How to download Instagram reels and videos
Instagram makes it easy to save a reel to a collection, but harder to get the actual video file onto your phone or computer. Here are the ways that work today, from Instagram's built-in options to a free downloader, with step-by-step instructions for every device.
Option 1: Download your own reels in the app
For reels you posted yourself, open the reel, tap the ⋯ menu and choose the save or download option. Instagram saves a copy to your phone's gallery. To back up everything at once, use the "Download your information" feature in the Accounts Centre: Instagram prepares a file with all your posts, reels and stories and sends you a link.
Option 2: Instagram's download button for public reels
In many regions, Instagram shows a Download option in the share menu of public reels. The saved video includes an Instagram watermark with the creator's username, and the option only appears when the creator has not turned it off. It is the quickest route when it is available – but it is missing for many reels and for regular video posts.
Option 3: A free online downloader (no watermark, any device)
An online downloader opens the reel from its link and gives you the original video file. With InstaAnonViewer:
- Copy the linkIn the app, tap the share icon (paper plane) on the reel or the ⋯ menu on a post and choose Copy link. On a computer, copy the address bar.
- Paste it into the downloaderOpen the reels downloader (or the video downloader for posts) and press Download.
- Save the MP4The video opens with a player. Press the download icon to save it with sound.
You do not log in, the creator is not notified and no watermark is added. Shortcut: replace instagram.com with instaanonviewer.com in the link.
On iPhone and iPad
Use Safari. When the download finishes, the video is in the Files app under Downloads. Open it, tap the share icon and choose Save Video to add it to Photos.
On Android
Chrome saves the video to the Download folder. It appears in Google Photos or your gallery app, sometimes after a few seconds.
On Windows and Mac
The MP4 goes to your browser's download folder and plays in any video player.
Option 4: Screen recording
Every phone can record its screen: Control Centre on iPhone, the quick settings panel on Android. It works for anything you can play, but you record the interface and notifications too, the quality is lower and you have to trim the result. Use it as a last resort.
Comparison
| Method | Quality | Watermark | Works for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Your own reels | Original | No | Your content |
| Instagram download button | Good | Yes | Public reels, if allowed |
| Online downloader | As served by Instagram | No | Public reels, videos, carousels |
| Screen recording | Lower | Interface visible | Anything on screen |
Stories and photos
Stories have no shareable post link. To save them, use the story downloader with the username – before the 24 hours are up. For photos and carousel pictures, the photo downloader works the same way as the video downloader.
Use downloads respectfully
A downloaded reel is still the creator's work. Keeping it to watch offline or as personal reference is one thing; reposting it, editing it into your own content or using it in ads requires the creator's permission. If you want to share a reel, the share button on Instagram credits the creator automatically.