How to save Facebook videos to your device

By SnapVideoDL Team · Updated · 2 min read

Facebook has a Save video option in the three-dot menu. Many people think it downloads the video. It does not. It only adds the video to a list called Saved inside Facebook. If the post is deleted, or you lose internet, the saved video is gone too.

This guide shows how to save Facebook videos to your device as a real file that stays on your phone or computer.

Facebook "Save" vs a real download

Facebook SaveReal download
Plays without internetNoYes
Stays if the post is deletedNoYes
Opens in other appsNoYes, it is a normal MP4
In your Gallery or PhotosNoYes, after a quick step

On Android

  1. In the Facebook app, open the video and tap Share, then Copy link.
  2. Open Chrome and go to our Facebook video downloader.
  3. Paste the link and tap the spinning globe.
  4. Pick a quality. 720p is a good choice for phones.
  5. Tap Download Now.

The video goes to Download and usually shows up in Gallery or Google Photos within a minute.

On iPhone

  1. In the Facebook app, tap Share and Copy link.
  2. Open Safari and go to the downloader.
  3. Paste the link, tap the globe, and pick a quality.
  4. Tap Download Now, then Download if Safari asks.
  5. Tap the blue arrow in the address bar and open the video.
  6. Tap share and choose Save Video. It is now in Photos.

On a Windows PC or Mac

  1. Open the video on facebook.com. Click the time stamp under the name so the video opens on its own page.
  2. Copy the address from the browser bar.
  3. Paste it into the downloader in another tab.
  4. Tap the globe, choose 1080p if it is there, and download.

The file goes to your Downloads folder. Drag it into a folder like Videos so you can find it later.

Reels, Watch and group videos

  • Reels: links with /reel/ work best with the Facebook Reels downloader.
  • Watch videos: facebook.com/watch and fb.watch links work in the normal downloader.
  • Public groups: work if the group is public.
  • Private groups and friends-only posts: cannot be downloaded. The tool can only see public videos.

Want it sharper?

If your saved video looks blurry, you probably got the SD version. Our guide on downloading Facebook videos in HD explains how to pick the sharp one and why HD is sometimes missing.

Only the sound

For a sermon, a talk or a class recorded on Facebook Live, you may only need the audio. Choose the Audio Only tab to save an MP3. You can also turn an already-saved video into sound with the video to MP3 converter.

Keep it respectful

Save your own videos, family videos you were part of, and public videos the owner is happy for you to keep. Do not re-upload other people's videos as your own. Facebook's Help Center has its full rules on sharing and copyright.

Quick summary

Facebook's Save button is only a bookmark. To keep a real file, copy the video link, paste it into our Facebook video downloader, tap the globe, pick a quality and download. On iPhone, finish with Save Video to move it into Photos.

Questions people ask

Does Facebook's Save button download the video?

No. It only adds the video to your Saved list inside Facebook. It does not put a file on your device.

Where do saved Facebook videos go on Android?

To the Download folder. They usually show in Gallery or Google Photos too.

Can I save videos from a private Facebook group?

No. Only public videos can be downloaded.

Can I save a Facebook Live video?

Yes, after the live stream ends and the video is posted publicly.

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