How to Extract Media URLs (Audio or Video) from Any Website

Ever come across an audio or video clip online and wished you could get its direct link? Whether it’s a song, podcast, or video, being able to extract the media URL can make downloading or sharing it much easier. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to extract media URLs from almost any website using your browser’s developer tools.

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What You’ll Need

Before diving in, here’s what you’ll need:

1. A browser with developer tools – Google Chrome, Firefox, or similar.
2. A bit of patience – Don’t worry, it’s simpler than it sounds!

Suggested Image: A screenshot of a Chrome or Firefox browser with an arrow pointing to the “Inspect” option.

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Step 1: Open Developer Tools

The first step is to open the website where your desired media is located. Follow these instructions:

1. Right-click anywhere on the webpage and select Inspect or press Ctrl+Shift+I (Windows) or Cmd+Option+I (Mac).
2. This will open the Developer Tools panel at the bottom or side of your browser.

Suggested Image: A screenshot of the Developer Tools panel showing the Inspect button.

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Step 2: Navigate to the Network Tab

Once the Developer Tools panel is open:

1. Click on the Network tab.
2. Refresh the webpage (F5) to load all network activity.

You’ll see a list of all the files and requests being made by the page. Don’t worry if it looks overwhelming; we’ll filter it down.

Suggested Image: A screenshot of the Network tab with several requests displayed. Highlight the “Network” tab for emphasis.

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Step 3: Filter Media Files

To make finding media files easier:

1. Locate the filter bar in the Network tab.
2. Type media in the filter box.

This will show only media-related files, such as videos and audio. Look for file formats like:

• .mp4 (videos)
• .mp3 or .ogg (audio)

Suggested Image: A screenshot of the filter bar with "media" typed in and media files listed below. Highlight a media file entry.

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Step 4: Copy the Media URL

When you find the desired file:

1. Right-click on the file name.
2. Select Copy Link Address.

And there you have it—your direct media URL! You can paste this link into a download manager, browser, or media player to access the file.

Suggested Image: A screenshot of a media file entry with the “Copy Link Address” option highlighted in the context menu.

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Bonus Tips

Here are some additional tips to make your media extraction journey even smoother:

1. For streaming files: If the file doesn’t show up under the “media” filter, try the XHR tab, which tracks streamed content.
2. Browser extensions: Tools like Video DownloadHelper can simplify the extraction process for supported websites.
3. Respect copyright laws: Only download media for personal use or when explicitly allowed by the content owner.