Saving a Facebook reel or video to your iPhone takes about a minute once you know where Safari puts downloaded files. This guide walks through the whole thing, from copying the link in the Facebook app to finding the video in your Photos library.
Only save videos you posted yourself or that the creator has given you permission to keep. VidYoink works with public posts; private posts and videos shared only with friends can't be looked up.
Step 1: Copy the link in the Facebook app
Every Facebook post has its own link, and that link is all VidYoink needs. You don't have to log in anywhere or install anything extra.
- Open the Facebook app and find the reel or video you want to save.
- Tap the Share button (the curved arrow) under the video. On reels it sits on the right-hand side.
- Tap Copy link. Facebook shows a short confirmation that the link is on your clipboard.
Step 2: Paste the link into VidYoink
Open Safari and go to vidyoink.com. If you've added VidYoink to your Home Screen, you can open it from there.
- Tap Paste, then tap Paste again in the small bubble iPhone shows. You can also long-press the link box and tap Paste.
- VidYoink starts looking up the video straight away. After a moment the results card appears under the box.
- If a message appears instead, the questions at the end of this guide explain the usual reasons.
Step 3: Pick HD or SD
Facebook offers up to two complete video files for most posts: HD (sharper, larger file) and SD (smaller, quicker to download). VidYoink lists the ones that exist for your video. Sometimes only SD is available. That means Facebook didn't make an HD file with sound for that post.
- Tap the HD button for the best picture, or SD to use less mobile data. Each button shows the file size.
- The button fills as the video downloads. Then Safari asks whether you want to download the file. Please tap Download.
- A small download arrow appears in Safari's address bar. Tap it to see the saved file.
Step 4: Find the video in Files
Safari saves downloads to the Files app, not to Photos. By default they land in iCloud Drive → Downloads, or On My iPhone → Downloads if you've changed that setting (Settings → Apps → Safari → Downloads).
- Open the Files app.
- Tap Browse, then Downloads. Your video is named VidYoink- followed by the post title.
- Tap it once to play and check it.
Step 5: Move it to Photos
To see the video in your camera roll, for editing or sharing in other apps, copy it from Files into Photos.
- In Files, open the video.
- Tap the Share button in the bottom-left corner.
- Tap Save Video. It now appears in Photos under Recents.
If the video opens in a player instead
If you tapped View instead of Download, the video plays in Safari. Please go back, tap the quality button again and choose Download.
Quick questions
Why is there only an SD option?
Facebook only provides a complete HD file with sound for some videos. When it doesn't, SD is the best full-quality file available.
Do I need the Facebook app to copy the link?
No. In Safari on facebook.com you can tap ⋯ or Share on the post and choose Copy link. It works the same way.
Can I save videos from private groups?
No. VidYoink only looks up public posts. Private and friends-only videos can't be reached.