How to Save Facebook Videos for Offline Viewing

ByDevwiz

Facebook has grown into one of the world’s biggest video-sharing platforms, where users can upload, stream, and share everything from tutorials to live events. However, there’s one major limitation — you can’t download most Facebook videos directly for offline viewing.

If you’ve ever wanted to rewatch a live video, tutorial, or family moment without relying on an internet connection, you’re in the right place. In this guide, you’ll learn how to save Facebook videos for offline viewing through six reliable methods — including the official download option, online tools, browser tricks, and dedicated software.

Part 1: Download Your Own Videos with the Official Download Option

Facebook allows you to download your own videos directly through your account. This feature works for both regular uploads and finished live streams.

Steps:

  1. Go to your Profile or Page.
  2. Click the “Videos” section.
  3. Locate the video you want to download.
  4. Click the three dots (⋯) on the top-right corner of the post.
  5. Choose “Download Video.”

If the option doesn’t appear, open the video, click the gear icon ⚙️ or More options, and then look for the download option there.

Limitations:

  • Only available for your own videos.
  • Not applicable to videos uploaded by other users, groups, or pages.
  • Download quality is often compressed.
  • Facebook Live videos can be downloaded only after the broadcast ends.

If you want to save other people’s videos or live streams, you’ll need to try one of the external methods below.

Part 2: Using Facebook Video Recorder

If the official download button isn’t available, recording the video while it plays is an excellent workaround. This is where CleverGet Recorder becomes useful.

CleverGet Recorder is a professional-grade tool that lets you record Facebook videos, reels, or live broadcasts in real time. It captures both video and audio in HD or even 4K quality, ensuring a smooth playback experience later — even offline.

Steps to Record Facebook Videos with CleverGet Recorder:

  1. Download and install CleverGet Recorder on your computer.
  2. Launch CleverGet Recorder and set up preferences in settings.
  3. Navigate to the Facebook video you want to capture and click “Recording.”
  4. Once done, click “Stop.”

Your recording will be automatically saved in MP4 or MKV format, and you can replay it anytime offline.

Part 3: Using Online Downloaders

If you don’t want to install software, online Facebook video downloaders can help. These are web-based tools that generate downloadable links by analyzing the Facebook video URL.

How to Use an Online Downloader:

  1. Find the video on Facebook and copy its URL (right-click > Copy link).
  2. Visit a trusted online downloader site (search for “Facebook video downloader”).
  3. Paste the copied link into the provided field.
  4. Choose the desired quality (SD or HD).
  5. Click Download to save the video to your device.

Online downloaders are convenient for quick saves but can be inconsistent for long or protected videos.

Part 4: Using Developer Tools

If you’re comfortable with a little technical work, you can use your browser’s built-in Developer Tools to extract the direct video file link.

Steps to Use Developer Tools:

  1. Open the video on Facebook in Google Chrome (or another Chromium browser).
  2. Right-click anywhere on the page and choose Inspect (or press Ctrl + Shift + I).
  3. Select the Network tab.
  4. Play the video.
  5. In the Network panel, filter results by “Media.”
  6. Look for a file ending in .mp4.
  7. Right-click the link and choose “Open in new tab.”
  8. The video opens in your browser — right-click it and select “Save video as…”

Part 5: Modify the Facebook Video Link

If you want a quick trick that doesn’t need tools or extensions, try modifying the video link manually. This works best for public videos.

Steps:

  1. Copy the Facebook video URL.
  2. Paste it into your browser’s address bar.
  3. Replace “www” in the URL with “mbasic.”
  • Example:
    Change https://www.facebook.com/watch?v=12345
    To https://mbasic.facebook.com/watch?v=12345
  1. Press Enter — this opens the basic mobile version of Facebook.
  2. Play the video and right-click on it.
  3. Select “Save video as…” to download it.

This method is simple and doesn’t require any software, but the video quality won’t match that of professional downloaders.

Part 6: Using Facebook Video Downloader Software (Recommended)

For users who frequently save videos, a dedicated application like CleverGet Video Downloader is the most efficient and reliable choice.

CleverGet Video Downloader is a powerful desktop tool that supports Facebook video download in HD, 4K, and even 8K quality. It can handle everything from short clips to long live streams — even when other methods fail.

Steps to Use CleverGet Video Downloader:

  1. Install CleverGet Video Downloader on your computer.
  2. Copy the URL of the Facebook video.
  3. Paste the link into CleverGet’s built-in browser.
  4. The software will automatically detect available video sources.
  5. Select the quality (SD, HD, 4K, or 8K).
  6. Click “Download.”

Within a few minutes, your video will be saved locally in your chosen format — ready for offline viewing anytime. If you often wonder “how to download a video from Facebook” or “how to download Facebook videos easily,” this software is your best all-in-one solution.

Part 7: FAQs

1. Is it legal to download Facebook videos?

Downloading Facebook videos for personal, offline use is generally fine. However, re-uploading or redistributing copyrighted material without permission may violate Facebook’s Terms of Service.

2. Can I download multiple Facebook videos at once?

Yes. With CleverGet Video Downloader, you can batch download multiple videos simultaneously, making it perfect for saving playlists or large video collections.

3. Can I download Facebook live videos?

You can download your own live videos directly from Facebook after they end. To download other creators’ live videos, you can use CleverGet Video Downloader or record them in real time using CleverGet Recorder.

Conclusion

Saving Facebook videos for offline viewing has never been easier — whether you’re downloading your own uploads or capturing someone else’s content for personal use.

If you want the most reliable, high-quality way to download Facebook videos, CleverGet Recorder and CleverGet Video Downloader can be your great solution. With these tools, you’ll have full control over your Facebook video library — online or offline.

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