Facebook Reels are short, entertaining videos that can be created and shared on Facebook and Instagram. They are designed to be fun, creative videos that capture people’s attention. While Reels were originally launched on Instagram, Facebook adopted the same format for its platform in 2021.
When you create a Reel on Facebook, it is uploaded and hosted by Facebook in their own proprietary format optimized for their apps and platforms. However, you may want to download your Facebook Reels and convert them to a more universal and compatible format like MP4 for saving and sharing outside of Facebook’s ecosystem.
MP4 is one of the most common video file formats that works across platforms and applications. By converting your Facebook Reels to MP4, you can save them to your computer or device and share them just like any other standard video file.
In this guide, we will go over multiple methods and tools to help you easily convert your Facebook Reels videos to the MP4 format.
Why Convert Facebook Reels to MP4?
Here are some of the benefits of converting your Facebook Reels to MP4 format:
– MP4 is a versatile, standard video format that is compatible with most media players, apps, websites, and operating systems. This allows you to play, edit and share the Reels more universally after conversion.
– You can save the MP4 files of your Reels to your computer, external drive, or device for archiving and offline access. The original Reels only exist within Facebook’s platform.
– Allows you to edit or repurpose the Reel videos in video editing software that supports MP4 but not the proprietary Facebook format.
– MP4 files can have a smaller file size than the original Reels in some cases, taking up less storage space.
– By uploading MP4 versions to other platforms like YouTube, Twitter, etc, you can reuse your Facebook Reels content and reach new audiences.
– Downloading Reels as MP4 lets you replay them even if the original gets deleted or unavailable on Facebook for any reason.
Overall, converting to the versatile MP4 format gives you much more control over your Facebook Reels and how you can use them outside of Facebook.
Requirements for Converting Facebook Reels to MP4
To successfully convert your Facebook Reels videos to MP4, you will need:
– The original Reel video file in Facebook’s format (not just a link to the Reel). You need to first download the Reel to your device.
– Conversion software, online tool or app that supports converting Facebook’s platform-specific Reel format to MP4.
– Optional but recommended – video editing software that can open and edit MP4 files after conversion. This allows you to trim, crop, or make other edits to your converted Reel if needed. Some examples are Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, iMovie, etc.
As long as you have the original Reel file and the right conversion tools, you can follow the steps in this guide to produce an MP4 version of your Facebook Reel that can be used more universally across different platforms. The specific conversion methods are outlined next.
Method 1: Using Online Converters
Step 1: Download your original Facebook Reel to your computer or device. When viewing the Reel on Facebook, click on the three dots menu in the upper right and choose “Save Video”. This will save the Reel file to your device.
Step 2: Go to an online file converter tool that supports converting Facebook Reels to MP4. Some good options include:
Step 3: Upload your downloaded Reel file to the tool. Most will let you simply drag and drop the Reel file onto their website.
Step 4: The tool will then convert the Reel to MP4 format on their servers. This may take some time depending on the Reel’s length and quality.
Step 5: Once processed, you can then download the converted MP4 file back to your computer.
The advantages of using online converters are their convenience and speed. You don’t need to install any software, and they support fast, automated conversion of your Reels. However, you are uploading your files to a third-party service which may have limits on file sizes or require paid subscriptions for certain features.
Method 2: Using Local Software
There are also desktop applications you can install to convert Facebook Reels to MP4 on your own computer:
Option 1: X Video Converter
X Video Converter by DVDFab is a paid but full-featured video conversion suite for Windows and Mac.
To use it for Reels to MP4 conversion:
Step 1) Download and install X Video Converter software on your computer: https://www.dvdfab.cn/x-video-converter.htm
Step 2) Launch the converter and click “Add File” to import your downloaded Reel file.
Step 3) For the output format, select “MP4 – MPEG-4 Video File” from the dropdown.
Step 4) Choose your desired MP4 settings like video resolution and frame rate.
Step 5) Click “Start” to begin the Reel to MP4 conversion process.
Step 6) When finished, you can find and open the converted MP4 file on your computer.
Option 2: WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe
WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe is another desktop software option for Windows and Mac that can convert Facebook Reels to MP4.
To use:
Step 1) Download and install the WinX HD Video Converter: https://www.winxdvd.com/hd-video-converter-deluxe/
Step 2) Run the program and click +Video to add your Reel file for conversion.
Step 3) Choose MP4 as the output format from the dropdown menu.
Step 4) Configure your MP4 settings like resolution, bitrate, etc if desired.
Step 5) Click “RUN” to start converting the added Reel video to MP4.
Step 6) The converted MP4 will be saved to your designated output folder location.
The benefit of using standalone converter software is it gives you full control over the conversion process and highest possible video quality. The drawback is the additional time and disk space needed to install the programs versus online converters.
Method 3: Using VLC Media Player (Limited)
VLC is a popular free media player that can also covert some video formats.
To convert Facebook Reels to MP4 with VLC:
Step 1) Download and install VLC Media Player on your computer: https://www.videolan.org/vlc/index.html
Step 2) Launch VLC and go to Media > Convert / Save
Step 3) Click “Add” and select the Facebook Reel file to convert.
Step 4) For profile, choose Video – H.264 + MP3 (MP4)
Step 5) Click the Convert/Save button.
Step 6) In the next window, click Browse to choose where to save the output MP4 file.
Step 7) Click Start to begin converting the Reel video to MP4.
However, VLC has limited conversion capabilities and some users report inconsistent results when converting Facebook Reels. So try the above two methods first if possible.
How to Edit and Share the Converted MP4
Once you have successfully converted your Facebook Reel to an MP4 file, there are many possibilities for using the video:
Editing the MP4
– You can open the MP4 Reel in video editing programs like Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, iMovie etc. Then edit it like any other video: trim length, add effects, mix with other clips, overlay text/graphics and more.
– Mobile apps like InShot, KineMaster, Adobe Premiere Rush etc. also let you edit MP4s right on your smartphone. Useful for quick edits.
– Convert the MP4 to other formats like MOV, AVI, WMV, etc. if needed for compatibility with certain programs or devices.
Sharing and Posting the MP4 Reel
– Upload to YouTube, Facebook, Instagram or other social media platforms. MP4 will upload and play nicely unlike the original Facebook Reel format.
– Share via email, messaging apps, AirDrop, etc. MP4 is a universal format that others can play.
– Save to cloud storage like Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud etc for online access and sharing.
– Burn to DVD or Blu-ray disc to play on TVs and home media systems.
– Transfer to phones, tablets, game consoles, smart displays and other devices for offline playback.
So in summary, converting your Facebook Reels to the MP4 format greatly expands your options for what you can do with the videos beyond just posting to Facebook!
Conclusion
While Facebook Reels were designed to live within the Facebook and Instagram ecosystems, converting them to the more compatible MP4 format lets you extend their usefulness and reach outside of just social media.
Using online converters, desktop applications, or even VLC player, you can save your Facebook Reels locally and convert them to MP4 with fairly simple workflows.
The resulting MP4 videos can then be edited, repurposed, shared and enjoyed on many screens and platforms beyond what the original Reel format allowed. Converting to MP4 gives you full control and flexibility with the Reels you put time and effort into creating.
| Conversion Method | Pros | Cons |
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| Online converters |
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| Desktop software |
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| VLC Media Player |
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We’ve covered several reliable methods for converting your Facebook Reels to MP4 for greater flexibility and use of the videos you create. With the right tools, you can save your Reels locally and convert them to MP4 yourself in just a few steps.