When saving videos from Facebook, getting them in high definition (HD) or 1080p resolution is always the preferred choice for offline viewing. However, many online downloaders default to standard definition (SD), leaving you with pixelated, low-quality video files.
In this guide, we will explain how to download Facebook videos in HD using a free browser-based tool. We will also clarify how Facebook compresses media files and why the original upload resolution is the ultimate factor determining your download quality.
How to Save Facebook Videos in HD or 1080p
Downloading high-quality video files from Facebook requires copying the video link and letting our downloader extract the highest resolution available.
Step 1: Copy the Video Link from Facebook
- Open Facebook on your computer or mobile device.
- Find the video you want to download.
- Tap Share (or the three dots menu) and select Copy Link.
Step 2: Paste the URL and Retrieve HD Qualities
- Open your browser and navigate to the GetFVid homepage to use the FB video downloader.
- Paste the copied link into the text input box.
- Tap or click Download.
Step 3: Choose HD and Download the File
- Once processed, our system will list the available download qualities.
- Click or tap the Download in HD Quality option.
- The video will download directly as an
.mp4file to your device.
(If you are downloading on a specific operating system, check out our device-specific tutorials: the iPhone guide or the Android guide).
Why Is There No HD Option for Some Facebook Videos?
It is common to paste a link and only see an SD quality option. There are three main reasons why a video cannot be downloaded in HD:
1. The Original Video Upload Quality was Low
If the creator recorded and uploaded the video in standard definition (e.g., 360p or 480p), there is no HD version stored on Facebook's servers. A downloader cannot create quality that does not exist in the source file.
2. Facebook Compression and Processing Delay
When a video is newly uploaded to Facebook, Facebook's systems process the lower-resolution SD versions first so they can be streamed immediately. The higher-resolution HD and 1080p versions take longer to render. If you try to download a freshly published video, the HD version might not be ready yet.
3. Source Video Privacy or Rights Restrictions
In some cases, Facebook limits the delivery of higher-quality streams for certain copyrighted or private profile videos to protect bandwidth or intellectual property.
Does GetFVid Compress or Alter Video Quality?
No, GetFVid does not upscale, alter, compress, or modify the source video file in any way.
We act as a bridge between Facebook's servers and your device. When you paste a link, our system parses the page to find the direct, raw video stream URLs generated by Facebook. When you click download, you are saving the exact file that Facebook hosts. If the Facebook source is 1080p, your download will be 1080p. If the source is heavily compressed by Facebook, your download will reflect that same compression. We do not perform any transcoding or re-encoding.
Tips for Getting the Highest Quality Facebook Downloads
- Wait for Processing: If a video was just posted, wait 15–30 minutes before downloading to allow Facebook to generate the HD version.
- Check the Source: Make sure the video is playing in HD on Facebook itself. You can check this by tapping the gear icon on the Facebook video player and looking at the selected quality.
- Avoid Mobile Upload Compression: If you are downloading your own videos, ensure that your Facebook app settings are configured to upload photos and videos in HD by default.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I force a Facebook video to download in 1080p?
No. You cannot force a download in 1080p if the source video was uploaded in SD. The downloader can only fetch the resolutions that Facebook has processed and stored.
Why is the HD download link not showing up?
The video may have been recorded in low quality, or it is a newly uploaded video that is still undergoing HD rendering on Facebook's backend.
Does downloading videos in HD take longer?
Yes. HD and 1080p videos have significantly higher bitrates and resolutions, resulting in larger file sizes. Ensure you have a stable internet connection and sufficient storage space before downloading large HD files.
Can I download Facebook Reels in HD?
Yes, public Facebook Reels can be downloaded in HD or the highest available quality by copying the Reel link and using our online downloader tool.