Sharing videos from Facebook to WhatsApp can seem tricky, but it’s actually a straightforward process. Whether it’s a funny meme, an informative news clip, or a touching family moment, being able to share engaging video content directly from Facebook to your WhatsApp contacts expands your ability to connect and entertain. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the various methods available, ensuring you can quickly and easily share those memorable videos. We’ll cover both mobile and desktop approaches, addressing potential issues and offering troubleshooting tips.
**Why Share Facebook Videos on WhatsApp?**
WhatsApp has become a central hub for communication, replacing traditional texting for many. Sharing videos directly to WhatsApp provides numerous benefits:
* **Immediate Engagement:** Instantly share content with friends and family without them needing to visit Facebook.
* **Personalized Sharing:** Tailor your message to specific individuals or groups.
* **Convenience:** Avoid the steps of downloading and re-uploading, saving time and data.
* **Enhanced Communication:** Bring visual content directly into your conversations, fostering richer interactions.
* **Privacy:** Share selectively with your chosen contacts, respecting privacy concerns.
**Method 1: Sharing from the Facebook Mobile App**
This is the most common and convenient method for sharing videos to WhatsApp. These steps apply to both iOS and Android devices.
**Step 1: Find the Video**
Open the Facebook app and locate the video you want to share. You can find videos in your news feed, on a friend’s profile, or on a page you follow.
**Step 2: Locate the Share Button**
Beneath the video, you’ll typically find several options: Like, Comment, and Share. Tap the **Share** button.
**Step 3: Choose “Share to External App” (or similar)**
A menu will appear with several sharing options. Look for an option like “Share to External App,” “Send in WhatsApp,” or simply a WhatsApp icon. The exact wording might vary slightly depending on your Facebook app version.
* If you see the WhatsApp icon directly, tap it.
* If you see “Share to External App,” select it. This will open your device’s share sheet.
**Step 4: Select WhatsApp from the Share Sheet**
From the share sheet, scroll through the available apps until you find WhatsApp. Tap the WhatsApp icon.
**Step 5: Choose a Contact or Group**
WhatsApp will open, displaying your list of contacts and groups. Select the contact(s) or group(s) you want to share the video with. You can select multiple recipients.
**Step 6: Add a Message (Optional)**
Before sending, you have the option to add a message to accompany the video. This is a great way to provide context or a personal comment. Type your message in the text field provided.
**Step 7: Send the Video**
Tap the **Send** button (usually a paper airplane icon) to send the video to your selected contacts or groups.
**What Happens Next?**
WhatsApp will receive a link to the Facebook video. The recipient can tap the link to view the video within the Facebook app or website. Note that the video itself is not directly embedded in WhatsApp; it’s a link that directs users to the Facebook platform.
**Method 2: Copying the Video Link and Pasting into WhatsApp**
This method provides a more manual approach and can be useful if the direct sharing option isn’t working or unavailable.
**Step 1: Find the Video**
As before, start by locating the video you want to share on Facebook.
**Step 2: Access the Video Options Menu**
Look for three dots (···) located either at the top-right or bottom-right corner of the video post. Tap these dots to open a menu of options.
**Step 3: Select “Copy Link”**
From the menu, choose the option labeled “Copy Link.” This will copy the video’s URL to your device’s clipboard.
**Step 4: Open WhatsApp**
Open the WhatsApp application on your mobile device.
**Step 5: Choose a Contact or Group**
Select the contact or group you want to share the video with. Tap on the chat to open the conversation.
**Step 6: Paste the Link**
Tap in the message input field, and then tap again to bring up the option to “Paste.” Select “Paste” to insert the copied Facebook video link into the message field.
**Step 7: Add a Message (Optional)**
You can add a message to provide context or a personal comment. Type your message in the text field provided.
**Step 8: Send the Link**
Tap the **Send** button (usually a paper airplane icon) to send the link to your selected contacts or groups.
