Importing Videos from Direct Links (MP4 / M3U8)

Besides mainstream video sites and cloud drives, "Anxin Learn" has a built-in universal media player that can add any standard public video direct link or HLS live stream.

[!TIP] 30-second direct-link quick-start

  • Common file formats supported: Direct links usually end in .mp4, .m3u8, .mov, .mkv, or .mp3;
  • Clipboard detection in seconds: Copy a real media link, switch back to this app, and you'll be prompted to add it automatically;
  • Direct link vs. web page: A direct link must point to the actual media file — not an HTML page that contains a built-in player;
  • Customize everything: After adding, you can rename the title, assign a category, and upload a nice cover.

1. How to Add a Video from a Direct Link

  1. Get the media link: In your browser or on a course download site, right-click (or long-press) the video link and choose "Copy Link Address" (make sure the link ends with a media format like .mp4 or .m3u8);
  2. Switch back to the app: Return to "Anxin Learn" — the smart clipboard picks up the link in seconds and pops up to confirm;
  3. Add it manually if needed: If no prompt appears, go to [[Parent Center]] → [[Video Management]] → tap [[Add Video]] → choose [[Direct Link]] and paste the URL;
  4. Name and save: Give the video a memorable title, pick a category (like "Natural Science"), and tap Save — it's ready to play!

2. Supported Media Formats & Protocols

  • :icon(video): MP4 / MOV / MKV: The most universal video formats, with excellent compatibility and instant, responsive seeking;
  • :icon(tv): M3U8 (HLS streaming): The modern standard for adaptive streaming — adjusts quality to your network automatically, starting quickly and playing smoothly;
  • :icon(volume): MP3 / M4A / AAC / FLAC: Pure audio links are detected automatically and switch the player into the minimal, eyes-friendly audio-only mode.

3. FAQ & Common Pitfalls

Q: Why do I get "not a valid media link" when I paste a web address?

A normal browser address (like https://example.com/watch?id=123) is an HTML web page, not a real audio/video file. A direct link must point straight to the media resource and end in a media format like .mp4 or .m3u8.

Q: The direct-link video shows "403 Forbidden" or a black screen?

  • Hotlink protection: Some sites verify the Referer header and block external players from loading their media;
  • Expiring links: Some servers generate download links with a temporary token (like ?token=xyz&expires=1600) that stops working after a time limit. For such resources, download the file first, then add it via local video import or save it to Baidu Drive.

Q: Does M3U8 support resume and playback speed?

Yes, fully! The player remembers exactly where you stopped, and supports smooth speed control from 0.75× to 2.0×.

[!RELATED] Related Guides & Further Reading

[!NOTE] Direct link fails to parse or says "hotlink blocked"? If a public stream returns "403 Forbidden", the source site may have enabled Referer hotlink protection. Contact us via [[Parent Center]] → [[Feedback]] and send us the link to test.