Facebook does not offer a download button for most videos, and its Saved list only bookmarks a post; if the post is deleted, your bookmark goes with it. If you need an offline copy of a public video, for a flight, a classroom without internet, or your own archive, here is the quickest way on any device, plus fixes for the most common problems.
Which Facebook links work?
Public videos and Reels work. Their links usually look like one of these:
facebook.com/watch/?v=1234567890facebook.com/reel/1234567890facebook.com/PageName/videos/1234567890fb.watch/AbCdEf/(short links from the app)
Videos shared only with friends, posted in private groups, or limited by age or country cannot be fetched by any outside tool.
Step 1: get the video link
In the Facebook app (Android or iPhone)
- Open the video so it plays on its own.
- Tap Share.
- Choose Copy link.
On a computer
- Click the video so it opens on its own page, or click the time stamp under the post.
- Copy the address from the browser bar. You can also right-click the time stamp and choose Copy link address.
Step 2: download the video
- Open the Facebook video downloader.
- Paste the link and press Download.
- Choose the best quality, or Audio only if you just need the sound.
The file is saved to your Downloads folder on Android and computers. On iPhone it goes to the Files app; see how to move it to Photos.
If it does not work
| What you see | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| “We could not get this video” | The video is not public | Open the link in a private window. If Facebook asks you to log in, it cannot be downloaded. |
| “This link is not from…” | Extra text or a non-video link | Copy the link again from the video itself and paste only the link. |
| Link from a post with text and video does not work | The link points to the post, not the video | Open the video on its own first, then copy that link. |
| Download takes a long time | Long live recording | Keep the page open; long videos take longer to prepare. |
More fixes are in our guide to links that will not download. For questions about privacy settings on a post, the Facebook Help Center is the official source.
Good reasons to save a Facebook video
- Keeping your own uploads, especially old live streams, before you close an account.
- Watching a public tutorial or lecture where there is no internet.
- Saving a family video someone shared publicly, with their agreement.
Whatever the reason, the video belongs to whoever made it. Do not re-upload it or use it in ads without permission; our copyright explainer covers the basics.
Frequently asked questions
Can I download a Facebook live stream?
Not while it is live. After the stream ends and Facebook publishes the recording, you can download it like any other public video.
Does it work with Facebook Reels?
Yes. Copy the Reel link with the Share button and paste it in the same way.
