Facebook Live allows creators and pages to stream real-time broadcasts to their audience. Once the live broadcast finishes, the stream is usually saved as a permanent video post on the creator's page or profile timeline.
If you want to save a recorded broadcast for offline storage or editing, you can do so easily. In this guide, we will show you how to download Facebook Live videos once the stream ends. We will also address why you cannot download active live streams and explain the processing delays associated with high-definition live video downloads.
Can You Download an Active Facebook Live Stream?
No, you cannot download a Facebook Live video while the stream is still active and broadcasting.
Live broadcasts stream real-time packets of data, meaning there is no static video file stored on Facebook's servers to extract. A downloader requires a finalized, closed file container (like an MP4 file) to process a download. To save a live video, you must wait until the broadcaster ends the stream and publishes the recorded video to their page or profile.
Step-by-Step: How to Download Facebook Live Videos After the Stream Ends
Once the live stream is published as a regular video post, the process is identical to downloading standard videos.
Step 1: Copy the Live Video Post Link
- Locate the saved live stream post on Facebook.
- Tap Share -> Copy Link (on mobile) or copy the URL from the browser's address bar (on desktop).
Step 2: Paste the URL into GetFVid
- Visit GetFVid in your browser.
- Paste the copied link into the download box and tap Download.
Step 3: Select Quality and Save
- Select the available quality (SD or HD) to begin saving the file.
- On computers, click download to save the MP4 directly.
- On iPhones or Androids, check your browser's default downloads location.
Understanding the HD Rendering Delay for Live Videos
If you attempt to download a live video immediately after it ends, you may notice that only low-quality SD resolutions are available.
This is not a bug in the downloader. When a live stream ends, Facebook's servers must compile the hours of raw broadcast data and transcode it into various resolutions. Facebook prioritize processing low-quality versions (SD) first so they are immediately available for playback. The high-definition (HD or 1080p) transcode takes significantly longer—often several hours for streams exceeding 60 minutes.
If you want to save a live video in its highest quality, wait a few hours after the stream has ended before copying the link. You can read more about quality options in our HD downloading guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download someone else's Facebook Live video?
Yes, as long as the finalized video post is set to public. If the creator restricted the recorded video to "Friends Only" or shared it inside a private group, a standard downloader cannot access it.
What is the maximum duration of a live video that can be downloaded?
Our downloader can process videos of any length, but extremely long broadcasts (e.g., 4+ hours) will generate files that are several gigabytes in size. Ensure you have a stable network and enough local storage space before downloading.
Why is the downloaded live video lagging or out of sync?
If the broadcaster had a weak internet connection during the live stream, frame drops and audio de-sync will be baked into the final recording stored by Facebook. A downloader can only retrieve the file exactly as Facebook recorded it.