Ever scrolled through Facebook and stumbled upon a hilarious video you just have to save? Maybe it’s a friend’s birthday message in a funny skit, a cooking tutorial you want to try later, or a cute animal compilation that brightens your day. Whatever the reason, downloading Facebook videos can be a handy skill. But how do you do it?
This guide will walk you through two popular methods for saving Facebook videos: using a third-party website and tweaking the video URL itself (on a computer only). We’ll cover both downloading on your laptop and mobile phone, so you can grab those FB videos anytime, anywhere.
Downloading Facebook Videos with Third-Party Websites (Both Phone & Laptop)
This method is generally the most user-friendly, especially for those new to downloading videos online. There are several websites that offer Facebook video downloading services, but for this guide, we’ll use the popular option, SaveFrom.net. Remember, it’s always a good idea to choose a reputable website with a good track record. Here’s how to use SaveFrom.net:
-
Grab the Facebook Video URL: Open the Facebook video you want to download and find the address bar at the top of your browser (on a laptop) or app (on your phone). The URL will look something like this: [invalid URL removed]. Copy this entire address.
-
Head Over to SaveFrom.net: Open a new browser window or tab and visit SaveFrom.net. The website should have a clear text box in the center.
-
Paste and Download: Paste the copied Facebook video URL into the text box on SaveFrom.net. The website will automatically analyze the link and often start showing available download options. You might see choices for different video qualities (Standard Definition or HD). Choose your preferred quality and click the “Download” button next to it.
-
Save to Your Device: Once you click “Download,” your browser (or phone) will prompt you to choose a location to save the video file. Select a folder on your device where you want to keep the downloaded video and click “Save.” That’s it! The Facebook video should now be downloaded and accessible from your chosen folder.
Important Note: While third-party websites offer a convenient way to download videos, it’s crucial to be aware of potential risks. Make sure the website you choose has a good reputation and avoid downloading from suspicious-looking sites. Additionally, always be cautious of any pop-ups or intrusive ads that might appear.
Downloading Facebook Videos by Modifying the URL (Laptops Only)
This method involves a slight tweak to the Facebook video URL itself. It’s a bit more technical than using a third-party website, but can be useful if you prefer not to use external downloaders. Here’s how to do it:
-
Copy the Facebook Video URL: As in the previous method, open the Facebook video you want to download and copy the entire URL from the address bar.
-
Modify the URL: Paste the copied URL into a text editor (like Notepad) or your browser’s address bar again. Look for the part of the URL that says “www.” Replace “www” with “mbasic.” For example, if your original URL was [invalid URL removed], the modified URL would be [invalid URL removed].
-
Open the Modified URL: Once you’ve changed “www” to “mbasic,” hit enter to refresh the page. This will open the Facebook video in a simplified mobile version.
-
Right-Click and Download: Now, right-click on the video itself (not the play button) and you should see an option to “Save video as…” (or something similar) depending on your browser. Choose this option and select a location on your device to save the downloaded video.
Things to Remember: This method only works on laptops or desktops. While it’s a built-in approach, some Facebook videos might not allow downloading through this method due to privacy settings.
Choosing the Right Method for You
So, which method should you use? If you’re comfortable using third-party websites and prioritize ease of use, SaveFrom.net (or a similar reputable website) is a great option. It works on both laptops and phones and offers a straightforward download process. However, if you’re concerned about using external downloaders or the method doesn’t work for a particular video, you can try modifying the URL on your laptop.
