The Stream Detector

Name: The Stream Detector
Rating: 4.3533 (150 reviews)
Author: 54ac

This addon provides an easy way to keep track of manifests and subtitles used by various streaming protocols. Also allows for detecting custom file types and downloading media files.

Download

Install Compare

The Stream Detector is a powerful Firefox addon designed to simplify tracking and downloading media streams. It detects URLs to playlists and subtitles across popular streaming protocols like Apple HLS, Adobe HDS, MPEG-DASH, and Microsoft Smooth Streaming. Users can easily copy stream URLs or generate ready-to-use commands for tools such as yt-dlp, FFmpeg, and Streamlink, including necessary headers for seamless downloads.

Beyond common streaming types, the addon also monitors custom file extensions and Content-Type headers, making it versatile for media tracking and retrieval. Direct media file downloads are supported, with customizable options to tailor user experience. Note: Mainstream platforms like YouTube or Vimeo often use proprietary streaming methods which this addon does not support; dedicated tools are recommended for those.

Add-on Utilities Video Developer Tools

By:

54ac

Daily users:

14,736 52

Rating:

4.35

(150)

Version:

2.11.7 Last updated: 2023-07-13

Version code:

5591786

Creation date:

2016-06-03

Risk:

Permissions:

<all_urls>
clipboardWrite
downloads
notifications
storage
tabs
webRequest

Size:

48.99KB

URLs:

Website

Full description:

Source:

Firefox Browser Add-ons

Data ingested on:

2025-07-14

Ranking

# 605 ▲ 9

Other rankings

#47 in Download Management

#80 in Photos, Music & Videos ▲ 1

#93 in Other extensions

#5 in stream keyword 54

#6 in detect keyword 20

Upgrade to see more rankings

User reviews

The Stream Detector Firefox add-on is widely praised for effectively detecting streaming media and generating useful links or ffmpeg commands to download or play content, especially complementing media servers like Jellyfin. Users find it a valuable time-saver compared to other download tools. However, multiple reviews point out that the extension lacks a visible toolbar icon in Firefox, causing accessibility issues. There's also a desire for built-in media player support and some confusion about its download capabilities. Despite minor interface and usability issues, the extension is highly regarded and recommended by users.

Pros

Effectively detects streaming media files and provides useful links (e.g., m3u8) for playback or downloading.
Works well with media servers like Jellyfin and helps in managing transcoded media.
Generates ffmpeg commands to help users download embedded videos if ffmpeg is installed.
Saves time and effort on websites that don't support common downloading tools like youtube-dl.
Highly appreciated by users as a valuable and well-functioning extension.

Cons

No visible toolbar icon for some users, making it hard to access or confirm activation.
Issues with compatibility or usability on certain Firefox versions (e.g., Firefox ESR).
Lack of built-in media player integration (MPV or VLC) requiring manual user commands.
Some users may expect direct downloading functionality, but the add-on mainly detects streams and assists with command generation.

Recent reviews

by Ma*****, 2025-06-05

by ow*****, 2025-04-14

by Fi*****, 2025-03-10

View all user reviews ›

Extension safety

Risk impact

Risk impact measures the level of extra permissions an extension has access to. A low risk impact extension cannot do much harms, whereas a high risk impact extension can do a lot of damage like stealing your password, bypassing your security settings, and accessing your personal data. High risk impact extensions are not necessarily malicious. However, if they do turn malicious, they can be very harmful.

The Stream Detector requires some sensitive permissions that could impact your browser and data security. Exercise caution before installing.

Risk impact analysis details

Critical Allows access to all websites, posing a significant security risk as it can monitor and modify data from any visited site.
Critical ****** ****** ** ******* ***** ***** *** ** **** ** ***** **** ******** ****** *** ******** ********** * ******* ********
High ****** *** ********* ** ******* *** ******* ******* ** ****** *** *** ******** ******
High ****** ******* *** ********* ********* ******** ***** *** ** ********** ****** * ******** ******* *****
Medium ****** ********** ** ******** ********** *** ********* ******* ******** ****** ******** ****** ********
Medium ******* ******* ************* ***** *** ** ******* *** **** ******* ****** ******** *******

Risk likelihood

Risk likelihood measures the probability that a Firefox add-on may turn malicious. This is determined by the publisher and the Firefox add-on reputation on Firefox Browser Add-ons, the amount of time the Firefox add-on has been around, and other signals about the Firefox add-on. Our algorithms are not perfect, and are subject to change as we discover new ways to detect malicious extensions. We recommend that you always exercise caution when installing a Firefox add-on.

The Stream Detector has earned a fairly good reputation and likely can be trusted.

Risk likelihood analysis details

Medium This extension has medium user count. Unpopular extensions may not be stable or safe.
Low **** ********* *** ******* **** **** * ****** **** ***** ******** *** **** ****** ** ** ****** *** *****
Low **** ********* *** ***** **** **** * ****** **** ***** ********** *** **** ****** ** ** ****** *** *****
Good **** ********* *** **** **** *******

Upgrade to see full risk analysis details

Instantly check and monitor your browser extensions' risks and permissions with Extension Guard.