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How to Save Facebook Videos for Offline Viewing

Emily Johnson

· 8 min read

Facebook is a treasure trove of content—everything from funny clips, insightful talks, to heartwarming family moments. But what happens when you want to watch a video later without an internet connection? Whether you're planning to go offline during a long flight, save data, or just want to have easy access to your favorite content, downloading Facebook videos can be incredibly useful.

However, unlike YouTube, which offers an official download option for certain videos, Facebook doesn’t make it as straightforward. But don’t worry—this guide will walk you through multiple methods to download Facebook videos for offline viewing on different devices.

Why Save Facebook Videos Offline?

Before diving into the how-to, it's worth considering why you might want to save Facebook videos offline. Here are some scenarios where offline viewing can be beneficial:

  1. Data Savings: Watching videos online can consume a lot of data. If you’re on a limited data plan, downloading videos while on Wi-Fi can save you from hefty bills.
  2. No Internet? No Problem: When traveling or in areas with poor connectivity, having videos saved can ensure you’re never without entertainment or educational content.
  3. Easier Access: Instead of searching through your Facebook feed, you can keep your favorite videos organized on your device.
  4. Archiving Content: Some content creators remove their videos over time. By downloading, you ensure that you have a permanent copy.

With these benefits in mind, let's explore the methods to download Facebook videos.

Method 1: Download Facebook Videos on Desktop Using a Browser Extension

One of the easiest ways to download Facebook videos on a desktop is by using a browser extension. This method is quick, doesn’t require any third-party software, and works on various browsers such as Chrome and Firefox.

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Install a Video Download Extension:

  2. Activate the Extension:

    • After installation, ensure the extension is activated. You may see a small icon on your browser toolbar, indicating that it’s ready to use.

  3. Navigate to the Video:

    • Go to Facebook and find the video you want to download. Make sure it's set to "public" if you're trying to download a video posted by someone else.

  4. Download the Video:

    • Click on the extension icon or right-click on the video. You should see an option to download the video in various resolutions. Choose your preferred quality and save the video to your computer.

Pros:

  • Simple and quick.
  • No need for third-party software.

Cons:

  • May not work for private or restricted videos.
  • Some extensions might include ads or request unnecessary permissions.

Method 2: Downloading Facebook Videos on Mobile Devices

Downloading Facebook videos on mobile devices can be a bit trickier, but it’s certainly doable. Here’s how you can do it on both Android and iOS.

For Android:

  1. Install a Video Downloader App:

    • Visit the Google Play Store and search for apps like "Video Downloader for Facebook" or "Video Downloader for All."
    • Install your preferred app, ensuring it has good reviews and high ratings.

  2. Log into Facebook Through the App:

    • Open the video downloader app and log into your Facebook account.
    • The app will typically display your Facebook feed, similar to the official app.

  3. Find and Download the Video:

    • Navigate to the video you want to download. Most apps will show a download button directly on the video.
    • Tap the download button and choose your preferred video quality.

For iOS:

Downloading Facebook videos on iOS devices involves a few extra steps due to Apple’s restrictions, but it’s still possible.

  1. Download Documents by Readdle:

    • Download the "Documents by Readdle" app from the App Store. This app is a powerful file manager that also includes a built-in web browser.

  2. Copy the Video URL:

    • Open the Facebook app, find the video you want to download, and tap the "Share" button. Select "Copy Link" to save the video’s URL.

  3. Use a Video Download Website:

    • Open the Documents by Readdle app and tap the browser icon in the bottom-right corner.
    • Visit a website like SaveFrom.net or FBDown.net and paste the video URL.
    • Choose your desired quality and tap download.

  4. Save the Video to Camera Roll:

    • Once downloaded, go to the "Downloads" folder in Documents by Readdle.
    • Tap the video file and select "Move." Choose "Photos" to save it directly to your Camera Roll.

Pros:

  • Works on most mobile devices.
  • Multiple apps and methods to choose from.

Cons:

  • iOS process is more complicated.
  • Some downloader apps might contain ads or in-app purchases.

Method 3: Using Online Video Downloaders

If you prefer not to install any software or extensions, online video downloader websites are a convenient alternative. These websites work across all platforms and are especially handy if you’re using a shared or public computer where you can’t install software.

How to Use Online Video Downloaders:

  1. Copy the Video URL:

    • On Facebook, find the video you want to download.
    • Right-click on the video and select “Copy video URL at current time” if you're on a desktop, or tap "Share" and then "Copy Link" if you're on mobile.

  2. Visit an Online Downloader Website:

  3. Paste the URL:

    • Paste the copied URL into the provided field on the website.

  4. Download the Video:

    • After analyzing the link, the website will offer download options in different resolutions.
    • Click the desired quality, and the download will begin.

Pros:

  • No software installation required.
  • Works on any device with a browser.

Cons:

  • May not support private videos.
  • Pop-up ads and redirects can be annoying.

Method 4: Downloading Private Facebook Videos

Sometimes, you might want to download a private video—one that isn’t publicly available. These videos are trickier to download, but it’s still possible with a few extra steps.

Downloading Private Videos:

  1. Copy the Video Page Source:

    • Open the private video in your browser.
    • Right-click on the page (not the video itself) and select “View Page Source.” This will open a new tab with a lot of code.
    • Press Ctrl + A (or Cmd + A on Mac) to select all the code, then Ctrl + C to copy it.

  2. Use a Private Video Downloader:

    • Go to FBDownloader.me.
    • Paste the copied source code into the provided field.
    • The website will process the code and extract the video, offering download options.

Pros:

  • Allows you to download videos not publicly available.
  • Simple process once you’re familiar with it.

Cons:

  • More steps involved.
  • Only works for private videos accessible through your account.

Method 5: Using Developer Tools (Advanced Users)

For those who are tech-savvy, the Developer Tools method offers another way to download videos directly from Facebook without any third-party software or websites.

How to Use Developer Tools:

  1. Open Developer Tools:

    • Right-click on the Facebook video page and select “Inspect” (Chrome) or “Inspect Element” (Firefox).
    • This opens the Developer Tools window.

  2. Find the Video Link:

    • Click on the "Network" tab in Developer Tools.
    • Play the video so that it loads, then look for a file that ends in .mp4 in the network requests.

  3. Download the Video:

    • Right-click the .mp4 file and select “Open in new tab.”
    • In the new tab, right-click on the video and choose “Save video as…”

Pros:

  • Directly downloads the video from Facebook servers.
  • No third-party tools needed.

Cons:

  • Requires technical knowledge.
  • Not user-friendly for beginners.

Legal Considerations

It’s important to consider the legal implications of downloading videos from Facebook. Just because you can download a video doesn’t always mean you should. Here are a few points to keep in mind:

  • Personal Use: Downloading videos for personal, offline use is generally accepted, especially if the video is publicly available. However, sharing or redistributing the video without permission can violate copyright laws.
  • Copyrighted Material: Be cautious when downloading videos that contain copyrighted content. If you don’t own the rights to the material, you could be infringing on someone’s intellectual property.
  • Facebook’s Terms of Service: Facebook’s terms of service discourage downloading or copying content without permission. Violating these terms could lead to account suspension.

Always respect the content creators and use downloaded videos responsibly.

Conclusion

Downloading Facebook videos for offline viewing can be incredibly convenient, whether you're trying to save data, ensure access during travel, or archive content. From browser extensions and

mobile apps to online downloaders and advanced methods like Developer Tools, there's a solution for every level of tech-savviness.

Remember to always consider the legal implications and respect the rights of content creators. By doing so, you can enjoy your favorite Facebook videos offline without any concerns.

Happy downloading!