Facebook has become one of the largest platforms for sharing videos, ranging from funny clips and tutorials to live broadcasts and educational content. While watching videos directly on Facebook is convenient, there are many situations where you might want to save a video to your computer in MP4 format—a universally compatible and widely used video file type. Downloading Facebook videos in MP4 allows you to watch offline, archive your favorite content, or use videos for personal projects. This guide will walk you through the safest and most efficient ways to download Facebook videos in MP4 format.
Why MP4 Format?
MP4 is one of the most popular video formats for several reasons:
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Compatibility: MP4 works across nearly all devices, including computers, smartphones, tablets, and media players.
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High Quality: MP4 files can maintain high resolution while keeping the file size relatively small.
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Versatility: MP4 supports audio and video, making it ideal for videos that include sound.
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Ease of Use: Almost all video editing software and online platforms accept MP4 files.
Choosing MP4 ensures that your downloaded Facebook videos can be viewed and shared easily without compatibility issues.
Step 1: Identify the Type of Video
Before downloading, determine the type of Facebook video you are dealing with:
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Public Videos: Shared on public pages or profiles; easiest to download.
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Private Videos: Shared with friends or groups; require special permission to download.
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Live Videos: Streamed in real-time; downloadable after the broadcast ends.
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Stories: Short-lived videos that disappear after 24 hours; may need screen recording.
Knowing the video type helps you choose the right method to download it safely in MP4 format.
Method 1: Using Online Facebook Video Downloaders
Online downloaders are convenient and allow you to save videos in MP4 without installing software. Some reputable options include FBDown, Getfvid, and SaveFrom.net.
Step 1: Copy the Video URL
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Open Facebook and navigate to the video you want to download.
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Right-click on the video and select “Copy video URL”, or click the three-dot menu and choose “Copy link”.
Step 2: Open a Trusted Downloader
Visit a reliable online Facebook video downloader in your browser. Ensure the site is reputable to avoid malware or intrusive ads.
Step 3: Paste the URL
Paste the copied video link into the downloader’s input field.
Step 4: Select MP4 Format
Most downloaders offer different formats. Select MP4 to ensure compatibility.
Step 5: Choose Video Quality
Select your preferred quality—HD for high-resolution videos or SD for smaller file size.
Step 6: Download the Video
Click Download. The video will be saved in MP4 format to your computer, ready for offline viewing.
Pros: Fast, works across devices, no installation required.
Cons: Free sites may have ads; ensure you use trusted platforms.
Method 2: Using Desktop Software
For frequent downloading or higher-quality videos, desktop software provides a safe and reliable option. Popular programs include 4K Video Downloader, JDownloader, and Freemake Video Downloader.
Step 1: Install the Software
Download the software from the official website to ensure safety. Avoid cracked versions.
Step 2: Copy the Facebook Video Link
Right-click the video on Facebook and copy its URL.
Step 3: Paste the Link in the Software
Open the software and click Paste URL or Add Link. The software will fetch the video.
Step 4: Select MP4 Format and Quality
Choose MP4 as the file format and select the desired video quality, such as HD or SD.
Step 5: Download
Click Download. The video will be saved in MP4 format. Desktop software often supports batch downloads, which is useful for saving multiple videos.
Pros: High-quality downloads, safer than online tools, supports multiple formats.
Cons: Requires installation and storage space.
Method 3: Using Browser Extensions
Browser extensions can simplify downloading Facebook videos in MP4 format. Some popular extensions include Video Downloader for Facebook and FBDown Helper.
Step 1: Install the Extension
Go to your browser’s extension store (Chrome Web Store, Firefox Add-ons) and install a trusted Facebook video downloader.
Step 2: Navigate to the Video
Open Facebook and find the video you want to download.
Step 3: Use the Extension
Click the extension icon in your browser toolbar. The extension will detect the video and provide download options visit now.
Step 4: Choose MP4 and Quality
Select MP4 as the format and pick the video quality.
Step 5: Download
Click the download button, and the video will be saved to your computer in MP4 format.
Pros: Convenient for frequent users, easy one-click downloads.
Cons: May slow the browser, some extensions contain ads.
Method 4: Screen Recording
If a video cannot be downloaded directly or is private, screen recording is a safe alternative. This method captures the video as it plays.
Tools for Screen Recording
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Windows: Xbox Game Bar (Windows + G)
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Mac: QuickTime Player → New Screen Recording
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Third-Party: OBS Studio, Bandicam, Camtasia
Steps to Record
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Open the Facebook video and prepare the screen recording tool.
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Start recording and play the video in full screen.
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Stop recording once the video ends and save it in MP4 format.
Pros: Works for private videos, live streams, and stories.
Cons: Quality may vary, requires real-time recording.
Tips for Safe and Successful Downloads
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Stick to Public Videos: Downloading private or restricted videos without permission is illegal.
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Use Trusted Tools: Only use reputable online downloaders, software, or browser extensions.
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Avoid Sharing Credentials: Never provide your Facebook login to unknown websites.
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Check Video Format: Ensure the downloader or software allows MP4 downloads.
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Select Quality Carefully: HD is ideal for clarity; SD is useful for saving storage space.
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Respect Copyright: Download videos for personal use unless you have permission to redistribute.
Common Questions
Q1: Can I download any Facebook video in MP4?
A: Public videos can be safely downloaded in MP4. Private videos require permission, and live streams may need to be recorded if not saved by the host.
Q2: Is MP4 the best format?
A: Yes, MP4 is highly compatible, supports both video and audio, and works on almost all devices.
Q3: Can I convert downloaded videos to MP4 if they are in another format?
A: Yes, video converters like HandBrake or online tools can convert files to MP4.
Q4: Are online downloaders safe?
A: Only if you use reputable, trusted websites. Avoid unknown sites with pop-ups or login requests.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Even when downloading videos in MP4 format, you must follow Facebook’s rules and copyright laws:
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Personal Use: Downloading for offline viewing or personal projects is usually acceptable.
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Redistribution: Sharing videos publicly without permission may violate copyright.
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Private Content: Never attempt to download private videos without consent.
Safe downloading is about protecting your computer, respecting creators’ rights, and staying within the law.
Conclusion
Downloading Facebook videos in MP4 format is simple when you use safe methods and trusted tools. The most reliable options include Facebook’s built-in download feature (for videos you own), reputable online downloaders, desktop software, and screen recording for non-downloadable content.
