Hey guys! Ever watched a fantastic Facebook Live video and wished you could save it for later? Maybe it was a hilarious moment, an informative tutorial, or a heartfelt message. Whatever the reason, knowing how to download those live videos can be a real lifesaver. In this article, we're going to dive into the easiest and most effective methods to save your favorite Facebook Live broadcasts. Let's get started!

Why Save Facebook Live Videos?

Before we jump into the "how," let's quickly touch on the "why." There are tons of reasons why you might want to save a Facebook Live video. Here are a few:

• Reference: Sometimes, live videos contain valuable information that you might want to refer back to later. Think cooking tutorials, DIY projects, or important announcements.
• Entertainment: Let's face it, some live videos are just pure entertainment. Saving them allows you to re-watch those funny moments or share them with friends who missed the live broadcast.
• Memories: Live videos can capture special moments and memories. Saving them ensures you can relive those experiences whenever you want.
• Offline Access: Downloading videos means you can watch them even without an internet connection. Perfect for long flights or commutes!

Method 1: Using Facebook's Built-In Save Feature

Facebook actually offers a built-in feature that lets you save videos, including live broadcasts after they've ended. This is the easiest and most straightforward method, though it doesn't technically "download" the video to your device. Instead, it saves it within Facebook for you to watch later.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Find the Video: Navigate to the Facebook Live video you want to save. This could be on a friend's profile, a page you follow, or in a group.
2. Click the Three Dots: Look for the three horizontal dots (ellipsis) in the top-right corner of the video post. Click on them.
3. Select "Save Video": A menu will appear. Choose the "Save Video" option.
4. Choose a Collection (Optional): Facebook might prompt you to add the video to a specific collection (like "Favorites" or "Watch Later"). You can also create a new collection if you prefer. If not, it will be saved to your general "Saved Videos" section.

Accessing Your Saved Videos:

To watch your saved videos, follow these steps:

1. Go to Your Profile: Click on your profile picture in the top-right corner of Facebook.
2. Find "Saved": Look for the "Saved" option in the left-hand menu. You might need to click "See More" to find it.
3. Browse Your Videos: Click on "Videos" to see all the videos you've saved. Your Facebook Live video should be there, ready to watch!

While this method is super convenient, remember that it only saves the video within Facebook. If the video is removed from Facebook, you'll no longer be able to access it. That's where the next methods come in handy!

Method 2: Using Third-Party Websites

For those times when you want to actually download the Facebook Live video to your computer or phone, third-party websites are your go-to solution. These websites allow you to enter the video's URL and download it in various formats.

Important Note: Be cautious when using third-party websites. Some may contain ads or ask for unnecessary permissions. Always use reputable sites and double-check the downloaded file for any potential issues.

Here's the general process:

1. Find the Video URL: Navigate to the Facebook Live video you want to download. Click on the three dots in the top-right corner of the video post and select "Copy Link."
2. Choose a Website: There are many websites that offer Facebook video downloading services. Some popular options include: FBDown.net, SaveFrom.net, and GetfVid.com. Do your research and choose one that seems trustworthy.
3. Paste the URL: Go to the website you've chosen and paste the video URL into the designated field. This is usually a text box that says something like "Enter Facebook Video URL" or "Paste Link Here."
4. Download the Video: Click the "Download" button. The website will usually give you options for different video quality and formats (e.g., MP4, SD, HD). Choose the one that suits your needs and click the corresponding download button.
5. Save the File: Your browser will prompt you to save the video file to your computer or phone. Choose a location and click "Save."

Tips for Choosing a Website:

• Read Reviews: Before using a website, check online reviews to see what other users have to say about its reliability and safety.
• Look for HTTPS: Make sure the website uses HTTPS (the URL starts with "https://"). This indicates a secure connection.
• Avoid Suspicious Sites: Steer clear of websites that ask for your Facebook login information or display excessive ads.
• Use a Virus Scanner: After downloading the video, run a virus scan to ensure it's clean.

Method 3: Using Browser Extensions

Another convenient way to download Facebook Live videos is by using browser extensions. These extensions integrate directly into your browser (like Chrome, Firefox, or Safari) and add a download button to Facebook video pages.

