Live streams can be a church service, a class, a product launch, a band's set or a chat with followers. While they're on air there's no finished file to download, because the video is still being created. As soon as the host ends the broadcast, Facebook processes the recording and makes it available on the profile or Page, just like a regular video.
That's where ClipsKeep comes in. With the recording's link, you can save the whole stream as MP4 or pull out just the audio, which is perfect for sermons, talks and classes you want to hear again.
How to download a Facebook live video
- Wait for the broadcast to end. If the page still says "LIVE", come back later. Long streams can take a few minutes to become available after they finish.
- Open the recording on the profile or Page that went live and tap Share, then Copy link.
- Paste the link in the box above and tap Find video.
- Pick a quality. For a one-hour stream, HD can run to several hundred megabytes; SD is much lighter.
- Rather just listen? Choose Audio only to get an MP3.
Ways to use the recording
- Review a class or course at your own pace, pausing and rewinding as often as you like, even offline.
- Keep the memory of an event, like a wedding streamed for people who couldn't attend, a christening or a family member's graduation.
- Build an archive for your church, school or business, with the streams you made yourselves, before they get buried under newer posts.
- Listen on the go, turning the stream into MP3 to play in the car or on public transport.
Common problems with live videos
It says there's no video at the link. The broadcast is probably still on air, or Facebook hasn't finished processing the recording. Wait a few minutes and try again with the same link.
The download takes a while to start. For streams with separate audio, the server has to join picture and sound before sending the file. With long videos that takes a few extra seconds. Keep the page open until the download appears.
The file is too big to send. A full stream rarely fits in a WhatsApp message. Choose SD, send just the audio or send it as a document. The guide on videos that are too big walks through each option.
The stream was in a closed group. Broadcasts made inside private groups are only visible to their members. The guide on private videos explains why.
Questions about live videos
Can I download a live video while it's happening?
No. While the broadcast is on air, there's no complete file yet. Once it ends and Facebook publishes the recording, the download works as usual.
How long after the stream is the video available?
Usually within a few minutes. Streams that run for several hours can take longer for Facebook to process. If the link gives an error, try again a little later.
Do very long streams work?
They do, though the file can get large. To keep it on your phone, SD is the safest choice. To listen to a sermon or talk, the MP3 is far smaller than the video.
Will the download include the comments and reactions?
No. You get the video exactly as it was broadcast, without the comments, hearts and reactions that scroll by during the stream. Those live on Facebook and aren't part of the video file.
Can I download a live video I made myself?
Of course, and keeping a copy is a good idea. If your stream is public, paste the link here. If it has a restricted audience, use the download video option in Facebook's own settings.