With over 2 billion monthly active users, Facebook is one of the most popular social media platforms for sharing photos, videos, and other multimedia content. Many users want to download videos from Facebook for offline viewing or sharing on other platforms. This raises an important question – is there a free way to download Facebook videos?
Can You Download Facebook Videos for Free?
The short answer is yes, there are free methods and tools available to download videos from Facebook. However, there are some caveats to be aware of.
Facebook does not provide an official way to download videos directly from its platform. The Facebook mobile app and website do not have a “download” button for videos. This is because Facebook wants to encourage users to view and engage with videos directly on its platform.
However, there are some workarounds that allow you to download Facebook videos for free:
- Web browser extensions – There are various free browser extensions like Video DownloadHelper and FBDown that integrate into Chrome, Firefox, etc. and allow downloading videos with just a click.
- Online converters – Free online tools like SaveFrom.net, FBVideos.com, FBDown.net allow pasting the Facebook video URL to download the video file.
- Third-party mobile apps – Apps like Video Downloader for Facebook, FB Video Downloader, etc. available for Android and iOS can download videos from Facebook.
So in summary, while Facebook itself does not allow video downloads, there are free third-party workarounds available to download videos.
What Are the Downsides of Using Third-Party Downloaders?
While the methods mentioned above do allow free Facebook video downloads, there are some downsides to be aware of:
- Copyright issues – Downloading videos you do not own the rights to raises copyright concerns. Facebook’s terms prohibit downloading content.
- Lower quality – The downloaded videos may be lower resolution or have reduced audio quality compared to the original.
- Missing videos – Facebook can take down content, so downloaded videos may not be available after some time.
- External apps security – browser extensions and mobile apps may pose malware risks as they require additional permissions.
- Time and effort – The multi-step download process takes more time and effort than a one-click native download option.
So while the third-party download options are free and convenient, users should be cautious about potential quality, security and copyright issues.
Does Facebook Plan to Add an Official Download Feature?
Facebook restricts downloading to encourage on-platform engagement. However, user demand for a download feature persists. So does Facebook plan to add an official video download option in the future?
While Facebook has not indicated definitively if or when a native download feature may be added, there are a few signs that it may be considered:
- Facebook offers Downloads of some content – Users can already download their photos, videos they uploaded, and other personal data via the platform’s Settings.
- Zuckerberg open to satisfying user wants – In a 2018 Congress hearing, Mark Zuckerberg indicated openness to satisfying user demand, like for downloading videos.
- Video downloading allowed on Instagram – Facebook-owned Instagram allows downloading video posts, showing the company’s willingness to provide the feature.
However, Facebook also has reasons not to add official downloads, like wanting full control over content and concerns over enabling piracy. Ultimately, while user demand persists, Facebook’s plans around video downloading remain unclear for now.
Is There Any Way to Download Facebook Videos Safely?
While the free third-party download options carry risks, there are some best practices users can follow to download Facebook videos more safely and securely:
- Use reputable downloaders – Stick to well-known browser extensions and apps with good ratings/reviews.
- Avoid questionable sites – Only use converters on reputable, secure websites with HTTPS enabled.
- Check permissions – When installing apps/extensions, check what permissions being granted.
- Use antivirus – Run scans to check downloads for any malware.
- Private/personal use – Avoid redistributing downloaded content publicly.
- Delete after use – Once the download purpose is fulfilled, delete the video file.
Following these best practices minimizes the risks around security, privacy and copyright infringement when downloading Facebook videos for personal offline viewing.
Conclusion
While Facebook does not offer an official download option, third-party browser extensions, online converters and mobile apps allow users to download Facebook videos for free. However, these workarounds come with risks around quality, security and copyright. Facebook may consider adding a native download feature to satisfy user demand in the future, but there are no definitive plans yet. Those looking to download videos can follow best practices around safety and lawful personal use.
| Facebook Video Downloader Options | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Browser extensions |
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| Online converters |
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| Mobile apps |
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This table compares some of the pros and cons of the main options for downloading Facebook videos for free using third-party tools and apps. While convenient, each has downsides to factor in.
Key Takeaways
- Facebook does not allow direct video downloads but third-party apps and tools enable free downloads.
- Quality, security and copyright risks exist when using third-party Facebook video downloaders.
- Facebook may add an official video download option in future based on user demand.
- Follow best practices like using reputable apps and deleting files after use when downloading videos.
Facebook is designed as a closed ecosystem to encourage on-platform engagement. While not officially supported, users are increasingly finding ways to download Facebook videos through external tools and apps. This raises concerns around quality, security, and copyright infringement. Those choosing to download should adherence to safety best practices and avoid public redistribution.
The demand for downloading persists, so Facebook may add native download features in future products. But uncontrolled downloading conflicts with its walled garden strategy. For now, enthusiasts will likely continue relying on third parties to enable video downloads off Facebook.
The company must balance satisfying user wants for accessible content with platform lock-in and broader monetization goals. The question of whether Facebook will make video downloading seamless and official remains unresolved. But the range of workarounds ensures users still have options to download content, for better or worse.