How to Download Video from Facebook

Introduction

If a friend or family member posts a video to Facebook that you either want to save as a memory, or that you just want to have in your back pocket as a bargaining chip, it’s possible to download videos from Facebook. The easiest way to do this is to use a web browser on a desktop or laptop computer, but you can also download Facebook videos directly to your iPhone, iPad or Android device using third-party software. Both options are free, and will result in you downloading an MP4 version of that Facebook video to your personal device. I’ll walk through both options in this article. Examples of all instructions in the steps can be seen in the YouTube video below.

Steps to Download Video from Facebook on iPhone, iPad or Android

First, let’s look at how to download videos from Facebook to your iPhone, iPad or Android device. As a reminder, downloading Facebook videos on your iPhone, iPad or Android device can’t be done without third-party software. In this example, I’ll use the Friendly Social Browser.

1. Install the Friendly Social Browser app on your iPhone, iPad or Android device. Launch the Friendly Social Browser app, and then tap through it to access your Facebook account.
2. Navigate to the video you want to download. Depending on the device you’re using, the option to download the video will look different. For example, on my Android tablet, I can tap the “Download” icon that appears directly on the video to download it to the Gallery app. Alternatively, on my iPhone, I have to tap the cloud-looking icon directly beneath the video to open a menu, tap the “Download” icon next to Video, and then choose where I want to save my downloaded Facebook video file. From here you have a few different options for sending the file to other people or places, such as through email, your device’s default messaging service, or a cloud storage service, such as Google Drive, Apple’s iCloud, OneDrive, Dropbox and more.

Steps to Download Video from Facebook on Facebook Website

Next, let’s look at how to download Facebook videos to your computer from Facebook.com. In this example, I’ll use Google Chrome as my web browser.

1. Launch the Facebook.com website on a desktop computer, and then click the video to watch it in a larger player. You should be able to see the URL for the video at the top of the screen. It should look something like what’s on the screen.
2. Copy the URL in the address bar at the top of the screen. Now, open a new tab in your web browser, and then paste the URL in the web browser.
3. Change the front part of the URL from what it currently is to https://mbasic.facebook.com followed by the rest of the URL and then press “Enter.” You can see an example of what your modified URL should look like on the screen. You should be taken to the mobile basic version of that site which will look like a very simple site.
4. Right-click the Facebook video you want to save to open a menu, and then click “Open Link in New Tab” to open that video in its own web browser tab.
5. Right-click the video to open a menu, and then click “Save Video As” to download an MP4 version of that Facebook video to your computer.

5 Reasons to Download Video from Facebook

1. Content Creation and Repurposing

When it comes to leveraging social media content, many creators download videos from Facebook. This practice allows for the reuse of video material across multiple platforms. For example, a video originally posted on Facebook can be edited. It can then appear anew on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, or personal blogs. Downloading the video ensures that creators have the raw file. This makes editing easier than working with streamed content. By repurposing content, creators can maximize their reach. They can also maintain consistent messaging across all their channels. This method proves especially beneficial for creators aiming to build their brand. It lets them make the most out of every piece of content.

2. Offline Viewing

The convenience of offline viewing is a major reason people download videos from Facebook. In regions with unstable or expensive internet connections, streaming videos can be a hassle. Downloading videos when the connection is stable saves time and frustration later. This makes entertainment or educational content accessible anytime, without the need for a live internet connection. Whether it’s watching a motivational speaker, learning a new recipe, or catching up on a homemade documentary, offline accessibility is key. Additionally, for commuters or travelers, having videos readily available means being able to pass time enjoyably. This is true even when WiFi is out of reach.

3. Educational and Training Purposes

Educators and trainers often download videos from Facebook for instructional purposes. This allows them to incorporate rich media into their teaching materials. With videos, they can enhance the learning experience in classrooms or workshops. Downloading the video means they’re not reliant on a steady internet connection. This is critical during live presentations or in locations with poor connectivity. Furthermore, videos can be paused, rewound, and replayed. This helps in emphasizing important points during a lesson. It is also useful for catering to students who need a bit more time to grasp the material.

4. Archival Purposes

Many users download videos from Facebook for archival purposes. As digital platforms evolve, content can disappear or become inaccessible due to various reasons. By downloading and saving videos locally, users ensure they have a personal archive. This is important for preserving memories like family videos, important events, or even favorite entertainment clips. Having a personal copy means that these memories are safeguarded against digital decay. This is crucial for content that may hold sentimental or historical value.

5. Sharing Content with Non-Facebook Users

Not everyone uses Facebook, yet content shared on the platform can often be valuable or interesting to non-users. Downloading videos allows one to share them with people who do not have a Facebook account. This could be through direct file sharing or by uploading the content to a platform that they do use. For instance, an interesting public lecture or a community event video can be shared with a broader audience. This helps bridge the gap between different social media platforms and user preferences. It also ensures that valuable or entertaining content reaches as many people as possible.