The simplest way to copy a Facebook video
The easiest method is to use a free online video downloader. Go to the Facebook video you want to copy, click the three dots in the top right corner of the post, select "Copy link", then paste that link into a site like fbdown.net, getfbstuff.com, or savefrom.net. These sites will show you download options — usually standard quality and high quality — and you click the one you want. The video file saves to your computer's Downloads folder.
This method works on both desktop and mobile browsers. On mobile, after you copy the link, open a new tab, go to one of these downloader sites, paste the link, and download. The file goes to your phone's default download location, which you can usually find in your Files app or Photos app depending on your device.
No account is required on the downloader sites, and they do not ask for your Facebook password. If a site asks for your password, leave immediately — that is a phishing attempt.
Key Takeaways
- Copy the Facebook video link using the three-dot menu, then paste it into a free downloader site like fbdown.net or savefrom.net.
- Most downloader sites offer both standard and high-quality versions; choose the quality you need before downloading.
- Downloaded videos save to your computer or phone's default Downloads folder, and you can move them anywhere afterward.
- Never enter your Facebook password on a downloader site — legitimate tools only need the video link.
- Videos you download are for personal use; sharing copyrighted content without permission violates Facebook's terms and copyright law.
Using Facebook's built-in save feature
Facebook has its own save tool that stores videos in your account without downloading them to your device. Click the three dots on any video post and select "Save video". The video then appears in your saved items, which you can view anytime by going to your profile, clicking "Saved", and filtering by Videos.
This method keeps the video linked to Facebook's servers, so it does not take up storage space on your phone or computer. However, you cannot move the video elsewhere or use it outside of Facebook. If you need the actual video file to edit, share, or use offline, you must use a downloader instead.
Downloading from Facebook on your phone
On iPhone or Android, the process is nearly identical to desktop. Open the Facebook app or mobile browser, find the video, tap the three dots, and copy the link. Then open a new tab and go to a downloader site like fbdown.net. Paste the link and tap the download button.
On iPhone, the video saves to your Photos app or Files app depending on your browser settings. On Android, it goes to your Downloads folder, which you can access through your file manager. Some phones also let you download directly through the Facebook app itself — try long-pressing the video to see if a download option appears, though this varies by device and Facebook version.
What to do if the downloader site does not work
Downloader sites sometimes stop working or get blocked by Facebook's security systems. If a site is not responding, try a different one — fbdown.net, savefrom.net, and getfbstuff.com are the most reliable, but there are dozens of alternatives. A quick search for "Facebook video downloader" will show you current options.
If none of the sites work, the video may be private or restricted. Private videos can only be downloaded by people who have permission to view them, and some videos are deliberately blocked from downloading by their creator. In those cases, there is no workaround — the creator has chosen not to allow downloads.
Understanding copyright and terms of service
Downloading a video from Facebook is technically possible, but you need to respect who owns it. If you downloaded a video someone else created, you cannot post it to your own social media, sell it, or claim you made it. Doing so violates both Facebook's terms of service and copyright law.
Videos you create yourself can be downloaded and used however you want. If you want to download someone else's video for personal use — to watch offline or keep a copy for yourself — that is generally acceptable. But sharing it publicly or using it for business purposes requires the creator's permission.
Downloading videos in bulk
If you need to download many videos at once, most downloader sites do not have a bulk feature. You will need to download each video individually by copying its link and pasting it into the downloader. This takes time but is straightforward.
Some desktop software like 4K Video Downloader or DownloadHelper (a browser extension) can speed this up by letting you paste multiple links at once. These tools cost money — usually $10 to $30 — but they handle the process faster than free sites if you regularly download many videos. Free downloader sites remain the better choice if you only download occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to download Facebook videos?
Downloading a video for personal use is generally legal. Sharing it publicly, selling it, or claiming you created it violates copyright law and Facebook's terms. Always check who owns the video — if someone else created it, you need their permission to use it anywhere except for personal viewing.
Will Facebook know if I download a video?
No. Downloading through a third-party site does not notify the video creator or Facebook. However, if you then share that video on your own social media and claim you made it, the original creator can report it for copyright infringement, and Facebook or the platform you shared it on will remove it.
Can I download videos from private Facebook groups?
Only if you are a member of the group and have permission to view the video. The downloader site will not work if the video is restricted to group members only — you must be logged into Facebook and have access to see the link in the first place.
What if the video is no longer available on Facebook?
If the original post has been deleted, you cannot download it using a link. Downloader sites only work with active Facebook links. If you saved the video file before it was deleted, you still have your copy on your device.
Do I need special software to download videos?
No. Free online downloader sites work in any web browser and require no installation. Desktop software like 4K Video Downloader is optional and only worth buying if you download videos frequently and want faster processing.