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. However, downloading videos directly from Facebook can be difficult due to its security restrictions. This often leads people to look for third-party Facebook video downloaders to save videos for offline viewing. But with so many video downloader options out there, how do you know which one is the best?
In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss the top video downloaders for Facebook in 2022 based on factors like download speed, quality, ease of use, supported formats, security, and more. We will also provide tips on how to safely download Facebook videos on desktop and mobile. By the end of this guide, you will know exactly which video downloader is best suited for your needs.
Why Download Facebook Videos?
Here are some of the top reasons why you may want to download videos from Facebook:
Watch Videos Offline
One of the main reasons people download Facebook videos is to watch them later when they are offline. For example, if you are going on a trip somewhere with poor internet connectivity, downloading videos ahead of time lets you view them without buffering issues. It also saves mobile data costs if you are on a limited plan.
Save Memories
You may want to download a funny video, memorable moment, or special post from friends and family to look back on fondly. Facebook videos contain many precious memories with loved ones that people want to save forever.
Repost Videos
Downloading allows you to repost or share videos on other platforms like Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp, etc. You can edit or customize the videos before sharing them as well.
Avoid Expiration
Facebook videos do not last forever. The original uploader may delete them at any time. So downloading lets you have a permanent copy just in case the video is no longer available on Facebook later on.
Re-watch Favorites
You can use a Facebook video downloader to save your favorite videos for repeat viewing. Kids especially may want to watch the same entertaining video multiple times.
Share Anonymously
Some users want to share videos anonymously without having the original Facebook post connected to their account. A downloader lets you isolate just the video itself for sharing.
Use Professionally
Marketing professionals, social media managers, and video editors may need to download videos for reusing in promotions, advertisements, or other projects. Downloaded videos can be edited and customized as needed.
Factors to Consider in a Facebook Video Downloader
When choosing a Facebook video downloader, there are several factors you should evaluate to determine the best option:
Download Speed
One of the most important factors is the download speed. Faster download speeds allow you to save multiple videos in minutes. Slow downloaders can take much longer and be frustrating to use.
Video Quality
The video quality after downloading is another key consideration. You want the resolution, audio quality, encoding, and general playback to remain high-quality.
File Format Options
The ability to download videos in different file formats is also useful. This includes popular formats like MP4, AVI, MOV, and more.
Ease of Use
The downloader should have an intuitive and easy-to-use interface. Complicated or confusing downloaders will just frustrate users.
Mobile Friendly
Having both desktop and mobile capability makes a downloader more versatile. This allows saving videos directly from the Facebook mobile app.
Additional Features
Other handy features include the ability to download entire albums, extract audio, batch download, private downloading, and more.
Safety and Security
You want your privacy protected and no malware included. Only use trusted downloaders from reputable companies or developers.
Cost
Paid downloaders offer premium features, but excellent free options exist as well. Consider both cost and benefits when evaluating options.
The Top 7 Facebook Video Downloaders
After extensive testing and research, we have selected the top 7 Facebook video downloaders based on the above criteria:
1. Downtime
Downtime is our pick for the best overall Facebook video downloader available today. Here are its key features:
- Very fast downloading speeds
- Downloads in MP4, AVI, MOV, and other formats
- Maintains high quality HD resolution
- User-friendly interface
- Compatible with desktop and mobile
- Bonus tools like video converter and screen recorder
- Secure encrypted downloading
Downtime balances fast performance, quality, and ease of use for powerfully downloading Facebook videos.
2. 4K Video Downloader
4K Video Downloader is another excellent choice with these features:
- Downloads ultra HD and high quality 1080p videos
- Keeps videos in original format for high quality
- Extracts audio into MP3 format
- Supports playlists and channels
- Simple drag and drop interface
- Free version available with limited features
With specialized support for very high quality videos, 4K Video Downloader is great for enthusiasts who want the maximum viewing experience.
3. SaveFrom
SaveFrom focuses on ease of use and speed:
- Fast single click downloads
- No account or signup required
- Intuitive browser extensions for desktop sites
- Also available as mobile app
- Downloads multiple formats like MP4, AVI, WEBM
- 100% free to use
For quick and convenient downloading directly from your browser, SaveFrom is tough to beat.
4. VideoProc
VideoProc is the most full-featured downloader option:
- Impressively fast downloader
- Downloads in up to 4K quality
- Advanced video editing features
- Screen recording capability
- Video compression and file conversion
- Downloads Facebook albums and playlists
Power users who want to edit, convert, compress, or screen record videos will love VideoProc.
5. FBDown
FBDown focuses specifically on Facebook downloading:
- Straightforward downloader just for Facebook
- Bulk video downloading capability
- Private and anonymous downloading
- Downloads full albums
- No app or account required
If you want a simple but effective downloader tool solely for Facebook videos, check out FBDown.
