A Facebook post is a container, not always a single media type. The post may expose a photo, a video, a reel, a preview image, or nothing public at all.
Start with the post link
Copy the permalink or post URL, then paste it into a post downloader. The first job is to identify what kind of media the post contains.
If the preview says photo, use the photo action. If it says video, use video or audio actions when they are available.
Three post media options
Post media can be less predictable than a direct video or photo URL, so it is reasonable to compare tools.
Use public links only. A post inside a private group or friends-only profile will usually not expose a direct downloadable file.
Choose the right output
Do not assume a post downloader should always return video. If the post is an image post, a single photo download is the right result.
If the post contains a reel or watch video, a specialized reels or videos page may show clearer button labels.
When the post has no media
Text-only posts, link shares, private posts, and login-gated pages may not provide a downloadable file.
A useful downloader should explain that state instead of showing fake download links.