how to download instagram reels

you’ve stumbled upon a super engaging Instagram Reel – maybe it’s a hilarious sketch, an incredibly useful tutorial, or a stunning travel montage – and you really want to save it.

Read more about how to Instagram:
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how to deactivate instagram

Perhaps you want to watch it offline later, share it with a friend who isn’t on Instagram, or even use it for inspiration for your own content (with proper credit, of course!). Unfortunately, Instagram doesn’t have a direct “download” button for Reels for copyright and creator control reasons.

But don’t worry, there are definitely ways around this, ranging from built-in features to third-party tools.

Saving Reels to Your Instagram Account (Internal Feature)

First, let’s talk about what Instagram does let you do directly within the app. You can save Reels within the Instagram app itself to a private collection. This isn’t downloading to your phone’s gallery, but it’s a great way to keep a collection of your favorite Reels accessible anytime you’re on Instagram.

1. Find the Reel: Open the Instagram app and navigate to the Reel you want to save.
2. Tap the Three Dots: In the bottom right corner of the Reel (or sometimes the top right, depending on the layout), you’ll see three horizontal dots (…). Tap on these.
3. Select “Save”: A menu will pop up. Choose the “Save” option. You can also save it to a specific collection you’ve created by choosing “Save to Collection.”

Where to find your saved Reels:

• Go to your profile.
• Tap the three lines (menu icon) in the top right corner.
• Select “Saved.”
• You’ll find all your saved posts, including Reels, organized here.

This method is super convenient for personal use within the app, but it doesn’t give you a file on your device.

Downloading Reels with an Instagram’s built-in feature

Instagram has introduced a way to download some Reels directly to your device, particularly if the creator has enabled it and the Reel uses original audio or Instagram’s licensed music that allows for downloads.

This is still rolling out and might not be available for all Reels or in all regions. how to deactivate instagram

2. Look for the Download Icon/Option: Tap the three dots (…) at the bottom right.
3. Check for “Download” or “Save to Device”: If the creator has allowed it and the audio isn’t copyrighted in a way that prevents downloads, you might see a “Download” or “Save to Device” option directly in this menu.
4. Tap to Download: If available, tap this option, and the Reel should save to your phone’s gallery.

Important Note: This feature is primarily for Reels with original audio. If a Reel uses a popular, copyrighted song from Instagram’s music library, it’s highly unlikely you’ll see a direct download option due to licensing restrictions. In those cases, you’ll need to explore the third-party methods.

Using Third-Party Websites and Apps to Download Reels

Since Instagram’s direct download option is limited, most people turn to third-party tools. Be cautious when using these! Some free online tools might show excessive ads or be less secure. Stick to well-known and reputable ones. Always check reviews before downloading any third-party app.

The general process for most third-party tools is the same:

1. Copy the Reel Link:
   • Open the Instagram app and find the Reel you want to download.
   • Tap the three dots (…) at the bottom right.
   • Select “Link” or “Copy Link.” This copies the URL of the Reel to your clipboard.
2. Go to a Downloader Website/App: Open your web browser and go to a reputable Instagram Reel downloader website (e.g., SaveFrom.net, SnapInsta.app, Instavideosave.net, etc.) or open a dedicated Reel downloader app you’ve installed.
3. Paste the Link: Look for a text box on the website/app where it says “Paste URL” or “Enter Instagram Link.” Paste the link you copied earlier into this box.
4. Initiate Download: Click the “Download” or “Generate Link” button.
5. Save the Video: The website/app will process the link and usually provide a direct download button. Tap it, and the video file will start downloading to your device’s gallery or downloads folder.

Examples of Common Third-Party Options (as of my last update, always verify current functionality):

• Online Websites:
  • SnapInsta.app: User-friendly, good for Reels, Stories, and IGTV.
  • SaveFrom.net: A versatile downloader that works for many platforms, including Instagram.
  • InstaFinsta.com: Another popular choice for Instagram content.
  • InstaVideosave.net: Specifically designed for Instagram video downloads.
• Mobile Apps: (Search your app store for “Instagram Reel Downloader” but read reviews carefully!)
  • For Android, apps like “Video Downloader for Instagram” or “InSaver” are often recommended.
  • For iOS, the options are more limited due to Apple’s stricter policies. Sometimes “Documents by Readdle” can be used as a browser to access downloader websites, or dedicated “Saver for Instagram” apps appear and disappear.

A quick note on privacy: If the Reel is from a private account, these third-party tools generally won’t work, as they can’t access content from private profiles unless you’re logged into an account that follows that private user within the third-party tool (which is something I’d advise against for security reasons). how to delete instagram account

Screen Recording (The Universal Method)

If all else fails, or you don’t trust third-party tools, screen recording is your most reliable backup. Both iOS and Android phones have built-in screen recording features.

1. Enable Screen Recording:
   • iPhone: Go to Settings > Control Center > Customize Controls, and add “Screen Recording.” Then, swipe down from the top right of your screen (or up from the bottom for older iPhones) to access Control Center and find the screen recording icon (a circle within a circle).
   • Android: Swipe down twice from the top of your screen to open Quick Settings. Look for “Screen Recorder” or “Screen Record.” You might need to edit your Quick Settings panel to add it.
2. Open the Reel: Go to the Instagram Reel you want to capture.
3. Start Recording: Activate your phone’s screen recorder.
4. Play the Reel: Make sure the Reel plays from beginning to end. Try to do it without interacting with the screen to avoid showing your taps or swipes.
5. Stop Recording: Once the Reel is done, stop the screen recording.
6. Edit (Optional): The recorded video will be saved to your phone’s gallery. You can then trim the beginning and end of the video to remove the parts where you started and stopped recording.

This method records the audio as well, but the quality might not be as sharp as a direct download.

It’s fantastic for situations where you can’t use other methods, though.

Ethical Considerations and Copyright

It’s super important to talk about the ethics and legalities here. When you download someone else’s Reel, remember:

• Copyright: The creator owns the copyright to their original content. Downloading it doesn’t transfer ownership to you.
• Credit: If you plan to repost or share the downloaded Reel anywhere else, you must give proper credit to the original creator. Tag them, mention them, link back to their profile. It’s the right thing to do.
• Permission: For commercial use, or if you’re unsure, it’s always best practice to ask the creator for permission before using their content.
• Fair Use: Be aware of “fair use” principles, which vary by region. Generally, using content for commentary, criticism, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research can fall under fair use, but it’s a complex area.
• Community Guidelines: Instagram’s community guidelines frown upon re-uploading content without permission. If you frequently re-upload without credit, your account could face penalties.

Ultimately, downloading a Reel for personal enjoyment (like watching offline) is generally fine. How to SEO

Reposting it, especially on public platforms, requires careful consideration of the creator’s rights and proper attribution. Always aim to be a respectful digital citizen.