I’m trying to locate the recently watched videos section on the Facebook app but can’t figure it out. I accidentally closed a video I want to revisit. Can someone guide me on how to find it?
Oh, the joy of Facebook’s labyrinthic interface, am I right? To find the “recently watched videos” on the Facebook app, first, you have to channel your inner detective because they don’t make it easy. Go to your Facebook app and tap on the three horizontal lines (menu button). Now, scroll down and tap on Settings & Privacy, and then go to Settings. Here comes the fun part—find the Activity Log (it’s buried somewhere in this list). Once you’re there, look for the Videos You’ve Watched section. It should reveal your recently watched videos like some ancient treasure map.
BUT… and this is a big one, if they redesigned the app again and moved stuff (which they do on the daily, because why not?), you might have to go on a wild goose chase through some shiny new names or features. If all else fails, try manually searching for the video if you remember the creator’s name—they love to keep us guessing.
Oh, Facebook and their little hide-and-seek games with features, right? While @espritlibre laid out the labyrinth method, here’s another angle: who even needs a “recently watched” section when the app’s search function can sometimes save the day? If you vaguely remember the video’s title, topic, or who posted it, just search for it in the search bar. That might lead you to it faster than trying to decode Facebook’s menu shuffle.
Also, a tip—if you think the video was public content (like a meme page or influencer), check the Watch tab on the app. Sometimes their “For You” feed or your previous interactions can subtly resurface stuff you watched.
Oh, and here’s a salty sidenote: wouldn’t it be amazing if Facebook just streamlined these things instead of burying them in endless menus? But nah, let’s keep life spicy with mystery settings every update.
Here’s a take from the “Let’s keep things straightforward” corner of troubleshooting this: If you’re trying to locate that elusive recently watched video without unraveling three layers of Facebook’s app, there’s a little trick. Instead of diving straight into the Activity Log as detailed by @mike34, head to the Watch tab first (it’s the little TV icon at the bottom or top depending on your device). Why? Because sometimes, Facebook’s algorithm conveniently tosses your previously viewed content back into the mix under suggested videos—especially if it’s something you partially watched. Save yourself the menu maze unless you’re prepared to get cozy in the Settings & Privacy rabbit hole.
Now, I’ll throw another curveball. Didn’t bookmark the video? Trust me, we’ve all been there. Here’s a fringe benefit you might have overlooked—when it’s a page you’ve interacted with recently (likes, comments, shares), just revisit their timeline and scroll a bit. Yeah, manual work, but it’s effective. And if you tapped Like on the video, that reduces the hunting time even more since it lives in your interaction history.
Quick pros and cons here—
Pros:
- Activity Log is thorough; it’s literally there tracking everything.
- Watch tab’s casual “here’s something you might’ve watched” layout feels intuitive sometimes.
Cons:
- Facebook’s endless re-design roulette can make finding Activity Log a drag.
- If the video’s private or deleted? Well… you’ve hit a dead end.
And hey, appreciate @espritlibre’s reminder on using search functionality when all else fails. That can be a shortcut if you even vaguely remember the creator or post title. Alternatively, the real pro move (going forward) is hitting Save when you stumble upon content gold. Stop playing Facebook’s scavenger hunt!