No doubt that Facebook is one of the leading social media networks in the world, and videos appear to contribute largely towards entertaining users. Videos are shared on this platform, from viral clips to memories from years back, personal events, or occurrences. Sometimes, a user may want to download these videos for viewing when there is no access to the internet connection, sharing with other friends, and archiving such special moments. Downloading Facebook videos will help out. In this guide, we will walk you through downloading videos from Facebook on all those devices.
Why Download Facebook Videos?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s explore some reasons why you might want to download videos from Facebook:
- Offline viewing: You can view it offline to watch when you do not have an internet connection.
- Sharing on other platforms: Easily share the video on non-Facebook platforms.
- Creating content: Use clips for your own video projects (always respect copyright!).
- Preserving memories: Keep important videos safe if they’re removed from Facebook.
Now that we understand the benefits, let’s explore how to download Facebook videos on different devices.
How To Download Facebook Videos On Desktop
If you want to download a video from Facebook, avoiding third-party programs or websites is best. Many of these can be risky and may contain malware or trick you into paying for services. Instead, follow this simple trick to download videos directly from Facebook.
Step 1: Look for the video you want to download.
Step 2: Click the three dots (⋯) in the top-right corner of the post.
Step 3: Select “Copy Link.”
Step 4: Open a new browser tab and paste the link in the address bar. Then press Enter to open it.
Step 5: Change “www” to “mbasic” in the URL. If the link looks like fb.watch/…, just press Enter at the end of the link to update it with “www.”
Step 6: Press Enter to load the new page, showing the video in a mobile-friendly format.
Step 7: Play the video, right-click on it, and choose “Save Video As.”
Step 8: Name the file and pick where you want to save it. Then click Save.
Now, the video is downloaded as an MP4 file, and you can watch it with any media player.
How To Download Facebook Videos On iPhone or Android Device
If you want to download Facebook videos directly to your phone, the regular Facebook app won’t let you. However, you can use a third-party app like Friendly Social Browser to save videos easily to your Camera Roll. Here’s how:
Step 1: Install the Friendly Social Browser app from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android).
Step 2: Select Facebook within the app. This will set Facebook as your main profile in the app.
Step 3: Log into Facebook using your usual username and password.
Step 4: Once logged in, use Friendly Social Browser instead of the regular Facebook app — it works almost the same way as Facebook.
Step 5: To download a video:
- On iPhone: Tap the cloud-shaped download button at the bottom right of the video post.
- On Android: Simply tap the download icon on the video.
Step 6: Video Download Process:
- Android: The video will begin downloading immediately.
- iPhone: A pop-up will show up. Tap the download icon next to the “Video” option. Then, select either Save to Photos or Save to Files to keep the video.
Note: The app might request access to your photos and storage. Be sure to grant permission so it can save the video correctly.
Tips for Downloading Facebook Videos
Smoothly download the Facebook video by following the following points :
1. Respect copyright: Download videos only for your personal use or with permission from the video creator.
2. Check video quality: Choose the video of the best quality you can get while downloading for the best viewing experience.
3. Be patient: Larger videos may take longer to download, especially on slower connections.
4. Use Wi-Fi when possible: To avoid using your mobile data, download videos over Wi-Fi.
5. Be cautious with third-party apps: Only use reputable apps and read reviews before installing.
FAQs On How To Download Videos On Facebook
Can I download private Facebook videos?
No, private videos require permission from the owner to download or share.
Is it illegal to download Facebook videos?
Downloading for personal use is generally allowed, but sharing or distributing copyrighted content without permission is illegal.
What is the safest way to download Facebook videos?
Using browser-based tools or trusted apps is the safest way. Avoid shady websites to protect your device from malware.
Conclusion
Downloading videos from Facebook can be convenient for offline viewing, sharing, or keeping personal archives. However, following legal and ethical guidelines is essential by downloading only public or individual videos. There are several ways to download videos—using a browser, online tools, apps, or browser extensions—but safety and respect for content creators should always be top priorities.
Read Also: How To Download YouTube Videos For Free
The first method, using ‘mbasic’ doesn’t seem to work anymore.
Anybody else noticed that?? I had been using that method for months