Benefits of Using Browser Extensions:

• Convenience: Download videos directly from Facebook without having to copy and paste URLs.
• Integration: Seamlessly integrates into your browsing experience.
• Ease of Use: Usually very simple to install and use.

Popular Browser Extensions:

• Video Downloader for Facebook: Available for Chrome and Firefox, this extension adds a download button to Facebook videos.
• Downloader for Facebook Videos: Another popular option for Chrome that allows you to download videos in various formats.

How to Install and Use a Browser Extension:

1. Find an Extension: Go to the Chrome Web Store (for Chrome) or the Firefox Add-ons Store (for Firefox) and search for a Facebook video downloader extension.
2. Install the Extension: Click the "Add to Chrome" or "Add to Firefox" button to install the extension.
3. Grant Permissions: The extension may ask for certain permissions. Review them carefully and grant them if you're comfortable.
4. Navigate to a Facebook Video: Go to the Facebook Live video you want to download.
5. Click the Download Button: The extension should add a download button to the video page. Click it to start the download.
6. Choose a Format and Quality: Some extensions allow you to choose the video format and quality before downloading.
7. Save the File: Your browser will prompt you to save the video file to your computer. Choose a location and click "Save."

Important Considerations:

• Extension Permissions: Pay close attention to the permissions the extension requests. Only install extensions from trusted developers.
• Extension Updates: Keep your extensions updated to ensure they're working correctly and securely.
• Potential Risks: As with any third-party software, there's a small risk of security vulnerabilities. Use reputable extensions and keep your browser and antivirus software up to date.

Method 4: Using Mobile Apps

If you're primarily using your smartphone or tablet, mobile apps can be a great way to download Facebook Live videos. These apps work similarly to third-party websites, but they're optimized for mobile devices.

Popular Mobile Apps:

• Video Downloader for Facebook (Android): This app allows you to browse Facebook, select videos, and download them directly to your device.
• MyMedia (iOS): While not specifically a Facebook downloader, MyMedia is a file manager that can download videos from various sources, including Facebook, using a built-in browser.

How to Use a Mobile App:

1. Download and Install the App: Go to the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) and download a Facebook video downloader app.
2. Open the App: Launch the app on your device.
3. Browse Facebook (if applicable): Some apps have a built-in Facebook browser that allows you to browse Facebook within the app.
4. Find the Video: Navigate to the Facebook Live video you want to download.
5. Copy the Video URL (if needed): If the app doesn't have a built-in browser, you'll need to copy the video URL from the Facebook app.
6. Paste the URL (if needed): Paste the video URL into the app's designated field.
7. Download the Video: Tap the "Download" button. The app may give you options for different video quality and formats.
8. Save the File: The video will be downloaded and saved to your device's storage.

Important Considerations:

• App Permissions: Review the app's permissions before installing it. Be wary of apps that ask for excessive permissions.
• App Updates: Keep your apps updated to ensure they're working correctly and securely.
• Storage Space: Downloading videos can take up a significant amount of storage space on your device. Make sure you have enough free space before downloading.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Before you start downloading Facebook Live videos, it's important to consider the legal and ethical implications.

• Copyright: Be aware that Facebook Live videos may be protected by copyright. Downloading and sharing copyrighted content without permission could infringe on the copyright owner's rights.
• Privacy: Respect the privacy of individuals in the videos. Avoid downloading or sharing videos that contain sensitive or private information without their consent.
• Terms of Service: Review Facebook's terms of service to ensure that downloading videos is permitted. While Facebook doesn't explicitly prohibit downloading videos, it's always a good idea to be aware of their policies.

Best Practices:

• Ask for Permission: If you're unsure whether you have the right to download a video, ask the video creator for permission.
• Use for Personal Use: Download videos primarily for personal use, such as reference or entertainment. Avoid using downloaded videos for commercial purposes without permission.
• Give Credit: If you share a downloaded video, give credit to the original creator.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! Several easy ways to save those awesome Facebook Live videos. Whether you're using Facebook's built-in feature, third-party websites, browser extensions, or mobile apps, you can now keep your favorite live moments forever. Just remember to be mindful of copyright, privacy, and Facebook's terms of service. Happy downloading, guys! And remember, always prioritize ethical and legal practices when saving content from the internet. Enjoy!