“Descargar videos de Facebook” simply means “download videos from Facebook.” People often want to do this when they see a video on Facebook — maybe a live video, a clip, or a post — and wish to save it on their own device (phone, tablet, or computer).
Because Facebook does not offer a straightforward “download to device” button for most videos, many users look for alternate methods — such as third‑party tools, special browser tricks, or software. But before you do that, it's important to understand how downloading works (or doesn’t) on Facebook, and what is allowed — or not.
Why Facebook Doesn’t Make Video Downloads Easy
Facebook (Meta) prefers you watch videos within its platform. That is how they earn ad revenue, track views, and maximize engagement. (The Economic Times)
While the Facebook app does provide a “Save Video” option — letting you bookmark a video so you can find it later within Facebook — this is not the same as downloading. Saved videos remain on Facebook’s servers; they are not stored on your phone or computer as separate video files. (The Economic Times)
So, getting a real video file (e.g. MP4) often requires extra steps, or third‑party help.
Common Ways People Try to Download Facebook Videos
Here are some of the methods people use — though with caveats.
1. Using Third‑party Download Tools or Websites
There are many websites and tools that promise to download Facebook videos just by pasting the video’s link. For example, sites like FBdown, SmallSEOTools’ Facebook Video Downloader, Publer, and others. (Gigabunch)
These sites typically ask you to:
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Copy the URL of the Facebook video you want.
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Paste it into their download box.
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Choose video quality (e.g. 720p, 1080p).
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Click “Download,” then save the file.
This can work — especially for public videos. Sites like SmallSEOTools clearly state that you can download videos, stories, reels, or live streams in HD. (Gigabunch)
Some download-managers (e.g. ClipGrab) also support Facebook video downloads. (Wikipedia)
2. Browser Tricks (Manual Download)
On a computer, sometimes you can trick Facebook into giving you a video file:
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Copy the video link from Facebook.
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Paste it in a new tab.
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Replace the “www.” part of the URL with “mbasic.” — this loads a simpler, basic version of Facebook. (The Economic Times)
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Play the video.
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Right-click → “Save Video As…” to download.
This method works occasionally, especially for public videos.
3. Using Screen Recording
If downloading doesn’t work (e.g., video is private, or tools fail), many users resort to screen recording — using a built-in recorder on their phone or a third‑party app. This captures whatever plays on screen, but with lower quality and no original metadata. (Gigabunch)
4. Downloading Your Own Videos (From Your Profile)
If the video was posted by you, Facebook sometimes allows direct download:
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Go to your profile → Videos.
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Find your video → click the three dots (…) → select “Download video.” (Finchley Studios)
However, this option may not always be available — especially if Facebook removes it in some accounts or regions. Some users report that even their own videos have lost the download button. (Reddit)
Is It Legal to Download Facebook Videos?
This is where things get tricky. The technical possibility of downloading doesn’t automatically make it legal or allowed.
✔️ When It’s Generally Okay
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If it’s your own video — you uploaded it yourself, or you have the rights. (Finchley Studios)
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If the video is in public domain or the owner has given explicit permission to download and reuse. (SocialDow)
❌ When It’s Not Allowed (or Risky)
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If the video belongs to someone else and you don’t have permission.
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If you redirtribure, share, or monetise someone else’s content — that often violates Facebook’s Terms of Service and copyright law. (Finchley Studios)
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If you use unauthorized third-party tools that circumvent Facebook’s protections — that may breach the Terms of Service. (Facebook)
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If you download private or restricted videos (e.g., from private groups) — without consent. This is risky and potentially illegal. (AEA Network)
Some expert sources warn that even if you manage to download — if you re-upload or share without permission, you could face copyright infringement issues. (Finchley Studios)
Recent Change: Facebook Delete Old Live‑Videos (2025)
An important update recently: as of February 19, 2025, Facebook (Meta) announced that Live videos will automatically be deleted 30 days after broadcast. That means if you streamed a live video and didn’t save or download it, it may be gone forever after a month. (The Verge)
Older live videos (before this policy) will also be removed — in phases — so Meta urges users to download all their old live videos before they vanish. (Cinco Días)
For many, this is a strong incentive to download personal content now, especially memories like weddings, events, concerts, or important recordings.
Should You Download Using Third‑Party Tools?
Before you rush to use a random downloader, consider these points:
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Safety Risk: Many free downloader sites may contain malware, adware, or intrusive ads. (AEA Network)
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Policy Risk: Using unauthorized tools might violate Facebook’s Terms of Service. (Facebook)
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Legal Risk: Downloading and re‑using someone else’s content without permission can infringe copyright. (AEA Network)
If you choose to use such tools, do it responsibly: only download your own videos, or ensure you have permission of the content owner, and avoid redistributing without consent.
Recommended Best Practices (Safe & Ethical)
If you want to save Facebook videos safely and ethically, follow these guidelines:
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Prefer official / native options: download only videos you own through Facebook’s interface (when available). (Finchley Studios)
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If using third‑party tools: ensure the video is public, and you have the rights to download and use it.
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Use screen recording only for personal archival; don’t share or monetize unless you own the content.
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Respect copyright and Facebook’s Terms of Service. Don’t distribute downloaded content without permissions.
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For important videos (e.g. memories, live events): backup them now — especially since Facebook is deleting older Live videos.
Conclusion
“Descargar videos de Facebook” — downloading Facebook videos — is possible, but it’s not always straightforward or “official.” Because Facebook doesn’t really support saving videos to your device (except for your own uploads), many people rely on third‑party tools, manual tricks, or screen recording. But there are important legal, ethical, and policy-based risks involved.
If you want to save videos:
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Always try to use native Facebook download options first (for your own content).
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If using third‑party tools, ensure you have permission and you’re only using the video privately.
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Avoid downloading private content you don’t own.
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And if it’s a Facebook Live video — especially from 2025 or earlier — act fast: Facebook is deleting old live videos, so download them if they matter to you.
In short: yes, you can download some Facebook videos — but do it carefully, legally, and thoughtfully.