Instagram has its own Download button for Reels from public accounts. Tap the share icon (the paper plane) under the Reel and choose Download, and the video goes to your phone’s camera roll with an Instagram watermark showing the creator’s username. The option has been available worldwide since November 2023 (TechCrunch).
If you don’t see Download, the account is private or the creator has turned downloads off. Neither can be worked around inside Instagram.
Download someone else’s Reel
- Open the Reel.
- Tap the share icon (paper plane).
- Tap Download in the row of options.
The Reel is saved to your camera roll or gallery. It works the same way on iPhone and Android.
Why the Download option is missing
- The account is private. Reels from private accounts can’t be downloaded.
- The creator turned downloads off. Creators can switch off downloads for all their Reels or for a single one.
- Your app is out of date. Update Instagram and check again.
Why a downloaded Reel has no sound
Reels that use licensed music from Instagram’s library download without audio. Only Reels with original audio, like the creator’s own voice or sound, keep their sound when downloaded. If you want to keep the Reel with its music, save it inside Instagram instead (see below).
Download your own Reels
- Go to your profile and open the Reels tab.
- Open the Reel and tap the three dots.
- Tap Download or Save to camera roll, depending on your app version.
This also works for Reels you posted long ago.
Stop other people from downloading your Reels
- Go to your profile and tap the menu (three lines).
- Open Sharing and reuse (called Sharing and remixes in some versions).
- Turn off Allow people to download your reels.
To change it for one Reel only, open More options and then Advanced settings while you post it. Making your account private also stops downloads, since private Reels can’t be downloaded or reused (Instagram Help).
Saving is not downloading
The bookmark icon under a Reel saves it to your Saved collection inside Instagram. Nothing is copied to your phone. Only you can see what you’ve saved, and the creator isn’t told. To find them again, see how to see saved Reels on Instagram.
Downloader websites and apps
Sites that promise to download any Reel, often without the watermark, are not approved by Instagram. They also ignore a creator’s choice to turn downloads off, and Instagram’s Terms of Use don’t allow collecting content in automated ways without its permission. Never enter your Instagram password on one of these sites.
If you want to share someone’s Reel with your followers, reposting it keeps the credit on the original creator. Our guide on how to repost an Instagram Reel explains the options.
FAQ
Can I download a Reel without the watermark?
Not with Instagram’s Download option, which always adds the creator’s username. The watermark keeps the creator’s name on the video.
Can I download Reels from a private account?
No. Instagram only allows downloads from public accounts.
Where do downloaded Reels go?
To your camera roll on iPhone or your gallery on Android.
Does saving a Reel notify the creator?
No. Saves are private, although the creator may see the total number of saves in their insights.