How to Download Instagram Reels?

Instagram Reels have quickly become one of the most popular ways to share and discover content on the platform. Whether you’re looking to download your own Reels for reuse or to save someone else’s public Reels (with permission), knowing how to download Instagram Reels can be a handy skill. 

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you various methods to download Instagram Reels across different devices, explain when each method is appropriate, and cover important ethical considerations such as copyright and attribution.

Why You Might Want to Download an Instagram Reel

For Your Own Content (Backup, Reuse, Cross-Posting)

Downloading your own Instagram Reels can be useful for several reasons. It allows you to back up your content, use it in future posts, or cross-post it to other social media platforms. Whether you want to repurpose your Reel for TikTok or save it for later use, having a downloadable copy gives you greater control over your content.

For Others’ Content (With Permission & Proper Credit)

Sometimes, you may want to download a Reel from another creator. It’s crucial to remember that you should always ask for permission before downloading someone else’s content. Respect for intellectual property rights and proper attribution is not only ethical but also aligns with Instagram’s terms of service. Always give credit where it’s due.

Method 1: The Official Way (Downloading Your Own Reels)

Instagram provides an in-app method for downloading your own Reels, which is the safest and easiest option. Here’s how you can do it.

Step-by-Step: Using Instagram’s “Save to Camera Roll” Feature

How to Enable the Setting on iOS

1. Open Instagram and go to your Profile.
   
2. Tap the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner, then go to Settings.
   
3. Scroll down and select Account > Posts You’ve Liked.
   
4. Enable the Save to Camera Roll option under the Reels section.
   
5. Now, whenever you post a new Reel, it will automatically be saved to your camera roll.
   

How to Enable the Setting on Android

1. Open Instagram and go to your Profile.
   
2. Tap the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner, then select Settings.
   
3. Go to Account, then choose Content You’ve Shared.
   
4. Enable the Save to Camera Roll option under Reels.
   
5. After enabling this setting, your new Reels will be automatically saved to your phone.
   

What Happens After You Post Finding the Downloaded File

Once you post a Reel, you’ll find it saved in your Gallery (for Android) or Photos (for iOS) app. This downloaded file will be in MP4 format, which is the standard for high-quality video files.

Limitations of the Official Method

• Only works for your own newly posted Reels: You can’t download old Reels or Reels from other users using this method.
  
• No option to download others’ Reels: This method is exclusive to your own content, and Instagram doesn’t provide a direct way to download someone else’s Reel.

Method 2: Using Instagram’s “Save” Feature (For Later Viewing)

Instagram allows users to save Reels for later viewing within the app. This is different from downloading, and it’s important to understand how it works.

How “Saved” Reels Work

When you save a Reel, it’s added to your Saved section on Instagram, where you can easily revisit it later. However, this doesn’t download the video to your device. It’s merely a bookmarking tool within the app.

The Crucial Difference Between “Saving” and “Downloading”

• Saved content remains accessible only within the Instagram app.
  
• Downloaded content is stored on your device, allowing offline access and use outside the platform.

Method 3: How to Download Any Public Instagram Reel (Third-Party Tools)

Sometimes, you may want to download a public Reel created by someone else. While Instagram doesn’t allow this natively, third-party tools can help. Keep in mind that downloading someone else’s content should always be done with their explicit permission.

Important Disclaimer: Ethics, Copyright & Creator Permission

Before using third-party tools, always ask the creator for permission to download their content. Respect Instagram’s terms of service, and always give credit to the original creator when sharing or reposting their work.

Option A: Using a Dedicated Reel Downloader Website

Many websites allow you to download Instagram Reels by simply pasting the URL. Here’s how to do it:

1. Copy the URL of the Reel you want to download.
2. Visit a Reel downloader website like DownloadGram or SaveFrom.net.
3. Paste the URL into the provided field on the website.
4. Click Download, and the video will be saved to your device.

Pros

• Usually free to use.
• No app installation required.