**What Happens Next?**
Similar to the first method, WhatsApp will receive the link to the Facebook video. The recipient can tap the link to view the video within the Facebook app or website.
**Method 3: Sharing from Facebook on Desktop/Web Browser**
If you’re browsing Facebook on a computer, you can also share videos to WhatsApp using the following steps.
**Step 1: Find the Video**
Open Facebook in your web browser and locate the video you want to share.
**Step 2: Access the Video Options Menu**
Similar to the mobile app, look for three dots (···) located near the video post. The exact location might vary depending on the Facebook website layout.
**Step 3: Select “Copy Link”**
From the menu, choose the option labeled “Copy Link.” This will copy the video’s URL to your computer’s clipboard.
**Step 4: Open WhatsApp Web or Desktop App**
Open WhatsApp Web in your browser (web.whatsapp.com) or the WhatsApp Desktop application on your computer. You’ll need to have WhatsApp already installed on your phone and connected to WhatsApp Web/Desktop by scanning the QR code.
**Step 5: Choose a Contact or Group**
Select the contact or group you want to share the video with from your WhatsApp contact list.
**Step 6: Paste the Link**
Click in the message input field, and then use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+V (Windows) or Cmd+V (Mac) to paste the copied Facebook video link into the message field. Alternatively, right-click in the message field and choose “Paste.”
**Step 7: Add a Message (Optional)**
You can add a message to provide context or a personal comment. Type your message in the text field provided.
**Step 8: Send the Link**
Click the **Send** button (usually a paper airplane icon) to send the link to your selected contacts or groups.
**What Happens Next?**
The recipient will receive the link to the Facebook video in WhatsApp. They can click the link to view the video in their web browser or the Facebook app, depending on their device and settings.
**Troubleshooting and Common Issues**
While the sharing process is generally straightforward, you might encounter some issues. Here are a few common problems and their solutions:
* **No “Share to External App” Option:**
* **Update Facebook App:** Ensure you have the latest version of the Facebook app installed on your device. Outdated versions may lack certain features.
* **Video Privacy Settings:** The video’s privacy settings might prevent sharing. If the video is set to “Only Me” or a restricted audience, you won’t be able to share it.
* **Facebook Bug:** Occasionally, Facebook might have temporary bugs that affect sharing functionality. Wait a while and try again later.
* **Link Not Working:**
* **Check the Link:** Double-check that you copied the correct link from Facebook. Try copying and pasting it into your web browser to ensure it works.
* **Facebook Server Issues:** Facebook might be experiencing server issues. If the link isn’t working for anyone, it’s likely a problem on Facebook’s end.
* **Video Quality Issues:**
* **Facebook Video Quality:** WhatsApp shares a link to the Facebook video, so the quality depends on the original video’s quality on Facebook. You can’t improve the quality through WhatsApp sharing.
* **Data Usage:** Viewing Facebook videos through WhatsApp links can consume a significant amount of data, especially for longer videos. Warn recipients if they have limited data plans.
* **WhatsApp Web Issues:**
* **Phone Connection:** WhatsApp Web requires an active connection to your phone. Ensure your phone is connected to the internet and that WhatsApp is running in the background.
* **Browser Compatibility:** Use a compatible web browser like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge for WhatsApp Web.
* **Can’t Find the Three Dots:**
* **Page Layout:** Sometimes the three dots are hidden or require scrolling. Check above and below the video post and also try expanding the full post to find the option.
**Tips for Sharing Effectively**
* **Provide Context:** Always add a message when sharing a video. Explain why you’re sharing it, what you found interesting, or what you want the recipient to notice. This helps engage the recipient and encourages them to watch the video.
* **Consider the Recipient:** Think about the recipient’s interests and preferences before sharing a video. Sharing relevant content increases the likelihood of a positive response.
* **Respect Privacy:** Be mindful of the content you’re sharing. Avoid sharing videos that might be offensive or inappropriate for the recipient.
