The simplest way to download a Facebook video

The fastest method is to use a free online video downloader. Go to a site like fbdown.net, getfbstuff.com, or savefrom.net, paste the Facebook video link into the box, and click the download button. The site will give you options for video quality — usually 360p, 720p, or 1080p depending on what the original uploader posted. Choose your quality, click download, and the video file saves to your device's default download folder.

To get the video link, open Facebook and find the video you want. Click the three dots in the corner of the post, select "Copy link to post", and paste it into the downloader. The whole process takes about 30 seconds.

This method works on phones and computers. On mobile, the downloaded file goes to your Photos app (iPhone) or your Downloads folder (Android), depending on your browser settings.

Key Takeaways

  • Online video downloaders like fbdown.net let you paste a Facebook link and download the video in seconds without installing software.
  • You can choose the video quality before downloading — higher quality takes more storage space but looks sharper.
  • The three-dot menu on any Facebook post has a "Copy link" option that gives you the URL you need to paste into a downloader.
  • Downloaded videos save to your device's default download location, which you can change in your browser settings.
  • Some videos have copyright restrictions or are private, and downloaders cannot bypass those — you will get an error message instead.

Using your browser's built-in tools on desktop

If you do not want to use a third-party site, you can right-click the video on Facebook and inspect the page code. Open Facebook in Chrome or Firefox, right-click the video itself, and select "Inspect" or "Inspect Element". A panel opens showing the page's code.

Look for a line that starts with <video or contains an mp4 file path. When you find it, right-click that link and select "Open link in new tab". A new tab opens with just the video file. Right-click the video and select "Save video as" to download it to your computer.

This method is slower and requires you to read code, but it avoids sending your link to a third-party site. It only works on desktop browsers, not on phones.

Downloading from private or restricted videos

If a video is marked private or the uploader has restricted downloads, neither method will work. Online downloaders will show an error message. The browser inspect method will not find a downloadable file link because Facebook does not make one available.

The only way to get a private video is to ask the person who posted it. They can change the privacy setting to public, or they can send you the file directly. Some people post videos as private specifically to prevent downloading, so respect that choice.

What happens to the video after you download it

Once a video is on your device, it is yours to keep. You can watch it offline, move it to a folder, or send it to someone else. Facebook cannot delete it or track what you do with it after the download.

However, the video still belongs to whoever posted it. If you share it publicly — on another social media site, in a group, or anywhere else — you should credit the original creator. Reposting without credit can violate Facebook's terms and the creator's copyright.

Downloading videos on your phone

On iPhone, use an online downloader in Safari. Go to fbdown.net or a similar site, paste the video link, choose your quality, and tap download. The video saves to your Photos app or Files app depending on your browser settings. You can then move it to a folder or share it.

On Android, the process is the same in Chrome or Firefox. The video saves to your Downloads folder, which you can access through your file manager. Some Android phones also have a dedicated Downloads app.

If you want to avoid using a web downloader on your phone, you can copy the video link on your phone, email it to yourself, and download it on your computer instead. This takes longer but keeps your phone's browser history cleaner.

Storage space and file size

A typical Facebook video takes up 50 to 500 megabytes depending on length and quality. A 1-minute video at 720p is usually around 50 to 100 MB. A 10-minute video at 1080p can be 300 to 500 MB. Check how much free space your device has before downloading long videos.

If storage is tight, download at 360p quality instead of 1080p. The video will look less sharp, but it will use a quarter of the space. You can always delete the video later if you need the space back.

Why you might not be able to download a video

Some videos cannot be downloaded because the uploader or Facebook has blocked it. This happens with music videos, copyrighted clips, or videos from creators who have paid for extra protection. You will see an error message from the downloader saying the video is not available.

Videos that are deleted, removed by Facebook, or from accounts that no longer exist also cannot be downloaded. If you get an error, the video either no longer exists or the uploader has restricted it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to download a Facebook video?

Downloading a video for personal use is legal in most places. Sharing it publicly or selling it without permission is not. The video belongs to whoever posted it, so use it only for yourself unless you have permission from the creator.

Will Facebook know if I download a video?

No. Facebook does not track downloads or notify the uploader when someone saves their video. The uploader cannot see who downloaded it or how many times.

Why does the downloader say the video is not available?

The video is either private, deleted, or the uploader has blocked downloads. Try copying the link again and making sure you pasted it correctly. If the error continues, the video cannot be downloaded.

Can I download a video from someone else's profile if I am not their friend?

Only if the video is public. If the video is visible to you on Facebook, you can download it. If the profile is private and you cannot see the video, you cannot download it either.

What is the best quality I should download at?

720p is a good balance between quality and file size for most videos. 1080p looks sharper but takes twice as much space. 360p saves space but looks blurry on larger screens.