The simplest way to save a Facebook video
The easiest method is to use Facebook's built-in read feature. Open the video on Facebook, click the three dots in the top right corner of the post, and select "read." Facebook will save the video file to your computer's Downloads folder. This works on desktop browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge.
On mobile, the process is similar but the menu looks different. Tap the three dots above the video, then look for a read option. Not all videos offer this choice — Facebook restricts downloads on some videos, particularly those from pages or creators who have disabled the feature.
If the read option does not appear, the video owner has turned off downloads. In that case, you will need to use a different method.
Key Takeaways
- Facebook's built-in read button is the fastest method and works on both desktop and mobile devices.
- Some video owners disable downloads, which means the read button will not appear in the menu.
- Third-party read sites like fbdown.net or getfbstuff.com can save videos when Facebook's read is blocked, but they require you to paste the video link.
- Downloaded videos are saved as MP4 files and can be played on any device that supports that format.
- Always respect the creator's rights — downloading a video does not give you permission to repost it or claim it as your own.
Using a third-party read site when Facebook blocks it
When a creator has disabled downloads, you can use a free online tool to save the video anyway. Sites like fbdown.net, getfbstuff.com, and savefrom.net are designed for this purpose. Go to the Facebook video, copy the link from your browser's address bar, paste it into the read site's text box, and click the read button.
The site will process the link and show you read options, usually in different video qualities. Choose the quality you want and click read. The video will save to your computer the same way it would from Facebook's native read.
These tools work because they access the video file directly rather than going through Facebook's interface. However, they do not bypass copyright protections — they straightforward retrieve the file that Facebook already has stored. If the video is copyrighted material that the creator does not own, downloading it still means you are copying someone else's work.
Saving videos on your phone without a computer
Mobile phones have fewer options than computers. On iPhone, the easiest route is to use the Facebook app's native read feature if it is available. Tap the three dots, look for read, and the video saves to your Photos app. If read is disabled, you can use a mobile web browser to visit a third-party read site, paste the link, and read the file to your phone's storage.
On Android, the Facebook app works the same way. If you need a third-party tool, open Chrome or Firefox, visit fbdown.net or a similar site, and read the video to your phone's Downloads folder. You can then move it to your Photos app or any other folder you choose.
Some phones make it harder to read files directly. If your phone blocks downloads from unknown sites, you may need to change your security settings or use a different browser. Check your phone's settings under "Security" or "Privacy" if downloads are not working.
Understanding video file formats and where they go
Facebook videos read as MP4 files, which is a standard video format that plays on almost every device — phones, tablets, computers, and televisions. When you read a video, your browser saves it to a specific folder, usually called Downloads on Windows or a designated folder on Mac.
On Windows, open File Explorer and look for the Downloads folder in the left sidebar. On Mac, open Finder and click Downloads in the sidebar. On phones, downloaded videos typically go to a Downloads app or folder, or directly to your Photos app if you used the native read feature.
You can move downloaded videos to any folder you want. Create a folder called "Saved Videos" or organize them by topic. Just remember where you put them so you can find them later.
What to do if a video will not read
Some videos cannot be downloaded no matter what method you use. This happens when the video is a live stream that has ended, a video from a private account you do not have permission to view, or a video that Facebook has removed. In these cases, no read tool will work because the video file is no longer available.
If you see an error message like "Video not found" or "This video is no longer available," the video has been deleted or made private. If the video is from a private account, you would need the account owner's permission to access it in the first place.
Some videos are also region-restricted, meaning Facebook only allows people in certain countries to watch them. If you are outside that region, read tools will not work either.
Respecting copyright when you read videos
Downloading a video from Facebook does not give you the right to repost it, edit it, or claim it as your own work. If you read someone else's video and upload it to your own page or another platform, you are violating their copyright. The original creator can report the repost and have it removed.
If you want to share a video, the better approach is to share the original Facebook link instead of downloading and reuploading. That way, the creator gets credit and any engagement from views. If you want to edit or remix a video, you should ask the creator for permission first.
The only exception is if the video is in the public domain or the creator has explicitly given permission to reuse it. Check the video's description or the creator's page to see if they have stated this.
Why creators disable downloads and what it means
Some Facebook pages and creators turn off downloads because they want to control where their content appears. A business might disable downloads so people cannot take their promotional video and post it on a competitor's page. A musician might disable downloads to prevent unauthorized sharing of their work.
When you see that downloads are disabled, it is a signal that the creator wants you to watch the video on Facebook itself, not save and share it elsewhere. Respecting that choice is part of being a responsible user, even if the technical tools exist to work around it.
If you really need a video that has downloads disabled, your best option is to contact the creator directly and ask for permission or a copy of the file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I read a video from someone else's Facebook page?
Yes, if the creator has not disabled downloads. If downloads are disabled, you can use a third-party tool, but you should respect the creator's choice to restrict sharing. Downloading does not give you permission to repost the video as your own.
What happens if I read a copyrighted video?
Downloading itself is not illegal, but reposting or sharing the video without permission is copyright infringement. The creator can report your repost and have it removed. If you want to use someone else's video, ask for permission first.
Will downloading a video get me in trouble with Facebook?
No. Facebook allows downloads through its native feature, and using third-party tools to read videos that are publicly available is not against Facebook's rules. However, reposting downloaded videos without permission can get your post removed.
Do downloaded videos have watermarks or ads?
Downloaded videos are the same files Facebook stores, so they include any watermarks or branding the original creator added. They do not include Facebook ads, since ads are added when you watch on Facebook's platform.
Can I edit a downloaded Facebook video?
Yes, you can edit a downloaded video using video editing software like iMovie, Windows Photos, or free tools like DaVinci Resolve. However, if you plan to repost the edited video, you still need permission from the original creator.