Ultimate Guide to Downloading Facebook Videos: Everything You Need to Know
Facebook Video Downloader In today’s digital age, Facebook is a platform where millions of videos are shared daily, from personal moments to viral clips and live streams. While Facebook offers streaming features, many users prefer to download videos for offline access. But how do you download videos from Facebook to your computer or mobile device? Whether you want to download public videos, private Facebook videos, or live streams, this guide has got you covered.
Let’s dive into the best methods to download Facebook videos, including tips, tools, and apps, so you can enjoy your favorite content anytime, anywhere.
Why You Might Want to Download Facebook Videos
Before we explore the how-tos, here are a few reasons why downloading Facebook videos can be useful:
- Offline Viewing: Enjoy videos without worrying about internet connectivity or data usage.
- Archiving: Save precious videos or memories you want to keep forever.
- Sharing: Share videos with friends who may not have access to Facebook or prefer other platforms.
- Editing and Creating: Use downloaded videos for personal projects, creating mashups, or adding commentary.
How to Download Facebook Videos: Step-by-Step
There are several ways you can download videos from Facebook, depending on the device you’re using and the type of video you want to download. Let’s go through the most popular methods for different platforms.
1. Using Facebook Video Downloader Websites (Online Solutions)
The easiest and most convenient way to download Facebook videos is by using a Facebook video downloader website. These websites allow you to download videos by simply pasting the video URL.
Steps:
- Find the Video: Open Facebook, go to the video you want to download, and copy the URL from the address bar.
- Visit a Downloader Website: Go to a reliable Facebook video downloader website, such as SaveFrom.net, Fbdown.net, or Y2Mate.
- Paste the URL: Paste the copied Facebook video URL into the input box on the website.
- Choose Video Quality: Select the quality of the video you want to download (HD or SD).
- Download: Click the download button, and your video will be saved to your device.
This method works well for downloading public Facebook videos. However, it may not work for private videos unless you have permission or access.
2. Using Facebook Video Downloader Apps
If you prefer a more automated process or need an app that allows you to download videos directly to your mobile device, several Facebook video downloader apps are available. These apps allow you to download videos with just a few clicks.
Popular Apps:
- Video Downloader for Facebook (Android): This app is available on the Google Play Store. It lets you download videos directly from Facebook to your phone with just one click.
- Documents by Readdle (iOS): While not a dedicated downloader app, this app allows you to download Facebook videos by using an integrated browser to access a downloader site. It’s one of the best options for iOS users.
- MyVideoDownloader for Facebook (Android): This app allows you to browse Facebook, search for videos, and download them with ease.
3. Using Browser Extensions
If you use Chrome, Firefox, or another browser, browser extensions can simplify the process. With these extensions, you can download videos directly from the browser without needing to visit an external website.
Popular Extensions:
- FB Video Downloader (Chrome): This extension helps you download Facebook videos in just one click. Once installed, a download button will appear next to the video, allowing you to save it to your computer.
- Video DownloadHelper (Firefox & Chrome): This browser extension supports multiple websites, including Facebook. It lets you download videos in various formats and quality levels.
4. Download Facebook Videos via Developer Tools (For Advanced Users)
If you’re familiar with using developer tools, you can download Facebook videos directly from the browser’s console.
Steps:
- Open Facebook: Go to the Facebook video you want to download.
- Right-Click: Right-click anywhere on the page and select “Inspect” or “Inspect Element.”
- Go to the Network Tab: In the developer tools window, go to the “Network” tab and refresh the page.
- Find the Video URL: Look for the file that ends with .mp4. This is usually the video file.
- Copy the URL: Right-click on the video URL and copy it.
- Open in New Tab: Paste the URL into a new browser tab, and the video will start playing.
- Save Video: Right-click the video and select “Save video as…” to download it.
This method is slightly more technical but provides a more manual way to download Facebook videos.
Downloading Facebook Live Videos
Facebook Live videos are often more challenging to download than regular videos. However, it’s possible with the right tools. You can use the same methods mentioned above, but there are a few things to note:
- Public Live Videos: If the Facebook Live video is public, you can download it using any of the methods listed above, including the online downloaders, apps, and extensions.
- Private Live Videos: To download private Facebook live videos, you must either have access to the video as a friend or be the person who streamed the video. Once you have access, you can use the same steps to download the video.
For live video downloads, apps like FBDown.net and SaveFrom.net support live streaming video downloads.
How to Download Private Facebook Videos
Downloading private Facebook videos is trickier because they are not accessible to the public. To download private videos:
- You must be logged into Facebook and have access to the video (either through the uploader’s permission or being friends with the uploader).
- If you cannot see the video, you cannot download it.
Using the methods above (website downloaders or apps) will allow you to download private videos you can access.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Video Not Downloading: Make sure the video URL is correct. Try refreshing the page or copying the URL again.
- Low-Quality Download: Some downloaders only support low-resolution downloads by default. Look for a download option with HD quality.
- App/Website Not Working: Some websites and apps may become unavailable over time. Look for alternatives such as Y2Mate or Getfvid.
FAQs: Common Questions About Facebook Video Downloads
How do I download Facebook videos to my phone? You can use Facebook video downloader apps like “Video Downloader for Facebook” on Android or “Documents by Readdle” on iOS to download videos directly to your phone.
Is it legal to download Facebook videos? Downloading videos is legal as long as you have permission from the video owner or are downloading videos for personal use. Avoid distributing downloaded content without permission.
Can I download Facebook live videos? Yes, you can download Facebook live videos using the same methods mentioned above if the video is public or you have access to it.
Can I download a private Facebook video? Only if you have permission from the video’s owner or are friends with them on Facebook.