Instagram lets you bookmark Reels to a private collection inside the app, but that bookmark disappears if the creator deletes the post, it never reaches your camera roll, and it does not work offline. If you want a real file for a Reel you have permission to keep, such as your own content, a clip a friend sent you for a project, or a Reel a brand licensed to you, here is the reliable way to do it.
What can and cannot be downloaded
| Content | Supported? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Reels from public accounts | Yes | Anyone can view them without logging in. |
| Video posts from public accounts | Yes | Same as Reels. |
| Carousel posts with videos | Partly | The first video in the post is downloaded. |
| Private accounts | No | Only approved followers can see them. |
| Stories and live videos | No | They are temporary and not regular posts. |
Step 1: copy the Reel link
- Open the Reel in the Instagram app.
- Tap the paper-plane Share icon.
- Choose Copy link.
On a computer, open the Reel on instagram.com and copy the address from the browser bar. Links usually look like instagram.com/reel/AbCdEf… or instagram.com/p/AbCdEf….
Step 2: download it
- Open the Instagram video downloader.
- Paste the link into the box. A badge under the box confirms it was recognised as an Instagram link.
- Press Download, wait a few seconds, then pick the quality.
Where the Reel is saved
On Android the video goes to the Download folder and shows up in your gallery app after a moment. On iPhone it goes to the Files app first; here is how to move it to Photos. On a computer it lands in your Downloads folder.
Why a Reel might not download
- The account is private. If you can only see the Reel because you follow the account, outside tools cannot reach it.
- The post was removed or restricted. Deleted posts, and posts limited by age or country, cannot be fetched.
- The link points to a profile, not a post. Make sure the link contains
/reel/or/p/. - You pasted extra text. Messages often add words around the link. Paste only the link itself.
Saving the audio from a Reel
Choose Audio only to get an MP3 of the Reel’s sound. Keep in mind that many Reels use songs from Instagram’s music library, which are licensed for use inside the app only. Our audio guide explains what that means.
Tips for creators backing up their own Reels
- Instagram also offers a full data export of your account in its settings, which includes your posts. Use it now and then as a complete backup.
- For quick copies of single Reels, download the published version here and store it with a clear file name and date.
- Read our backup routine for creators for a simple system that keeps your work safe.
Use downloads responsibly
Reels belong to the people who made them. Keep downloads for personal use, ask before reusing someone else’s video, and always credit the original creator. The Instagram Help Center covers the platform’s own rules on sharing and intellectual property.
Frequently asked questions
Will the video keep its original quality?
You get the best version Instagram serves for that post. Instagram compresses uploads, so the result matches what you see in the app, not the creator’s original file.
Can I download someone’s Story?
No. Stories are temporary, and saving them without permission goes against what their authors expect.
