ManifestHawk
Developer-focused browser extension for real-time inspection of HLS (.m3u8), MPEG-DASH (.mpd), MP4, and AAC media streams directly inside DevTools and Chrome Side Panel.
Engineered specifically for media developers
ManifestHawk replaces clunky DevTools network filtering with protocol-aware stream parsing, resolution hierarchy extraction, and zero-latency cURL generation.
HLS (.m3u8) Manifest Inspector
Master & Variant Playlist Parser
Deep Inspection of `#EXT-X-STREAM-INF` tags, resolution ladders, codecs, frame rates, and segment durations directly from network responses.
MPEG-DASH (.mpd) Inspector
AdaptationSets & Representation Hierarchy
Parses XML structure for AdaptationSets, video/audio Representations, init segment templates, and DRM license server endpoints.
Progressive & Blob Stream Sniffer
Direct MP4, AAC & WebM Sniffing
Intercepts progressive MP4 media requests, Blob URLs, WebM streams, and custom player data pipelines with zero page execution interference.
Native Stream Telemetry Player
Inline Playback & CORS Inspector
Test captured stream URLs directly inside Chrome Side Panel. Validate CORS headers (`Access-Control-Allow-Origin`) and inspect buffer health.
Developer Export Pipeline
1-Click cURL, JSON & M3U8 Export
Generate complete `curl` commands including Request Headers (`User-Agent`, `Referer`, `Authorization`, `Cookie`) for terminal reproduction.
High-Performance Request Filter
Microsecond Regex & MIME Filtering
Filter thousands of web requests instantly. Filter by MIME type (`application/x-mpegURL`), HTTP status codes (200, 206, 403), or custom regex.
Multi-Level Protocol Toggles
Isolated Traffic Breakdown
Isolate HLS master playlists from chunked segment `.ts`/`.m4s` traffic. Eliminate ad calls and tracking noise with built-in rule sets.
Chrome Side Panel Integration
Docked Beside Your Active Tab
Keeps ManifestHawk open alongside your active browsing session or Chrome DevTools without obstructing the target web application.
Open Source Release Channel
Audited & Transparent Codebase
100% open-source under the MIT License. Zero remote tracking scripts, zero analytics, and zero external dependencies.
#EXTM3U
#EXT-X-VERSION:6
#EXT-X-INDEPENDENT-SEGMENTS
#EXT-X-STREAM-INF:BANDWIDTH=8500000,RESOLUTION=3840x2160,CODECS="avc1.64002a,mp4a.40.2"
https://cdn.example.com/live/hls/2160p/index.m3u8
#EXT-X-STREAM-INF:BANDWIDTH=4500000,RESOLUTION=1920x1080,CODECS="avc1.4d401f,mp4a.40.2"
https://cdn.example.com/live/hls/1080p/index.m3u8Designed for continuous media inspection
Explore how ManifestHawk simplifies complex stream capture inside Chrome with bespoke views for sniffing, searching, and previewing.
https://live.ott.cdn/hls/master_manifest_2160p.m3u8
https://video-cdn.net/dash/stream_manifest.mpd
Real-Time Network Stream Interceptor & Manifest Capture
Captures all live HLS, DASH, MP4, and AAC network requests with resolution tags, stream bitrates, and 1-click export actions.
Install ManifestHawk in 60 Seconds
No signup, no tracking, and no external setup required. Follow these simple steps to start inspecting media streams.
Download Pre-Compiled Package
Download the latest extension build ZIP directly from the official GitHub Release page.
Load Unpacked in Chrome
Open chrome://extensions in Chromium, enable 'Developer mode' in top-right, click 'Load unpacked', and select the extracted directory.
Inspect Media Network Streams
Pin ManifestHawk to toolbar or open Chrome Side Panel (`Ctrl+Shift+L`). Visit any video application to inspect network streams.
Looking for release notes and source code?
Explore release checksums, commit logs, and manifest files on GitHub.
Built to eliminate Network tab noise
Why spend minutes manually filtering thousands of network calls when ManifestHawk parses stream manifests automatically with zero latency?
| Capability / Metric | ManifestHawk | Generic DevTools |
|---|---|---|
| HLS Master (.m3u8) Parsing | Instant automatic bitrate/codec breakdown | Raw unparsed text file download |
| DASH (.mpd) Hierarchy Inspection | Parsed AdaptationSet & Representation tree | Manual XML raw file reading |
| Integrated Telemetry Video Player | Inline preview player with CORS testing | Not available (requires external player) |
| 1-Click cURL Command Export | Includes User-Agent, Origin & Authorization headers | Multi-step copy with manual editing |
| Media Segment Noise Reduction | Filters out analytics, ads, and tracking calls | Displays all network calls mixed together |
| Chrome Side Panel Integration | Docks beside active tab without covering window | Requires full DevTools window open |
| Privacy & Data Safety | 100% Local • Zero telemetry • Open source | Varies |
Release Roadmap & Milestones
Track our progress from the stable Chrome release to upcoming Firefox, Edge, and CLI tools.
Chrome Extension Release
- HLS (.m3u8) and DASH (.mpd) manifest detection
- Chrome Side Panel integration
- Inline video & audio telemetry player
- cURL, JSON, and M3U8 export formats
Custom Regex Rules & DRM Detection
- User-defined regex URL capture filters
- DRM license request detection (Widevine, FairPlay)
- Segment latency & bandwidth throughput metrics
- Ultra-Dark OLED inspector UI theme
Cross-Browser Manifest V3
- Firefox Manifest V3 web extension port
- Microsoft Edge Store package submission
- Local storage stream capture history
Developer CLI & Automation
- ManifestHawk CLI manifest syntax validator
- Safari WebExtension port
- Automated CI/CD stream health checker
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about ManifestHawk's privacy policy, browser compatibility, and local stream inspection architecture.
Transparent, Auditable & Free
ManifestHawk is completely open-source under the permissive MIT License. Inspect the source code, contribute parsers, or report issues directly on GitHub.
Support ManifestHawk
If ManifestHawk has helped your workflow, consider supporting its continued development. Every contribution helps improve the extension, fix bugs, and build new features.
🌍 International Support
Global Payment GatewaySupport using credit/debit cards and international payment methods.
🇧🇩 Bangladesh Support
Local MFS GatewaysSupport using bKash, Nagad, Rocket, and other local Bangladeshi payment methods.