The straightforward way to save Facebook videos to your device
Facebook does not give you a built-in download button for videos posted to your feed or in groups. To save a video to your computer or phone, you need a third-party tool — either a website that processes the video link, or software you install on your device. The easiest route for most people is a free online converter: you copy the video's link from Facebook, paste it into a converter site, and download the file in a format your device can play.
Before you download, check whether you have permission. Videos you posted yourself, videos shared with you by the creator, or videos in public groups are generally safe to download for personal use. Videos marked private, videos from accounts you do not follow, or copyrighted content (music videos, movie clips, TV shows) may violate Facebook's terms or copyright law depending on what you plan to do with the file.
Key Takeaways
- Online converter sites like y2mate, fbdown, and savefrom.net let you paste a Facebook video link and download the file without installing software.
- Copy the full video link from Facebook by right-clicking the video and selecting "Copy link", not by copying the text of the post.
- Downloaded videos are usually saved as MP4 files, which play on Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android devices without extra software.
- Check that you have the right to download the video — your own videos, videos shared publicly by the creator, and videos in public groups are generally safe, but private or copyrighted content may not be.
How to get the video link from Facebook
The first step is finding the correct link to the video. Open Facebook in a web browser (not the app, which makes this harder). Find the video you want to download and right-click directly on the video itself — not on the person's name, not on the caption, but on the video player.
A menu will pop up. Look for an option that says "Copy video URL" or "Copy link". Click it. This copies the full link to that specific video. Do not copy the link from the address bar of your browser — that link includes extra information that converters sometimes cannot read.
If you are using the Facebook app on your phone, tap the three dots in the corner of the post, then tap "Copy link to post". This gives you the video link in a format that converters can read.
Using an online converter to download the video
Open a new tab and go to a free converter site. Common ones include y2mate.com, fbdown.com, and savefrom.net. Each works slightly differently, but the basic steps are the same: paste the link you copied, choose a file format, and download.
On y2mate, paste the link into the text box at the top of the page and click "Start". The site will load the video and show you download options. You will usually see choices for video quality (720p, 480p, 360p) and audio-only. Pick the quality you want — higher quality means a larger file. Click the download button next to your choice. Your browser will download the video to your Downloads folder.
On fbdown, the process is similar: paste the link, click the download icon, and choose your format. On savefrom.net, paste the link and click the download button that appears. All three sites are free and do not require you to create an account.
The downloaded file will be an MP4 video, which plays on any computer or phone without needing special software. You can move it to a folder, email it, or upload it elsewhere.
Downloading videos using browser extensions or software
If you download videos often, a browser extension can be faster than visiting a converter site each time. Extensions like Video DownloadHelper (for Firefox) and Downie (for Mac) add a download button directly to Facebook videos. Install the extension from your browser's store, then a download icon appears on any Facebook video you visit. Click it and choose your format.
For Windows, software like 4K Video Downloader and MediaHuman Video Downloader work similarly: you paste the Facebook link into the program, choose your quality and format, and the program downloads the file. These programs cost money (usually $10 to $30 for a one-time purchase), but they are faster if you download many videos.
Extensions and software are more convenient than converter sites, but they require you to install something on your device. If you only download a video occasionally, a converter site is simpler and safer — you do not have to trust a third-party program with access to your browser or computer.
What to do if the converter does not work
Some videos will not download because Facebook has blocked them or because the video is private. If a converter site shows an error or does not load the video, try a different converter — y2mate, fbdown, and savefrom.net sometimes work on different videos. If all three fail, the video is likely private or restricted, and you do not have permission to download it.
If the download starts but stops partway through, your internet connection may have dropped. Try again, or try a lower video quality — smaller files are less likely to fail mid-download.
If you are downloading a video from a group, make sure you are still a member of the group and the video is still there. Facebook sometimes removes videos, and if that happens, no converter can retrieve it.
Understanding what you can legally download
Facebook's terms of service say you can download videos for personal, non-commercial use — meaning you can save a video to watch later, but you cannot edit it, add your name to it, or sell it. You also cannot download videos that are copyrighted material, like official music videos, movie trailers, or TV clips, even if they are posted publicly. Downloading those videos may violate copyright law.
Videos posted by friends, family, or creators who have given permission are safe to download. Videos in public groups are usually safe. Videos marked private or restricted to certain people are not yours to download, even if you can see them on Facebook.
If you plan to use a downloaded video anywhere other than watching it yourself — posting it to another site, editing it, sharing it with a large audience — check with the original creator first. They own the video, and you need their permission to do anything with it beyond personal viewing.
Downloading audio from Facebook videos
If you only want the sound from a video — for example, a music performance or a podcast clip — most converters let you download audio only. When you paste the link into y2mate or fbdown, look for an option that says "MP3" or "Audio". Select it instead of the video format, and the converter will extract just the sound and save it as an audio file.
Audio files are much smaller than video files, so they download faster and take up less space on your device. You can play them in any music player, or import them into editing software if you want to use them in a project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to download Facebook videos?
Downloading videos for personal use is allowed under Facebook's terms. However, if the video contains copyrighted material (music, movies, TV shows) or if you plan to repost it or edit it, you may need permission from the creator or copyright holder. Always check the source before downloading.
Will downloading a video notify the person who posted it?
No. Facebook does not tell creators when someone downloads their video. The creator can see how many times the video was viewed or shared, but not how many times it was downloaded.
What format will the downloaded video be in?
Most converters save videos as MP4 files, which play on Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android without needing extra software. Some converters offer other formats like AVI or MOV, but MP4 is the most compatible choice.
Can I download videos from Facebook groups?
Yes, if you are a member of the group and the video is visible to you. Use the same process: copy the video link and paste it into a converter. If the video is marked private or restricted to group members only, the converter may not work.
What if a converter site asks me to install software or complete a survey?
Avoid sites that ask you to install software, complete surveys, or enter personal information. Stick with y2mate, fbdown, and savefrom.net, which are free and do not require any of that. If a site looks suspicious, use a different converter instead.