Want to download Facebook videos in HD quality for offline viewing? Facebook is the world's largest social network with billions of videos shared daily. Whether it's a funny clip, educational content, or a precious memory, downloading Facebook videos in high definition has never been more popular.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll show you how to download Facebook videos in HD quality (720p, 1080p, and even 4K) using various methods. We'll cover desktop software, online tools, and mobile apps – helping you choose the best solution for your needs.
Why Download Facebook Videos in HD?
Before diving into the methods, let's understand why millions of users download Facebook videos:
- Offline Viewing: Watch videos without internet connection during travel or commuting
- Higher Quality: HD downloads preserve the original video quality (unlike fuzzy previews)
- No Ads: Enjoy uninterrupted viewing without Facebook's video ads
- Archive Content: Save videos before they're deleted or made private
- Editing: Download videos for use in your own projects (with permission)
- Slow Internet: Download once, watch smoothly without buffering
Method 1: Total Video Downloader (Highly Recommended)
Total Video Downloader is hands-down the best way to download Facebook videos in HD. Here's why it stands out from the competition:
Key Features:
- ✅ Download Facebook videos in HD quality up to 4K
- ✅ 10X faster than online downloaders
- ✅ Batch download multiple Facebook videos simultaneously
- ✅ Also works with 1000+ other sites (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, etc.)
- ✅ Available for both Windows and Mac
- ✅ Instant access after purchase – start downloading immediately!
- ✅ Regular updates to keep up with Facebook's changes
Step-by-Step: How to Download Facebook Videos in HD
Step 1: Download and install Total Video Downloader from the official website.
Step 2: Open Facebook and find the video you want to download.
Step 3: Click the video to open it in full view, then copy the video URL from your browser's address bar.
Step 4: Open Total Video Downloader and paste the URL into the download box.
Step 5: Select your preferred video quality (HD 1080p recommended) and format (MP4 recommended).
Step 6: Click "Download" and wait for the process to complete.
Step 7: Your HD Facebook video is now saved to your computer, ready for offline viewing!
Pro Tip: Total Video Downloader can also extract audio from Facebook videos and save them as MP3 files!
Method 2: Online Facebook Video Downloaders (Free but Limited)
If you only need to download a Facebook video occasionally, online tools might work. However, they come with significant limitations:
Popular Online Facebook Downloaders:
- FBDown.net – Simple interface, HD quality available
- Getfvid.com – Supports HD and SD options
- Saveas.co – Can download in HD quality
- FBDOWN.net – Another option for casual use
Pros:
- ✅ Free to use
- ✅ No installation required
- ✅ Works in any browser
Cons:
- ❌ Quality limited to 720p or 1080p max (no 4K support)
- ❌ Slow download speeds (server-side processing)
- ❌ Ads and popups everywhere
- ❌ Privacy risks – you're sending video URLs to third-party servers
- ❌ Unreliable – sites frequently go offline or change domains
- ❌ No batch download – one video at a time
- ❌ File size limits on some platforms
Verdict: Okay for downloading a single video occasionally, but frustrating for regular use.
Method 3: Browser Extensions
Browser extensions can add Facebook video download buttons directly to Facebook's interface. Popular options include:
- Video DownloadHelper (Chrome/Firefox)
- Facebook Video Downloader (Chrome)
- SaveFrom.net helper (multiple browsers)
Pros:
- ✅ Convenient – download directly from Facebook
- ✅ Usually free
Cons:
- ❌ Violates Facebook's Terms of Service
- ❌ Security risks – third-party extensions can access your data
- ❌ Frequently broken – Facebook updates often break extensions
- ❌ Limited features compared to desktop software
- ❌ Quality limitations – often can't get true HD
Verdict: Not recommended due to security and reliability concerns.