6. DesktopTrafficRider
DesktopTrafficRider offers a unique Facebook downloader:
- Desktop software with high quality downloads
- Video caching for smooth streaming
- Additional media editing features
- Advanced settings for bitrate, resolution, and more
- Free trial available
For a full-featured desktop program with advanced settings, DesktopTrafficRider is a great choice.
7. DLNow Video Downloader
DLNow Video Downloader focuses on mobile downloading:
- Easy downloading from mobile apps
- Supports Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, and more
- No copy or sharing required
- Ad-free interface
- Saves storage space with compressed downloads
If you want to save Facebook videos directly from your iPhone or Android phone, DLNow makes it easy.
Key Features Comparison
Here is a comparison of the key features for the top 7 Facebook video downloaders:
| Downloader | Speed | Quality | Formats | Ease of Use | Mobile | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Downtime | Very Fast | HD | MP4, AVI, MOV | Very Easy | Yes | Free and Paid |
| 4K Video Downloader | Fast | Ultra HD | MKV, MP4, 3GP | Easy | No | Free and Paid |
| SaveFrom | Fast | HD | MP4, AVI, WEBM | Very Easy | Yes | Free |
| VideoProc | Very Fast | 4K | MKV, MP4, MOV | Easy | No | Paid |
| FBDown | Fast | HD | MP4, AVI, WEBM | Easy | No | Free |
| DesktopTrafficRider | Fast | HD | MP4, FLV, WMV | Moderate | No | Free Trial, Paid |
| DLNow Video Downloader | Moderate | HD | MP4, MOV, GIF | Easy | Yes | Free |
How to Download Facebook Videos
Now that you know the best Facebook video downloader options, let’s look at how to use them to save videos:
On Desktop
Most desktop downloaders involve these simple steps:
- Copy the URL of the Facebook video you want to download
- Paste the URL into the downloader program or browser extension
- Select download quality and format if prompted
- Choose a save location on your computer
- Click the download button and save the video!
Some downloaders make it even easier by just requiring a click on the video or drag and drop onto the program.
On Mobile
For iOS and Android, you will need to:
- Install the downloader app from the App Store or Play Store
- Open the Facebook app and find the video
- Tap the Share button within Facebook and select the downloader app
- The video will save within the downloader app
- You can access it from your Photos or Files storage
The mobile process is quick and seamless when using the Share integration.
Safety Tips for Facebook Video Downloaders
When downloading videos from any site, it’s important to keep safety in mind:
- Only install trusted downloader software from reputable companies
- Watch out for “free” downloaders that could contain malware or viruses
- Never enter your Facebook login credentials in a third-party app
- Check the app permissions being requested before installing
- Run a virus scan after installing any new software
- Make sure your antivirus software is up-to-date
- Download from secure corporate WiFi instead of public networks
Following basic security best practices will keep your devices and identity safe when using Facebook video downloaders.
The Best Video Downloader for Facebook is Downtime
After reviewing the top options and their key features, Downtime emerges as the best overall video downloader for Facebook in 2022.
Here’s a quick recap of why Downtime is our #1 recommendation:
- Very fast yet stable download speeds
- Downloads high quality HD videos
- Supports all popular formats like MP4, AVI, MOV
- Easy to use desktop and mobile interfaces
- Secure safe downloading of videos
- Bonus video tools like editing and conversion
- Free and affordable paid versions available
Downtime balances all the most important criteria, including speed, quality, ease of use, security, and additional features. With both free and paid plans, it works for all users as well.
For quickly saving top-quality Facebook videos on any device, Downtime is the best downloader choice in 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have some questions about downloading videos from Facebook? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
Is it legal to download Facebook videos?
In most cases, yes it is legal to download Facebook videos using third-party tools. However, you should only do so for personal use and avoid redistributing paid or copyrighted content. Always check the video’s permissions if specified.
Does downloading videos reduce their quality?
The best Facebook video downloaders will preserve the original video resolution and quality during the download process. Lower quality downloads may occur on sites using compression or poor encoding settings.
Can I download private Facebook videos I have access to?
Most downloaders only work on public Facebook videos. Private videos require special authorization and login permissions that third-party tools do not have. There are a few downloaders like FBDown that can download private videos.
What are the most common Facebook video formats?
The default formats used by Facebook are MP4 for videos and M4A for audio. However, many downloaders can save videos in formats like AVI, MOV, WEBM, MPEG-2, FLV, and more.
Is it possible to download Facebook videos on my iPhone?
Yes, using downloader apps from the iOS App Store you can save videos directly from the Facebook mobile app. Apps like DLNow Video Downloader make it easy.
Conclusion
Downloading videos from Facebook enables you to save memories, watch offline, share anywhere, and much more. A dedicated third-party video downloader is the easiest way to save high-quality videos from Facebook quickly. We recommend using the powerful yet safe Downtime downloader for the best overall results.
Try out some of the top Facebook video downloaders reviewed in this guide to find your perfect match. Always follow security best practices to keep your identity and devices protected while downloading. Now go forth and save those special Facebook videos before they are gone!