When you save a video on Facebook, where does it actually go? Facebook provides users with the ability to save videos posted by their friends, pages they follow, or even videos they’ve uploaded themselves. But what happens to those saved videos behind the scenes? Here’s an in-depth look at where Facebook saved videos are stored.
Saved Videos vs Downloaded Videos
First, it’s important to understand the difference between saving and downloading a video on Facebook. When you save a video, you are bookmarking it to watch later – the actual video file stays on Facebook’s servers. Downloading a video means you are transferring the video file to be stored locally on your device.
So when you save a Facebook video, you are not actually downloading the file itself. The video remains hosted on Facebook’s servers. Saving just gives you quick and easy access to videos you want to watch again later.
Where Are Saved Facebook Videos Stored?
When you save a video on Facebook, it is added to your Saved list which lives under the Menu tab of your Facebook app or under the Bookmarks tab on the desktop site. This Saved list stores the links to all the videos, posts, photos and other content you have saved.
Clicking on a saved video will open up the post or video page where you originally saw that video. So saving does not store a separate copy of the video file – it just bookmarks the link for easy access later.
The actual video files remain hosted on Facebook’s servers. Facebook has massive data centers and servers worldwide that store all the photos, videos, posts and other content from across the platform. So the saved video will stream to you from those servers when you click on it.
How Long Are Saved Facebook Videos Stored?
Facebook videos you have saved will remain in your Saved list indefinitely, unless:
- You manually remove it from your Saved list
- The original poster deletes the video from Facebook
- Facebook removes the video for violating its Community Standards
So the videos themselves will be available as long as the file remains hosted on Facebook’s servers. Of course the original poster can always delete their video, causing your saved copy to no longer be accessible.
Can You Download Saved Facebook Videos?
While saving a video simply bookmarks it, you can also download Facebook videos to store a copy of the file locally on your device:
- On mobile, tap on the three-dot menu while viewing the video and select “Save Video”. This will save it to your camera roll.
- On desktop, click on the down arrow at the top right of the video and choose “Download”. Select the video quality and it will download the file to your computer.
You can also use third-party tools and browser extensions to download Facebook videos.
Do Saved Videos Take Up Storage Space?
Since saving a video on Facebook simply bookmarks the link, it does not take up any storage space on your device. The video files themselves remain hosted on Facebook’s servers.
Only if you explicitly download the video will it then take up storage space locally on your device. The amount will depend on the video resolution, length, and other factors. But simply saving does not use up storage space.
Can You Save Videos You’re Tagged In?
If someone tags you in a Facebook video, you will get notified about it and can view the video post even if you are not friends with the original poster. When viewing a video you’re tagged in, you can save it to your Saved list like any other video.
The save feature works the same whether it is your own video, your friends’ videos, or videos you’re tagged in by an acquaintance.
What About Private Videos?
If someone posts a video privately so that only certain friends can view it, the save feature will work the same if you are one of the friends allowed to see it.
However, if you try to save a private video that you don’t have access to, it will not allow you to save it. You will only be able to save private videos that you have permission to view.
Can You Save Live Videos?
Facebook Live videos can also be saved during or after the live broadcast. When watching a live video or watching a replay of a live video, you can use the save feature to bookmark it.
One difference with live videos is that if the original broadcaster deletes it, this will delete it from your saved list as well. But otherwise saving live videos works the same as saving normal videos.
Saving Videos on Facebook Watch
Facebook Watch is the platform’s portal for episodic and original video content from creators. Just like normal Facebook videos, you can save any video watched on Facebook Watch to your Saved list.
This includes videos from Pages you follow, shows from creators you subscribe to, and recommended videos on Watch. Simply click the Save button while watching to add it to your list.
Saving Videos in Groups
When members post videos in Facebook Groups, Saving works the same as elsewhere on Facebook. As long as you have access to view the video based on the group’s privacy setting, you can save group videos.
This provides an easy way to bookmark videos posted in your favorite groups to refer back to later on.
Saving Videos on Facebook Gaming
Facebook Gaming allows you to watch live streams from gamers, esports competitions, and gaming content. You can use the Save feature here as well.
When watching a gaming live stream or video on demand content, click the Save icon to add it your list. This provides an easy way to bookmark your favorite gaming streams and channels.
Can Pages Save Videos?
Facebook Pages have the ability to save videos just like individual profiles can. The Saved list functions similarly under the Bookmarks tab.
Pages can use the save feature to bookmark videos they may want to refer back to for marketing or entertainment purposes. Saving as a Page works the same as saving as a personal profile.
Troubleshooting Saved Videos
In some cases, you may run into issues while trying to save Facebook videos. Here are some common problems and fixes:
Missing Save Button
If the Save button is missing when you view a video, it likely means the original poster has limited who can save the video. You will not be able to save videos that the owner has restricted.
Saved Video Disappears
As mentioned earlier, if the original poster deletes the video from Facebook, it will also disappear from your saved list. Additionally, if Facebook removes the video for violating its policies, your saved copy will also be deleted.
Saved List Not Loading
If your list of saved videos is not loading, try refreshing the page. Also ensure you have the latest version of the Facebook app installed, or try switching browsers on desktop. Clearing your caches and cookies can also help.
Can’t Download Saved Video
Depending on the video settings, some Facebook videos are not able downloadable. If the download option is greyed out, unfortunately there is no way around this restriction imposed by the original poster.
Conclusion
When you save a video on Facebook, it simply bookmarks the link to that video on Facebook’s servers. The actual video file remains hosted by Facebook. Saved videos stay in your list indefinitely until deleted or removed. While saving does not download the video file, you can choose to download videos you have saved if you want to store them locally.
So in summary:
- Saving bookmarks the video link
- The videos themselves remain hosted on Facebook’s servers
- You can download saved videos to store locally
- Saved videos stay until manually removed or the original video gets deleted
Hopefully this gives you a better understanding of where Facebook saved videos are stored and how the saving feature works!