How to Save Videos from Facebook: A Comprehensive Guide

tutorial, a memorable moment, or a piece of important news, you may often find the need to save Facebook videos to watch later or share them with others. Facebook itself allows users to save videos for later viewing, but only within the app. If you want to save videos to your device, there are several methods to do so, depending on whether you are using a smartphone, tablet, or desktop. This guide will walk you through all the options to save videos from Facebook step by step.

Table of Contents

1. Saving Facebook Videos Within the App
   • Using Facebook’s Built-In Save Feature
2. Downloading Facebook Videos to Your Device
   • Using Third-Party Websites
   • Using Browser Extensions
   • Using Mobile Apps
   • Screen Recording
3. Legal Considerations of Downloading Facebook Videos
4. Tips and Troubleshooting
5. Conclusion

1. Saving Facebook Videos Within the App

Facebook has a built-in feature that allows you to save videos to watch later. It doesn’t actually download the video to your device but stores a link to the video in your “Saved” list on Facebook, making it easy to return to the video whenever you want.

Using Facebook’s Built-In Save Feature

Here’s how to save a video on Facebook using the platform’s built-in feature:

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Open the Facebook App or Website: Log in to your Facebook account on a desktop or mobile device.
2. Locate the Video: Find the video you want to save. It could be on your news feed, a friend’s timeline, or a group page.
3. Click the Three Dots: On the top-right corner of the video post, click the three dots (⋮) to access the options menu.
4. Select “Save Video”: Choose the “Save Video” option from the dropdown menu. The video will now be saved to your account.
5. Access Saved Videos: To view saved videos, go to the Facebook menu and select “Saved.” You’ll find all your saved content, including videos.

2. Downloading Facebook Videos to Your Device

If you want to download Facebook videos directly to your smartphone, tablet, or computer for offline viewing, you’ll need to use third-party tools or workarounds, as Facebook doesn’t provide a built-in option for direct downloads.

Using Third-Party Websites

There are several websites designed to help you download videos from Facebook. These sites typically require you to copy and paste the video’s URL to get a downloadable link.

Popular Websites for Downloading Facebook Videos:

• SaveFrom.net
• fbdown.net
• Getfvid.com

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Copy the Video URL: On Facebook, locate the video, click the three dots (⋮), and select “Copy link.”
2. Open a Third-Party Website: Go to one of the websites mentioned above using your web browser.
3. Paste the URL: Paste the copied URL into the designated field on the third-party site.
4. Download the Video: Click the “Download” button. Choose the desired resolution (if options are available) and download the video to your device.

Using Browser Extensions

Browser extensions are a convenient way to download videos directly from Facebook while you’re browsing. These add-ons are compatible with browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.

Popular Browser Extensions:

• Video DownloadHelper (Chrome, Firefox)
• Social Video Downloader (Chrome)
• Video Downloader Plus (Edge)

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Install the Extension: Go to your browser’s extension store, search for a suitable video downloader, and install it.
2. Access Facebook: Go to Facebook and find the video you want to save.
3. Download the Video: Click the extension icon on the browser’s toolbar, and choose the video format and quality to download it to your computer.

Using Mobile Apps

For mobile devices, there are apps designed specifically for downloading Facebook videos. These apps can simplify the process and provide multiple downloading options.

Popular Mobile Apps:

• Video Downloader for Facebook (Android)
• MyMedia File Manager (iOS)
• FastVid: Video Downloader for Facebook (Android)

Step-by-Step Guide for Android:

1. Install a Video Downloader App: Go to the Google Play Store and install a suitable app.
2. Open the Facebook App: Find the video you want to download, tap the three dots (⋮), and copy the link.
3. Paste the Link in the Downloader App: Open the downloader app and paste the video URL.
4. Download: Select the video quality and save it to your device.

Step-by-Step Guide for iOS:

1. Install MyMedia File Manager: Go to the App Store, install MyMedia, and open the app.
2. Find the Video: Open Facebook in your web browser, find the video, and copy the link.
3. Use a Third-Party Website: Go to a Facebook video downloader site within the MyMedia app, paste the link, and download.
4. Save the Video: The video will be saved to MyMedia, and you can transfer it to your Camera Roll if needed.

Screen Recording

If the above methods don’t work, screen recording can be a fallback option, especially if the video is private or embedded in a restricted format.

Using Screen Recording on Smartphones:

• For iPhone: Go to Settings > Control Center > Customize Controls. Add “Screen Recording,” then swipe up, tap the record button, and play the Facebook video.
• For Android: Use a built-in screen recorder (if available) or download a third-party screen recording app. Start recording before playing the video.

Using Screen Recording on a Computer:

• Use software like OBS Studio, ScreenFlow, or the built-in Windows Game Bar to record your screen while playing the Facebook video.

3. Legal Considerations of Downloading Facebook Videos

Before you download videos from Facebook, it’s essential to be aware of the legal implications. Facebook’s terms of service prohibit downloading or distributing copyrighted material without permission. Here are a few guidelines:

• Personal Use: Downloading videos for personal use (such as tutorials or saving a friend’s shared video) is generally fine.
• Public Use: If you plan to share or republish a downloaded video, you should get permission from the creator or ensure the video is free from copyright restrictions.
• Commercial Use: Avoid using downloaded videos for any commercial purposes unless you have explicit rights or a license to use them.

4. Tips and Troubleshooting

Even with the proper tools and knowledge, downloading Facebook videos can sometimes be tricky. Here are some tips and common troubleshooting steps:

Tips:

1. Check Privacy Settings: Some videos have privacy settings that prevent them from being downloaded. In such cases, screen recording might be your best option.
2. Beware of Malware: Only use trusted third-party websites, extensions, and apps to avoid malware. If unsure, scan downloads with an antivirus program.
3. Use HD Options: If you have a choice between standard and HD resolution, choose HD for better quality if your device supports it.
4. Clear Cache: If you face issues with browser extensions, try clearing your browser’s cache or updating the extension.

Common Issues and Solutions:

• Video Not Downloading: Try refreshing the page, using a different browser, or selecting a lower resolution.
• Incompatible Format: Use a video converter tool like HandBrake or an online converter to change the file format.
• App or Extension Not Working: Reinstall the tool or try a different one that’s frequently updated and well-rated.

5. Conclusion

Saving Facebook videos can be a simple process when using the right tools and methods. Whether you want to keep a video for personal enjoyment, save a tutorial for later reference, or share something meaningful, there are many ways to get the job done. From using Facebook’s native “Save” feature to downloading videos using third-party websites, browser extensions, mobile apps, or screen recording, each option has its benefits and drawbacks. Just make sure you respect copyright guidelines and the privacy of the original content creators when downloading or sharing videos.