Facebook remains one of the most popular social platforms in the world, with billions of videos uploaded and shared every year. Whether it’s a funny clip, a cooking tutorial, a motivational speech, or even your own uploaded content, chances are you’ve wanted to save a Facebook video for offline viewing.
Unfortunately, Facebook doesn’t provide a direct “Download” button for most videos. This limitation can be frustrating, especially if you want to watch a video later without an internet connection, share it with friends outside of Facebook, or keep an archive of important content.
That’s where Facebook video downloaders come in. These are tools, apps, or software that allow you to download videos from Facebook quickly and easily.
How to Download Facebook Videos Without Any Tools (Manual Methods)
Believe it or not, you don’t always need a downloader tool to save a video. Here are two simple tricks:
Method 1: Using “mbasic” URL Trick
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Find the Facebook video you want to download.
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Copy the video URL.
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Replace “www” with “mbasic” in the URL (e.g.,
https://mbasic.facebook.com/...). -
Open the link — you’ll see a basic mobile version of Facebook.
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Play the video, then right-click → Save video as…
Method 2: View Page Source
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Right-click on the Facebook video page → View Page Source.
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Press Ctrl+F and search for “hd_src” or “sd_src”.
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Copy the video link and paste it into a new tab.
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Right-click → Save video as…
Limitation: These methods may not always work for private videos or videos with restricted settings.
Best Facebook Video Downloaders Online
Online tools are the most popular way to download Facebook videos because they don’t require installation. Here are some of the best options in 2025:
1. SnapSave (snapsave.app)
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Supports HD, Full HD, 2K, and even 4K Facebook videos.
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Works on mobile and desktop.
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Converts videos into MP4 format.
Note: SnapSave is one of the fastest and most reliable online downloaders, especially if you want high-resolution videos without quality loss.
2. FBDown.net
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Simple, clean interface.
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Offers both normal and HD downloads.
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Includes a Chrome extension for easier use.
Note: FBDown is great for users who want a straightforward, no-frills downloader and prefer the convenience of a browser extension.
3. GetfVid
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Downloads Facebook videos and converts them to MP3.
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Supports downloading Facebook Live videos (after streaming ends).
Note: Perfect if you want to extract audio (MP3) from videos or download content like music clips, speeches, or Facebook Lives.
4. SaveFrom.net
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Multi-platform support (Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok).
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A browser add-on available for one-click downloading.
Note: SaveFrom is best if you’re looking for an all-in-one solution that works across multiple platforms, not just Facebook.
Pros of Online Downloaders:
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No software installation required.
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Quick and easy to use.
Cons:
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Dependent on the internet connection.
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Some have intrusive ads.
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Not all support private videos.
Best Facebook Video Downloader Apps for Mobile (Android & iOS)
Many users prefer downloading videos directly to their phones. Here’s how:
For Android Users:
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Video Downloader for Facebook – Free app with simple “paste link and download” functionality.
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Snaptube – Popular app that supports Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and more.
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VidMate – Another all-in-one video downloader app with fast download speeds.
For iOS Users:
Apple’s restrictions make it trickier, but here’s a workaround:
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Use the Documents by Readdle app.
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Open its built-in browser, visit an online downloader (like SnapSave).
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Paste the Facebook video link and download it directly to your device.
⚠️ Tip: Always download apps from trusted sources like Google Play or the official developer site to avoid malware.
Facebook Video Downloader Software for PC (Windows & Mac)
For those who download a lot of videos or need higher quality, desktop software is ideal.
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4K Video Downloader
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Supports HD, 4K, and 8K videos.
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Allows batch downloads and entire playlists.
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Works on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
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JDownloader
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Free, open-source software.
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Supports multiple platforms beyond Facebook.
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Can handle multiple downloads simultaneously.
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Freemake Video Downloader
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Easy-to-use interface.
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Supports over 10,000 sites.
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Free version includes a watermark.
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These tools are best for power users who download videos frequently or in bulk.
How to Convert Facebook Videos to MP4/MP3
Many users want to convert Facebook videos for easier playback or audio-only use.
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MP4 Conversion
Most downloaders already save videos in MP4 format, which works on all devices. -
MP3 Conversion (audio only)
Tools like GetfVid and 4K Video Downloader allow you to extract just the audio from Facebook videos, perfect for music or podcasts.
Steps (using GetfVid):
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Copy the Facebook video URL.
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Paste into GetfVid.
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Choose MP4 (video) or MP3 (audio).
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Click Download.
Alternatives to Facebook Video Downloaders
If you don’t want to use a downloader, here are some alternatives:
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Save Video option (within Facebook):
Click the three dots on a video → Save video.
This won’t download the file, but it saves it to your Facebook “Saved” section for later viewing. -
Screen Recording:
On mobile, use your phone’s built-in screen recorder.
On PC, use tools like OBS Studio or Windows Game Bar.
Downside: Screen recordings may lose quality and capture unwanted elements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Can I download private Facebook videos?
Yes, but it requires special tools that can access private content (often requiring you to log in). Most free downloaders only support public videos.
Q2. Is it legal to download Facebook videos?
Downloading your own videos or public domain content is fine. Downloading copyrighted or private videos without permission may violate laws.
Q3. Why can’t I download some videos?
Some videos are restricted due to privacy settings or DRM protection.
Q4. Do these tools work for Facebook Reels?
Yes, many modern downloaders now support Facebook Reels and Stories.
Q5. What’s the best free Facebook video downloader?
For online use: SnapSave or FBDown.net.
For PC: 4K Video Downloader.
For mobile: Snaptube (Android) or Documents + SnapSave (iOS).
Conclusion
Downloading Facebook videos doesn’t have to be complicated. With so many options available today — from online downloaders to mobile apps and desktop software — it’s easy to find a method that fits your needs. Each approach comes with its advantages, whether you’re looking for quick access, portability, or more advanced features.
That said, it’s important to stay cautious. Always use trusted tools to avoid the risk of malware or harmful pop-ups. At the same time, make sure you respect copyright laws by downloading only content you’re legally allowed to save.
The best method will depend on your device and your purpose. Online tools are excellent for quick, one-off downloads. Mobile apps are ideal if you often save videos while browsing on your phone. For heavier use, such as downloading in bulk or saving videos in higher quality, desktop software may be the best choice.