Method 4: Mobile Apps (Android & iOS)
Downloading Facebook videos on mobile devices is tricky due to platform restrictions:
Android:
- Facebook Video Downloader apps (various on Play Store)
- Video Downloader for Facebook
- Some third-party apps work but may violate Terms of Service
iOS (iPhone/iPad):
- iOS restrictions make direct downloads very difficult
- Documents by Readdle + online downloader workaround
- Best solution: Use a computer to download, then transfer to iPhone
Pros:
- ✅ Download on the go
- ✅ Convenient for mobile users
Cons:
- ❌ Limited features compared to desktop
- ❌ Slower on mobile devices
- ❌ Ads in free versions
- ❌ iOS very restricted
Facebook Video Quality: What's Available?
When downloading Facebook videos, you'll typically see these quality options:
Note: Not all Facebook videos are available in 4K. The quality depends on the original upload. Total Video Downloader will automatically detect and offer the highest available quality.
Is It Legal to Download Facebook Videos?
Important: Downloading Facebook videos exists in a legal gray area. Here's what you need to know:
- Personal Use: Downloading for personal, offline viewing is generally tolerated
- Redistribution: Sharing or monetizing downloaded videos is illegal and violates copyright
- Respect Creators: Always credit original creators if you share content
- Facebook Terms: Technically violates Facebook's Terms of Service, but rarely enforced for personal use
Best Practice: Only download videos you have permission to download, or for personal offline viewing only.
Troubleshooting: Common Issues
"This video is not available" Error
Cause: The video may be private, deleted, or region-restricted.
Solution: Make sure the video is public and accessible in your region. Log into Facebook in Total Video Downloader if needed.
Download Fails at 99%
Cause: Network interruption or Facebook server issue.
Solution: Restart the download. Total Video Downloader supports resume.
Video Quality Lower Than Expected
Cause: The original video was uploaded in lower quality.
Solution: Check the original video quality on Facebook. You can't download in higher quality than the source.
Slow Download Speeds
Cause: Slow internet or Facebook server limits.
Solution: Use Total Video Downloader's multi-thread acceleration, or download during off-peak hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download Facebook Live videos?
Yes, but only after the live stream has ended. Facebook doesn't allow downloading while the stream is live. Once it's saved as a regular video, you can download it.
How do I download Facebook videos on Mac?
Use Total Video Downloader for Mac – it's specifically optimized for macOS and very easy to use. The steps are the same as Windows.
Can I download private Facebook videos?
You can only download private videos if you have permission to view them. Log into your Facebook account in Total Video Downloader, then try downloading.
What's the best format for downloading Facebook videos?
MP4 (H.264) is the best format – it's universally compatible with all devices and offers excellent quality-to-file-size ratio.
Can I download Facebook videos in batch?
Yes! Total Video Downloader supports batch downloading. You can paste multiple Facebook video URLs and download them all simultaneously.
Tips for Best Results
1. Choose the Right Quality
For most users, 1080p (Full HD) is the sweet spot – excellent quality without excessively large file sizes. Choose 4K only if you have a 4K display and plenty of storage.
2. Use a Reliable Downloader
Free online tools are tempting but often frustrating. For regular use, invest in Total Video Downloader – it's faster, more reliable, and supports 1000+ sites beyond just Facebook.
3. Check Copyright
Only download videos you have permission to download. Respect creators' rights and Facebook's Terms of Service.
4. Keep Software Updated
Facebook frequently changes its video delivery system. Keep Total Video Downloader updated to ensure compatibility.
5. Use Ethernet for Large Downloads
For 4K videos (which can be several GB), use a wired Ethernet connection for more stable and faster downloads.
Comparison: Total Video Downloader vs. Online Tools
Conclusion: Which Method Should You Use?
After extensive testing, here are our recommendations:
- Best Overall: Total Video Downloader – Fast, reliable, HD quality, and supports 1000+ sites
- Best Free Option: FBDown.net – Decent for occasional use, but limited
- Best for Mobile: Download on computer, then transfer to mobile – Most reliable method
Our Final Recommendation: If you regularly download Facebook videos, Total Video Downloader is the clear winner. It's fast, supports HD quality, and gives you instant access after purchase. For occasional use, online tools might suffice, but they're frustratingly limited.
Ready to start downloading Facebook videos in HD quality? Get Total Video Downloader today and enjoy lightning-fast downloads from Facebook and 1000+ other sites!