Downloading videos from Facebook can be useful for saving copies of videos you want to watch offline, sharing videos with friends, or repurposing video content. However, it also raises copyright concerns, as most videos on Facebook are copyrighted material belonging to the person who posted them. While you are generally free to view and share copyrighted videos on Facebook, downloading them directly could constitute copyright infringement.
In this article, we’ll explore some legal ways to download Facebook videos without violating copyright. We’ll also look at what constitutes fair use, and when it is acceptable to download Facebook videos. Key questions we’ll answer include:
- Is it legal to download Facebook videos?
- When is it ok to download Facebook videos?
- What are some legitimate reasons to download a Facebook video?
- How can I download Facebook videos legally?
- What apps and browser extensions can I use?
- How can I avoid copyright infringement when downloading videos?
Understanding the copyright risks and following best practices will help ensure you stay on the right side of the law when saving Facebook videos.
Is it Legal to Download Facebook Videos?
In most cases, downloading videos directly from Facebook is considered copyright infringement. The copyright for videos posted on Facebook is usually owned by the person who uploaded the video.
Facebook’s Terms of Service strictly prohibit downloading, copying, or sharing content from their platform without permission from the copyright owner. Violating this could potentially lead to your account being suspended or legal consequences.
There are some limited exceptions where downloading a Facebook video may be considered “fair use” and not infringement. We’ll discuss fair use in more detail later. But in general, you do not have the automatic right to download videos from Facebook.
Facebook’s Stance on Downloading Videos
Here is what Facebook’s Terms of Service and Community Standards say about downloading content:
- You cannot download, copy, or share videos posted by others without permission from the copyright holder.
- You are allowed to share links to Facebook videos, but not download the videos themselves.
- Facebook reserves the right to suspend or terminate your account if you violate their rules around downloading content.
- Any content you do download must only be used for personal, non-commercial purposes.
So in summary, Facebook prohibits directly downloading others’ videos from their platform. They view this as copyright infringement in most cases.
When is it Ok to Download Facebook Videos?
There are some limited situations where downloading a Facebook video would be considered fair use and not copyright infringement:
1. You Own the Copyright
If you uploaded the video yourself, or hold the copyright to it, you can obviously download your own video from Facebook legally.
2. You Have Permission
If you get explicit permission from the video owner to download their video, then this would be permissible. Make sure to get permission in writing for documentation.
3. For News Reporting
Using short clips of Facebook videos for news reporting, commentary, education, or other transformative purposes may qualify as fair use. But only the minimum necessary amount of the video should be used.
4. For Law Enforcement
Law enforcement agencies may have the right to download videos from Facebook for investigative purposes under specific situations allowed by law.
Aside from these limited exceptions, downloading Facebook videos typically puts you at risk of copyright infringement claims from rights holders.
What are Legitimate Reasons to Download a Facebook Video?
There are a handful of potentially legitimate reasons you may want to download a Facebook video:
- Offline viewing – To save a video to watch later when you won’t have an internet connection.
- Repurposing or remixing – To edit a video, remix it with other content, or add commentary.
- News reporting – To use a short clip of a video in a news story under fair use.
- Personal archiving – To keep a copy of a video you have the rights to for your records.
- Law enforcement – For investigative purposes according to applicable laws.
However, even for these uses, you need to ensure you have the proper rights or permissions before downloading a video to avoid copyright problems. Fair use only provides protection in some very specific circumstances.
How Can I Download Facebook Videos Legally?
If you want to download a Facebook video legally, here are some tips:
Get Permission
The simplest way is to first get explicit permission from the video owner before downloading. This grants you the rights.
Use Fair Use Best Practices
If relying on fair use, only download the minimum necessary amount of video needed for your purpose, such as a short clip. Never download or distribute the full video file.
Download Your Own Videos
You always have the right to download videos you recorded and own the copyright to.
Use Features to Share Links
Rather than downloading videos directly, share links to them or embed them on other sites when possible.
Avoid Re-Uploading Downloaded Videos
Do not download videos and re-upload them elsewhere, even if your intent is to share a funny or interesting video. This still violates copyright.
What Apps and Browser Extensions Can I Use?
There are various apps and browser extensions that allow downloading videos from Facebook:
- Video Downloader Professional – Browser extension for Chrome and Firefox.
- 4K Video Downloader – Desktop app for Windows and Mac.
- KeepVid – Web-based downloader.
- FB Video Downloader – Android and iPhone app.
- VideoSave – Website converter.
However, most apps and services that download videos directly from Facebook without permission are violating copyright law. They often have language trying to absolve themselves of legal responsibility and place liability solely on the user.
While these tools may work at downloading Facebook videos, extreme caution is advised in using them to avoid potential copyright claims or loss of your Facebook account. They should not be treated as a “free pass” to download any videos you want.
How Can I Avoid Copyright Infringement?
To keep yourself out of trouble when downloading Facebook videos, here are some best practices:
- Get written permission from the copyright holder first before downloading any video you do not own.
- Only download your own videos that you recorded and own the copyright to.
- Where fair use may apply, only download the minimum necessary amount of video needed for your purpose.
- Do not further distribute or share the videos you download from Facebook without permission.
- Be wary of “free” apps or services for downloading videos, as these are often illegal.
- When in doubt, link to or embed videos instead of downloading when sharing.
Stick to these guidelines, and consult an IP lawyer if you have any concerns about fair use or copyright infringement regarding a specific video you want to download. With the proper precautions, you can safely save Facebook videos when you have the rights to do so.
Conclusion
Downloading videos directly from Facebook typically violates the platform’s Terms of Service and copyright law. However, there are some limited cases where downloading videos may be permissible, such as:
- You own the copyright to the video
- You get explicit permission from the rights holder
- You only use a short excerpt under fair use for news/commentary
- Law enforcement downloading for investigative reasons
Aside from these narrow exceptions, the safest approach is to share links to Facebook videos rather than downloading the files themselves. Be very cautious of apps or browser extensions that enable downloading videos, as these tools do not provide immunity from copyright claims. Always get permission first or ensure your use qualifies as fair before downloading any video from Facebook.