* **Check Video Length:** Long videos might be data-intensive and time-consuming to watch. Consider sharing shorter clips or highlights instead.
* **Verify Information:** Before sharing news or informational videos, verify the information’s accuracy from reliable sources to avoid spreading misinformation.
* **Use WhatsApp Status:** For videos you want to share with a wider audience, consider using WhatsApp Status. This allows you to share videos that disappear after 24 hours.
* **Create Groups for Shared Interests:** Organize your WhatsApp contacts into groups based on shared interests. This makes it easier to share relevant videos with specific groups of people.
* **Timing is Key:** Consider the recipient’s time zone and schedule when sharing videos. Avoid sharing at inconvenient times when they’re likely to be busy.
* **Encourage Interaction:** After sharing a video, encourage the recipient to share their thoughts and opinions. This fosters a conversation and strengthens your connection.
* **Data Saver Settings:** If you’re concerned about data usage, adjust your WhatsApp settings to prevent automatic video downloads. This allows you to choose which videos to download and watch, conserving data.
**Alternative Sharing Methods**
While sharing directly from Facebook or copying the link are the most common methods, here are a few alternative approaches:
* **Downloading and Re-uploading:**
* This is a less convenient method, but it gives you more control over the video file.
* You can download the video from Facebook using a third-party video downloader (be cautious of the website’s safety and terms of service).
* Then, you can upload the video directly to WhatsApp as a file.
* Note that this method might reduce the video quality and consume more data.
* **Screen Recording:**
* You can use screen recording software on your computer or mobile device to record the video as it plays on Facebook.
* Then, you can share the screen recording file on WhatsApp.
* This method is useful for videos that are difficult to download, but it often results in lower video quality.
* **Third-Party Apps:**
* Some third-party apps claim to facilitate sharing videos from Facebook to WhatsApp.
* However, be cautious when using these apps, as they might compromise your privacy or security.
* Always read reviews and check the app’s permissions before installing it.
**Facebook Video Privacy Considerations**
It’s crucial to respect the privacy of the videos you share. Consider the following:
* **Video Creator’s Intent:** If the video was shared publicly by the creator, it’s generally acceptable to share it on WhatsApp. However, if the video was shared privately or with a limited audience, you should ask the creator’s permission before sharing it.
* **Content of the Video:** Be mindful of the content of the video. Avoid sharing videos that contain sensitive information, personal details, or potentially offensive material.
* **Recipients’ Privacy:** Consider the privacy of the recipients you’re sharing the video with. Avoid sharing videos that might violate their privacy or make them uncomfortable.
* **Copyright:** Be aware of copyright laws. Avoid sharing copyrighted videos without permission from the copyright holder.
**Staying Updated with Facebook and WhatsApp Updates**
Facebook and WhatsApp are constantly evolving, with new features and updates being released regularly. Stay informed about these changes to ensure you’re using the most efficient and effective sharing methods:
* **Follow Official Blogs and Social Media:** Subscribe to the official Facebook and WhatsApp blogs and follow their social media accounts to stay updated on the latest news and features.
* **Read Tech News and Reviews:** Keep up with tech news and reviews to learn about new sharing techniques and potential issues.
* **Experiment with New Features:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with new features and settings to discover the best ways to share videos on WhatsApp.
**Conclusion**
Sharing Facebook videos on WhatsApp is a valuable way to connect with friends and family, share information, and entertain your contacts. By following the methods outlined in this guide, you can effortlessly share videos from Facebook to WhatsApp, enhancing your communication and strengthening your relationships. Remember to consider the privacy of the video and the recipients, and always provide context to make your sharing more effective. By staying updated with the latest features and tips, you can master the art of sharing Facebook videos on WhatsApp and enjoy seamless, engaging interactions. Whether you prefer direct sharing, link copying, or alternative methods, there’s a sharing solution that fits your needs. Embrace these techniques and unlock the full potential of video sharing between Facebook and WhatsApp.