How to Save Facebook Videos: Official Options

Quick answer

Facebook does not give most people a download button for other people’s videos. What it does offer is Save video, which adds a video to your Saved items inside Facebook, a download option for videos you uploaded yourself, and a Download your information tool that exports your own data. Those are the safest ways to keep a video.

Ways to keep a Facebook video

Save video. Tap the three-dot menu on a video and choose Save video. It joins your Saved items so you can watch it later. Nothing is stored on your phone, and it disappears if the owner deletes it.
Videos you uploaded. Open your own video and check the three-dot menu for a download option. If you manage a Page, Meta Business Suite lets you open your content list and download videos you published.
Live videos you streamed. After a live broadcast ends, Facebook usually shows an option to download the recording. Do this soon, before you forget.
Download your information. In Settings, open Accounts Center, then Your information and permissions, then Download your information. Choose the data you want, such as posts and videos, and pick a quality and date range.

Apps change their menus often, so button names may differ slightly on your version. If a step does not match what you see, check the help center of the app.

Why there is no download button

Facebook treats videos as streaming content controlled by the person who posted them. For videos from friends, Pages and groups, the platform deliberately leaves out the download option, so the only official routes are saving inside Facebook or asking the owner to send you the file.

Reusing other people’s videos

Being able to save a video does not mean you can reuse it. Videos belong to the people who made them, and reposting, editing or using them in ads without permission can lead to a takedown or worse. If you want to share someone else’s video, use the platform’s share button, or ask the creator for permission and give them clear credit. This page is general information, not legal advice.

You will find many websites that promise to download Facebook videos. We do not recommend or link to them. They often go against the platform’s rules, fill pages with aggressive ads, ask you to install extra apps or browser extensions, and can put your device at risk. Some also strip the creator’s name or watermark, which removes the credit the creator is owed.

Frequently asked questions

Can I download a friend’s Facebook video?

Not with an official button. Use Save video, or ask your friend to send you the original file.

Where do saved videos go?

They appear in Saved items in the Facebook menu, in the Videos section.

How do I back up my own videos?

Download your information from Accounts Center, and keep the original files from your phone or editing app. See our guide on backing up your Facebook videos.

Is it safe to paste a Facebook video link into a website?

A video link is not private, but unknown websites can show harmful ads or ask for more than they should. Stay with official options.