How to download Facebook Reels (Meta short videos)
Facebook Reels is Meta's TikTok-style answer within Facebook (not Instagram). Short vertical videos with their own feed. The problem: Facebook won't let you download them directly. In this guide I'll show you how to grab any public Reel as MP4 with ReelSavr.
What are Facebook Reels?
When you think Reels, you usually think Instagram. But Facebook has ITS OWN version called Facebook Reels. Traits:
- Vertical videos up to 90 seconds
- Display in their own feed inside the Facebook app
- Can be cross-posted to Instagram
- Many times the content is DIFFERENT from the same user's Instagram Reels
- Works on personal profiles, pages, and groups
How to download a Facebook Reel
1. Copy the Reel link
From the Facebook mobile app
- Open the Reel
- Tap the Share button (curved arrow)
- Select Copy link
From Facebook in browser
- Open the Reel on facebook.com
- Right-click on the video
- Select Show video URL or copy the URL directly from the address bar
2. Paste it in ReelSavr
Go to reelsavr.net, paste the link and tap Search video. In 3-5 seconds you'll see the thumbnail, author, and duration.
3. Pick quality
- 1080p Full HD: max available quality
- 720p HD: lighter file
- 480p SD: for slow connections
- Audio MP3: audio only
4. Download
Tap Download. The MP4 saves as reelsavr_title.mp4.
URL formats we recognize
Facebook has several different URL formats for Reels. ReelSavr handles them all:
facebook.com/reel/XXXXXXXfacebook.com/watch/?v=XXXXXXXfb.watch/XXXXXXXm.facebook.com/reel/XXXXXXXfacebook.com/PROFILE/videos/XXXXXXX
If a format fails, try opening the Reel in desktop browser (facebook.com) and copy the URL from there. That's usually the most stable.
Facebook Reels vs. Instagram Reels
Many people think they're the same. Reality:
| Feature | Facebook Reels | Instagram Reels |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | ||
| URL | facebook.com/reel/... | instagram.com/reel/... |
| Audience | Generally older | Younger |
| Max duration | 90 seconds | 90 seconds |
| Monetization | Yes, for approved creators | Only in some countries |
| Cross-post | Can sync to IG | Can sync to FB |
Even though technically distinct, many creators publish the same content on both. If a Facebook Reel fails, try whether the same creator posted it on Instagram.
Limitations
Private Reels or private groups
Don't work. For ReelSavr to process the Reel, it must be publicly accessible without login. Reels in closed groups or private accounts can't be downloaded.
Sponsored Reels / ads
Paid ads in Reels often have special URLs with temporary tokens. Sometimes they can be downloaded, sometimes not.
Live broadcasts
Facebook live streams are NOT Reels — they're lives. They need screen recording while airing, or ReelSavr can process the final saved video if Facebook keeps it.
Quality: what to expect
Facebook compresses its Reels more than Instagram. Typical quality:
- HD Reels: 1080p available, good quality
- Standard Reels: 720p, acceptable quality
- Older Reels: 480p or less
If quality looks bad, it's not something we can fix — we download the EXACT quality Facebook serves.
Frequently asked questions
Is Facebook Reels the same as Instagram Reels?
Similar products by the same company (Meta) but technically distinct. They have different URLs and sometimes the same creator posts different content on each.
Does it work with Reels from pages and people?
Yes, as long as the Reel is public. Reels from professional pages and public personal accounts work the same.
Can I download Reels from private accounts?
No. If the Reel is on a private account or closed group, we can't process it. Public Reels only.
Why does it sometimes fail with Facebook links?
Facebook has multiple URL formats (fb.watch, facebook.com/reel, m.facebook.com). If one fails, try with the full desktop facebook.com URL.