Cons

• These sites may be filled with ads.
• Downloaded videos may come with watermarks.
• Privacy concerns can arise depending on the site.

Option B: Using a Mobile App (IOS & Android)

If you prefer using an app, there are several third-party downloaders available on both iOS and Android. To find a reliable app, search the App Store or Google Play Store for Instagram Reel downloaders.

Typical In-App Workflow

1. Open the app and paste the URL of the Reel.
2. Tap Download to start the process.
3. The video will be saved to your device once the download completes.

Warning About App Permissions and Data Safety

Be cautious when granting permissions to third-party apps. Only download apps from reputable sources and always read user reviews to ensure the app is safe.

Do These Methods Keep the Instagram Watermark?

Most third-party tools preserve the Instagram watermark and audio attribution to credit the creator. Avoid using tools that remove the watermark, as it can violate copyright laws and Instagram’s terms.

Method 4: The Universal Fallback: Screen Recording

If other methods aren’t available or if you want a quick solution, you can always resort to screen recording. This method works on all devices and doesn’t require any additional tools, though it does come with some downsides.

How to Screen Record on iPhone/iPad

1. Open Settings and go to the Control Center.
2. Add Screen Recording to your Control Center.
3. Swipe up (or down on iPhone X and later) to open the Control Center.
4. Tap the screen recording icon, then play the Instagram Reel.
5. Stop recording once the video is done.

How to Screen Record on Android

1. Swipe down to open the Quick Settings menu.
2. Tap the Screen Record icon.
3. Select whether to record audio, then start playing the Instagram Reel.
4. Stop recording when the video finishes.

Pros and Cons of This Method

Pros:

• Works on any video, including private content.
• No need for special permissions.

Cons:

• Quality may be lower than a direct download.
• UI elements like comments and likes will appear on screen.
• No direct MP4 file, and the video may require cropping.

How to Download Instagram Reels to Your Computer (PC/Mac)

Downloading Instagram Reels to a desktop or laptop is also possible, and there are a few methods to do so.

Using a Browser-Based Downloader Website

Many online downloader websites also offer browser-based solutions. To download Reels on your computer:

1. Open your browser and go to a Reel downloader website.
2. Paste the URL of the Reel.
3. Download the video to your computer.

Using Browser Developer Tools (Advanced Method)

Tech-savvy users can download Reels using browser developer tools. This method involves inspecting the page and extracting the video file, but it’s a more complicated process and not recommended for beginners.

Best Practices & Final Recommendations

When to Use Which Method: A Simple Decision Flowchart

Method	Best For
Official “Save to Camera Roll”	Your own content, immediate download
Instagram “Save” Feature	Viewing later in the app, no download needed
Third-Party Download Tools	Downloading public Reels (with permission)
Screen Recording	No other method available, private content

The Golden Rule: Respect Creators and Copyright

Always prioritize the ethical use of content. Downloading and sharing someone else’s Reels without permission can infringe on copyright laws and Instagram’s terms of service. Always ask for permission, and give proper credit when reusing someone’s work.

FAQ

Is it legal to download someone else’s Instagram Reel?

It’s a gray area. Downloading content from others without permission violates Instagram’s terms of service. Always ask for the creator’s consent and provide proper attribution when reposting their content.

Why don’t I see the ‘Save to Camera Roll’ option on my Instagram?

This feature is only available for your own Reels. To use it, you must enable the setting in Settings > Archive and Download before posting a new Reel.

Do Instagram Reel downloader apps work? Are they safe?

Yes, many apps work, but safety varies. Download apps only from official stores (Google Play or Apple App Store), check reviews, and avoid apps that request excessive permissions.

How can I download an Instagram Reel without a watermark?

Most downloaders preserve the watermark to credit the creator. To avoid the watermark, you must download your own Reel using the official method.

What’s the best quality format for a downloaded Reel?

MP4 is the standard high-quality format. Screen recordings may result in larger files with slightly lower quality.

Can I download a Reel from a private account?

No, you can’t download Reels from private accounts without permission. Download tools only work for publicly available content.