LightAtom

What Is fbcdn.net?

fbcdn.net is Meta's content delivery network for Facebook, Instagram, Messenger and WhatsApp media: photos, videos and static files..

No, if you use Meta's apps. Images and videos on Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp load from fbcdn.net.

Meta serves media from fbcdn.net rather than facebook.com so it can be cached widely and kept cookie-free. Blocking it breaks images and videos in Meta's apps. If you never use Meta services and still see fbcdn.net, look for embedded posts, like buttons or the Facebook SDK in other apps.

Facts

Owner
Meta Platforms
Served by
Meta's CDN
Purpose
fbcdn.net is Meta's content delivery network for Facebook, Instagram, Messenger and WhatsApp media: photos, videos and static files.
Block it?
It depends

Which apps use it

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • WhatsApp and Messenger
  • Websites with embedded Facebook content

Should you block it?

No, if you use Meta's apps. Images and videos on Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp load from fbcdn.net. If you don't use them, connections can come from embedded posts or Facebook widgets on other sites.

Frequently asked questions

What is fbcdn.net?

Meta's content delivery network for Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp photos, videos and files.

Why is my Mac connecting to fbcdn.net without Facebook open?

A website or app is showing embedded Facebook or Instagram content, or using Meta's SDK.

Should I block fbcdn.net?

Only if you don't use Meta's services. Blocking it breaks media in Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp.

LightAtom team

The people who build LightAtom, a network monitor for macOS.