downloader is a great backup.
• Perfect for .m3u8 streaming playlists.
• Captures segmented streams and combines them into a single file.
• Lets you choose resolution or bitrate for efficient downloading.
Bonus Method: Inspect Element for Direct Links
For some videos, you can find the direct media URL using your browser’s developer tools:
• Press F12 or right-click and select Inspect.
• Go to the Network tab and filter for media or .mp4/.m3u8 files.
• Play the video and look for the direct stream link.
• Open it in a new tab or use a download manager.
This approach requires some basic web skills but is highly effective for tricky sources.
Advanced: yt-dlp + Firefox
For those comfortable with the command line, yt-dlp offers advanced downloading options:
• Copy the video URL (especially .m3u8 or manifest links).
• Run yt-dlp "<URL>" in your terminal to download the file.
• Supports custom formats, subtitles, and batch downloads.
Extensions like Live HTTP Headers can help sniff out stream URLs for use with yt-dlp.
Summary:
These Firefox-based methods give you comprehensive control over non-YouTube video downloads. Whether you prefer a simple extension or need advanced stream capturing, these free, open-source tools make the process efficient and accessible
