Facebook Live videos don't stay on the platform forever, and the person who posted may delete them
You can download a Facebook Live video while it's still available on the platform or shortly after it ends, but Facebook doesn't give you a built-in download button. Instead, you'll use a third-party video downloader tool — a website or software that pulls the video file from Facebook's servers and saves it to your computer or phone. The process takes about five minutes and works on Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android.
The catch: Facebook Live videos disappear from the poster's profile after a set time unless they choose to save the replay. Some creators save replays as regular Facebook videos, which are easier to download. If the video is already gone, you won't be able to download it — there's no way to recover deleted Facebook content.
Key Takeaways
- Facebook Live videos must still be available on the platform to download them; deleted videos cannot be recovered.
- You'll need the video's URL from the Facebook post, which you copy from your browser's address bar.
- Third-party downloader websites like DownloadFacebook.com or SaveFrom.net accept the URL and generate a download link.
- Downloaded videos save as MP4 files that play on any media player, phone, or computer without needing Facebook.
- If the creator saved the Live video as a regular post, it may be easier to download because it stays on Facebook longer.
Finding the video URL on Facebook
Before you can download a Facebook Live video, you need its direct link. Open Facebook in your browser and find the Live video or its replay in your feed or on someone's profile. Click on the video post itself — not the play button, but the white area around it or the timestamp that says when it was posted.
The page will open to show just that video. Look at your browser's address bar at the top of the screen. You'll see a long URL that starts with facebook.com and includes numbers. Highlight the entire URL, right-click, and select "Copy" (or press Ctrl+C on Windows, Command+C on Mac). Don't close this tab yet — you may need to come back to it.
Using a downloader website to save the video
Open a new browser tab and go to DownloadFacebook.com or SaveFrom.net. Both sites work the same way: they have a text box where you paste the video URL. Right-click in the empty box and select "Paste" (or press Ctrl+V on Windows, Command+V on Mac) to paste the URL you copied.
Click the "Download" button. The site will process the video for a few seconds. You'll then see one or more download options appear — usually labeled by quality, like "HD" or "SD". Click the quality you want. Your browser will either start downloading the file immediately or ask you where to save it. Choose a folder you'll remember, like your Downloads folder or Desktop. The file will be named something like "facebook_video.mp4".
If the downloader site shows an error message like "Video not found" or "This video is private", the video has been deleted, made private, or the URL didn't copy correctly. Go back to the Facebook tab and try copying the URL again, making sure you have the full link.
Downloading from your phone (iPhone or Android)
On a phone, the process is slightly different because you can't easily copy URLs between apps. Open Facebook in your phone's browser (not the Facebook app — use Safari on iPhone or Chrome on Android). Find the Live video and tap on it to open the full post. Tap the three dots in the top right corner of the post and select "Copy link".
Open a new browser tab and go to SaveFrom.net (this site works better on mobile than DownloadFacebook.com). Tap in the URL box and paste the link. Tap the download button. When the download options appear, tap the quality you want. The video will save to your phone's photo library or Downloads folder, depending on your phone's settings.
If you're using the Facebook app itself, you cannot copy the video link directly. You must switch to your phone's browser first. The Facebook app doesn't show the URL in a way you can copy.
What to do if the video is private or deleted
If you see "This video is private" or a similar message, the creator has changed the privacy settings or deleted the video. Facebook doesn't store deleted videos anywhere public, and no downloader tool can recover them. Your only option is to contact the person who posted it and ask them to send you the file directly or re-upload it.
If the video was a Facebook Live that ended and the creator didn't save the replay, it's gone from Facebook's servers. Some creators automatically save replays; others delete them after a few hours. If you're trying to download a Live video that just ended, try again in a few minutes — the replay may still be processing.
Downloading videos saved as regular posts instead of Live
If the creator saved the Facebook Live as a regular video post (which shows up in their timeline like any other video), it's usually easier to download. These videos stay on Facebook longer and are less likely to disappear. The download process is identical — copy the URL, paste it into a downloader site, and click download. Regular video posts often have better quality options available than Live replays.
You can tell the difference by looking at the post. A Live video will say "Live" or "Live Video" near the timestamp. A saved replay will just look like a regular video post with a play button. Both download the same way, but saved replays are more reliable.
Understanding file formats and where your video goes
Downloaded Facebook videos save as MP4 files, which is a standard video format that plays on almost any device — your computer, phone, tablet, or TV. You don't need Facebook or any special software to watch them. Once the file is on your device, it's yours to keep, even if the original post is deleted.
On Windows, downloaded videos usually go to your Downloads folder unless you chose a different location. On Mac, they also go to Downloads by default. On iPhone, videos save to your Photos app in the "Videos" album. On Android, they go to your Downloads folder or Photos app depending on your phone's settings. If you can't find the file, search your device for "facebook_video" or look in your Downloads folder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download a Facebook Live video while it's still streaming?
No. You can only download a video after the Live stream has ended and Facebook has processed the replay. This usually takes a few minutes. If you try to download while the stream is still live, the downloader will show an error. Wait until the Live video ends and try again.
Why does the downloader site say the video is not available?
The most common reasons are: the video has been deleted, the privacy settings have changed to private, the URL didn't copy correctly, or the video is from a private account you're not friends with. Double-check that you copied the full URL from the address bar. If the video is private, you won't be able to download it unless the creator changes the settings.
Is it legal to download someone else's Facebook Live video?
That depends on what you plan to do with it. Downloading for personal viewing is generally acceptable, but sharing it publicly, editing it, or using it for profit without permission violates Facebook's terms and may violate copyright law. Always ask the creator before downloading and sharing their content.
Will the person who posted the video know I downloaded it?
No. Facebook doesn't notify creators when someone downloads their videos. The download happens between your device and the third-party downloader site, not through Facebook's servers.
What if the downloader site asks me to install software or complete a survey?
Avoid sites that ask you to install programs or complete surveys before downloading. Stick with DownloadFacebook.com or SaveFrom.net, which don't require installation or surveys. If a site asks for personal information or wants to install something, close it and use a different downloader.