Instagram Reels have taken the internet by storm. They are short, fun, and catchy videos that people love to watch and share. But what if you come across a Reel you love and want to save it on your phone or computer? You might ask, “How can I download Instagram Reels?” Don’t worry! In this guide, we’ll show you step by step how to download Instagram Reels in easy ways.
Whether you want to save Reels for offline viewing, share them with friends, or just keep your favorite ones, this article will cover everything you need to know.
Table of Contents
What Are Instagram Reels?
Instagram Reels are short videos, usually up to 90 seconds, that people post on Instagram. You can find them on your feed, the Explore page, or in a special Reels tab on someone’s profile. They can include music, text, filters, and effects—making them fun and creative.
Many people use Reels to show off talent, share funny clips, give quick tutorials, or even promote their businesses.
Why Do People Want to Download Instagram Reels?
There are several reasons why someone might want to download Reels:
- To watch offline – No internet? No problem! Watch saved Reels anytime.
- To save ideas – Inspiration for your own content.
- To share with others – Send it to a friend who doesn’t use Instagram.
- For backup – If you made the Reel, you may want to keep a copy.
- For editing or remixing – With proper credit, some creators reuse parts of Reels.
Now that we know the why, let’s move on to the how.
Can You Download Reels Directly from Instagram?
The Short Answer: It Depends
Instagram does allow you to download some Reels, but not all. For example:
- You can save your own Reels directly.
- Some public Reels can be shared and saved inside the app.
- But downloading someone else’s Reel to your phone or computer usually needs a third-party tool or method.
Let’s take a look at all the ways you can download Instagram Reels easily.
How to Download Your Own Instagram Reels
On Mobile (iOS and Android)
- Open the Instagram app.
- Go to your profile.
- Tap the Reels tab (the video icon).
- Open the Reel you want to download.
- Tap the three dots (•••) at the bottom.
- Select Save to Camera Roll (on iPhone) or Download (on Android).
That’s it! The video will be saved directly to your phone’s gallery or camera roll.
How to Save Other People’s Reels (Without Downloading)
If you just want to bookmark someone’s Reel without downloading it:
- Tap the three dots on the Reel.
- Select Save.
- You can view it later by going to your profile > Saved.
This method doesn’t download the video to your phone, but it keeps it in your account for easy access.
How to Download Instagram Reels Using Third-Party Tools
To download Reels from other users, you’ll need to use websites, apps, or screen recorders. Here are the best options:
Online Reel Downloader Websites
There are many free websites that let you download Reels with just a link. Here’s how:
Steps:
- Open Instagram and find the Reel.
- Tap Share > Copy Link.
- Go to any trusted Reels downloader website.
- Paste the link into the box.
- Click Download.
- Choose the video quality and save it to your device.
These websites work on both phones and computers.
Reel Downloader Apps
If you often download Reels, you might want to use a mobile app.
For Android:
- Video Downloader for Instagram
- Reels Downloader
- FastSave
For iPhone:
- Repost: For Instagram
- InSaver
- Instant Save
Note: Some apps show ads or ask for access to your Instagram account. Always check reviews before downloading.
Use Screen Recording
Another simple trick is to screen record the Reel while playing it. This works if the download site or app doesn’t work.
For Android:
- Use the built-in screen recorder or download one from the Play Store.
For iPhone:
- Swipe down from the top-right corner.
- Tap the screen record icon.
- Play the Reel.
- Stop the recording when done.
Then you can trim the video and save it!
Is It Legal to Download Instagram Reels?
Good question! Here’s what you should know:
- Downloading your own content is totally fine.
- Saving content for personal use (like watching offline) is usually okay.
- But reposting someone else’s Reel without permission can be against Instagram’s rules.
- Always credit the creator if you share their content.
- For business use or reposting on your page, it’s best to ask for permission first.
Tips for Downloading Instagram Reels Safely
To keep things safe and smooth, follow these tips:
- Don’t enter your Instagram password into unknown apps or sites.
- Use trusted and reviewed tools.
- Avoid websites that ask for personal info.
- Watch out for ads or pop-ups.
- Respect the content creator’s rights.
What Format Are Downloaded Reels In?
Most downloaded Reels will be in MP4 format. This means they work on:
- Android phones
- iPhones
- Windows PCs
- MacBooks
- Tablets
You can watch them using any regular video player.
Can You Download Reels with Music?
Yes, when you download a Reel, it usually keeps the original music or audio. But in some cases (like screen recording), you might need to turn on your phone’s sound while recording to capture it.
How to Organize Your Saved Reels
If you download a lot of Reels, it’s helpful to keep them organized:
- Create folders on your phone like Funny, Tutorials, Fitness, or Ideas.
- Rename files to help you remember what they are.
- Use gallery apps that let you tag or favorite videos.
This way, you can quickly find the Reel you’re looking for.
Final Thoughts
Downloading Instagram Reels is a great way to keep your favorite content close at hand. Whether you want to enjoy them offline, save ideas, or back up your own videos, the process is easy with the right tools.
Here’s a quick recap:
- You can download your own Reels directly.
- Use online tools or apps to download others’ Reels.
- Screen recording is a simple backup option.
- Always respect the original creator.
Now that you know how to download Instagram Reels, go ahead and start building your personal collection of fun, inspiring, and creative videos!