Have you ever watched a video on Facebook that you just couldn’t stop thinking about and wished you could save it to watch later without an internet connection? Whether it’s a funny clip, an inspiring story, a tutorial, or a cherished memory shared by a friend, downloading Facebook videos to your device can be incredibly useful. While Facebook doesn’t offer a native download button for most videos, there are several safe and effective ways to get the content onto your phone, tablet, or computer.
TLDR (Too Long; Didn’t Read): Downloading Facebook videos isn’t difficult — you can do it using browser tricks, third-party apps, or online services. The method you use depends on the device and whether the video is public or private. Always make sure you respect copyright and privacy rules when downloading content. From desktop downloads to mobile-friendly apps, this guide has everything you need to know.
Why Download Facebook Videos?
There are a variety of reasons people want to download Facebook videos:
- Watch offline: Great for flights, road trips, or commuting without internet.
- Save important content: Preserve memories and inspiring stories before they get lost in your feed.
- Educational use: Keep tutorials or lectures handy for later viewing.
- Content repurposing: As long as it’s allowed, you might want to include clips in a presentation or project.
Methods to Download Facebook Videos
Depending on the device you’re using and the video’s privacy settings, some methods may or may not work. Below we cover the most common options for desktop and mobile users as well as how to handle private videos.
1. Download Videos on PC or Mac
Perhaps the easiest way to download a video from Facebook is by using your computer browser. Here’s how to do it without downloading any additional software:
- Go to the Facebook video you want to download.
- Right-click on the video and choose “Show video URL.” Copy the URL.
- Paste the URL into a new browser tab, and replace www with mbasic so it looks like this: https://mbasic.facebook.com/…
- Press Enter. This will load Facebook’s basic mobile interface.
- Click the video to open it in a new tab.
- Right-click the video and select “Save video as…” to download it.
Note: This only works for public videos. If the post is private or restricted, you’ll need a different method.
2. Using Online Facebook Video Downloaders
Several websites make downloading videos from Facebook extremely easy. All you need to do is paste the link. Some of the most reliable sites include:
Just follow these steps:
- Copy the video link from Facebook (the same way as above).
- Visit the downloader website and paste the link into the input box.
- Click Download and choose your resolution (SD or HD).
- Click the final link and opt to save the file to your device.
3. Download Facebook Videos on Android
Android users have access to several apps designed specifically for downloading Facebook videos. Popular apps include:
- Video Downloader for Facebook by InShot
- FastVid – Video Downloader for Facebook
- Snaptube (Third-party app store required)
Here’s a typical process for how to use one of these apps:
- Download the app from the Google Play Store.
- Open Facebook via the app or paste the link you copied earlier.
- Tap the video you want to download and press the Download button.
- The video gets saved directly to your phone’s gallery or designated download folder.
4. Download Facebook Videos on iPhone or iPad
Unlike Android, iOS adds a couple more barriers when downloading media. However, it’s still possible:
- Copy the video link from the Facebook app.
- Open the Safari browser and visit a downloader site like FBDown.net.
- Paste in the link and choose to download the video.
- Once downloaded, you can save the video to your camera roll using the Files app or a file-managing app.
- Alternatively, use the Documents by Readdle app, which has a built-in browser and file manager.
How to Download Private Facebook Videos
Private videos (like those in private groups or shared with only friends) require a bit more effort. Online downloaders generally can’t access them. However, here’s a workaround using browser source code:
- Play the private video in your browser.
- Right-click and select “View page source.”
- Press Ctrl+F and search for .mp4.
- Copy the full URL ending in .mp4 — this is your video file.
- Paste the URL into a new tab and choose “Save video as…”
Make sure you’re logged in to the account with access to that video, or this method won’t work.
Things to Keep in Mind
Downloading isn’t always allowed. Remember that content on Facebook is often copyrighted, even if it seems publicly available. Before downloading any video, consider the following:
- Check permissions: Is the video copyrighted or owned by someone else?
- Personal use only: Don’t repost or republish downloaded videos without permission.
- Respect privacy: Don’t download videos from private groups or pages without owner consent.
Recommended Tips for Better Video Management
Once your video is downloaded, make the most of it with these suggestions:
- Organize by folder: Create folders like “Facebook Tutorials” or “Fun Videos.”
- Transfer to cloud: Back up videos to Google Drive or Dropbox for easy access from other devices.
- Use a media player: Consider using apps like VLC or MX Player for smoother playback and subtitle options.
Conclusion
Facebook is a treasure trove of interesting, funny, and educational video content. While it doesn’t officially support downloading videos for most users, clever workarounds and tools make it possible across nearly any device. By using online services, browser tricks, or mobile apps, you can easily save your favorite videos to watch anytime — even without the internet.
Just remember to stay ethical: use videos for personal enjoyment unless you have the creator’s permission to share or reuse them. Happy downloading!