How to Download Video from Facebook (2025)
Have you ever scrolled through your Facebook feed and stumbled upon a video you just had to save? It could be a priceless family memory, a crucial tutorial, or a hilarious clip you want to watch offline. But you quickly hit a wall—Facebook doesn’t offer a straightforward “download” button for most videos.
This common frustration is why so many people search for ways to download a video from Facebook. This comprehensive guide will walk you through several safe, effective methods for desktop and mobile, ensuring you can save Facebook video content for offline viewing in just a few clicks.
A Crucial Disclaimer First
Before we dive in, it’s essential to understand the rules of copyright and privacy.
- Respect Copyright: The vast majority of content on Facebook is protected by copyright law. Only download videos you have permission to save, such as your own videos or those posted by a friend or page that explicitly grants permission.
- Privacy Matters: Never download and redistribute videos that contain personal or private information without the explicit consent of everyone involved. It’s unethical and may be illegal.
- Fair Use: Use downloaded videos for personal, offline viewing. Public redistribution, claiming as your own, or using them for commercial purposes, is a violation of Facebook’s terms of service and intellectual property laws.
Method 1: Using an Online Facebook Video Downloader (Easiest for PC & Mobile)
This is the most popular and versatile method. Online downloaders are websites where you paste the link to the Facebook video, and the site provides a downloadable file. This method works for both desktop and mobile browsers, making it a great solution for when you need a Facebook video download without an app.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Find the Video URL: Go to Facebook and navigate to the video you want to download. Click on the timestamp or the three dots (
...) in the top right corner of the video post and select “Copy link.” - Open a Downloader Website: Open a new browser tab and go to a reputable online video downloader. Some reliable and well-known options include:Expert Tip: Stick to established sites with positive reviews. Avoid shady, ad-ridden sites that may prompt you to install software, as these can be sources of malware.
- Paste the Link: Paste the copied Facebook video URL into the input field on the downloader website.
- Download: Click the “Download” or “Fetch” button. The site will process the video and present you with download options, typically allowing you to choose between different available qualities (e.g., SD or HD). Click your preferred quality to save the video to your device.
Method 2: Using a Browser Extension (Best for Desktop Power Users)
If you frequently need to download video from Facebook on your computer, a browser extension is the most streamlined approach. It adds a direct download button to Facebook itself.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Choose an Extension: Go to the extension store for your browser (Chrome Web Store, Firefox Add-ons, etc.). Search for “Facebook video downloader.”
- A highly-rated and safe example is “Video Downloader for Facebook” by InDownloader for Chrome.
- Install the Extension: Click “Add to Chrome” (or your browser) and confirm the installation.
- Use It on Facebook: Navigate to the Facebook video you want to save. You should now see a new “Download” button below the video, next to the Like and Comment buttons. Simply click it, and the video will be saved to your computer’s default download folder.
Method 3: Using a Mobile App (For Android & iOS)
When you need to know how to download video from Facebook to your phone, a dedicated mobile app is your best bet. This method is convenient but requires installing a third-party app.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Find a Reputable App: Go to the Google Play Store (Android) or Apple App Store (iOS).
- For Android, apps like “Video Downloader for Facebook” are popular.
- For iOS, search for “My Video Downloader for Facebook” or similar. Apple’s stricter privacy policies can affect availability, so check recent reviews.
- Install and Grant Permissions: Install the app. It will likely need permission to access your photos/media/files (for saving) and possibly your browsing data (to detect the video link).
- Copy and Paste:
- In the Facebook app, copy the link to the video as described in Method 1.
- Open your video downloader app. It will often automatically detect the link you just copied and prompt you to download. If not, simply paste the link into the app.
- Select Quality and Save: Choose your desired video quality and tap download. The video will be saved to your phone’s gallery or a dedicated folder within the app.
Also Read How to Clear Facebook Cache on iPhone and iPad
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the right method, you might run into problems. Here’s how to solve them.
- The Video Won’t Download:
- Check the Link: Ensure you copied the correct URL from the video post itself, not the general page URL.
- Private Video: You cannot download videos from private groups or profiles you don’t have access to, or that the uploader has restricted.
- Server Issues: The downloader website or app might be temporarily down. Try another service.
- The Downloaded Video Has No Sound: This is rare with modern downloaders, but if it happens, it usually means the downloader tool failed to process the audio track correctly. Try using a different online downloader or method.
- Quality is Poor: Most downloaders fetch the highest quality publicly available version of the video. If the original upload was of low quality, you cannot download an HD version. Some downloaders offer a quality selector—always choose the highest number available (e.g., HD 1080p over SD 480p).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is it legal to download videos from Facebook?
A: It is legal for personal, offline viewing. However, it is illegal to redistribute, sell, or use the video for commercial purposes without the copyright holder’s permission. Always respect copyright and privacy laws.
Q2: Can I download a video from a private Facebook group or friend’s story?
A: Generally, no. Downloaders can only access videos that are publicly available or that your current Facebook permissions allow you to see. If you can’t directly view the video in your browser without being logged in, a downloader won’t be able to fetch it.
Q3: Why does my antivirus software flag a video downloader website?
A: Some downloader sites are filled with intrusive ads and pop-ups that can be associated with malware. This is why we strongly recommend using well-known, reputable sites and having a good ad-blocker enabled. The core download function is usually safe, but the surrounding environment may not be.
Q4: What is the best way to download a Facebook video in HD?
A: The best way is to use a downloader (online or extension) that gives you a quality choice. After pasting the link, look for options like “HD” or “High Quality.” The availability of HD depends on the quality it was originally uploaded in.
Q5: How can I download my own Facebook videos?
A: This is the simplest and most recommended method! Go to “Your Videos” in your Activity Log, click the three dots on your video, and select “Download video.” Facebook provides the original quality file directly, which is the safest and highest-quality option.