People often search for a Facebook video converter or a way to convert Facebook to MP4. You do not actually have to convert anything yourself: the link of the video is enough, and the MP4 file is prepared for you. Here is how it works and what can get in the way.
Why an MP4 file?
A Facebook video can only be played inside the app or the website, with a connection. An MP4 file plays anywhere: in your phone gallery, on a computer, on a TV, even offline. It is handy for keeping a tutorial, a recipe, a lecture clip or a family video you posted yourself.
Which Facebook videos can be saved
- Public videos posted on pages and public profiles.
- Public Reels.
- Public live replays.
Videos from private groups, private profiles or friends-only posts cannot be reached, because they need a Facebook login that this tool does not use.
Step 1: copy the video link
- Facebook app: tap Share under the video, then Copy link.
- Computer: click the post date to open the video on its own page, then copy the address from the browser bar.
Short links such as fb.watch/... work as well.
Step 2: paste the link and pick MP4
- Open the Facebook video downloader.
- Paste the link in the field.
- Choose Video MP4 to keep picture and sound.
- Tap Download.
The quality can never be higher than the video that was originally posted, so a low-resolution clip stays low-resolution.
What if I only want the sound?
Pick Audio MP3 in step 2. The audio is saved at 192 kbit/s, which is fine for a talk, an interview or a clip you are allowed to keep. The general method is explained in how to extract MP3 from a video.
Where to find the file
- iPhone: Files app, Downloads folder. To put it in Photos, open the video, tap Share, then Save Video.
- Android: Files app, Downloads folder.
- Computer: your browser's download folder.
If it does not work
- "Video not found": the video is probably private or deleted. Open the link in a private window: if Facebook asks you to log in, the tool will not be able to read it.
- Page or profile link: you need the link of the video itself, not of a page.
- One-off failure: try again a few minutes later, or read why a video download fails.
A word about rights
Keeping a video for personal, offline use is not the same as reposting it. The video belongs to its author, so ask before sharing it again and always credit the source. Rules differ from country to country, so when in doubt, do not reuse it.
Tips for a clean result
- Use the Wi-Fi connection for long videos: an MP4 can weigh tens of megabytes, and mobile data runs out quickly.
- Check your free storage before downloading several videos in a row, especially on an older phone.
- Rename the file right away (for example with the date and the topic) so you find it again in six months.
- If the video is yours and you only need it for editing, keep the original upload too: it is always the best quality you have.
- On a shared computer, delete the file when you are done if the video is personal.
FAQ
Is it free? Yes, no sign-up for standard quality.
Do I need an app? No, a browser is enough.
Can I convert a Facebook story? No, stories are not supported.
Will the MP4 play everywhere? Yes, it is the most widely supported video format on phones, computers and TVs. You can also read our full guide to download a Facebook video for free.