Instagram lets you save posts inside the app, but that does not give you a file on your phone or computer. If a Reel, video or photo is public and you want an offline copy, you can do it from any browser without installing anything. Here is how, step by step.
What you can and cannot download
- Works: public feed videos, public Reels, public photo posts and the slides of public carousels.
- Does not work: posts from private accounts, Stories and Highlights. A link-based tool can only see what any visitor can see.
Step 1: Copy the Instagram link
Open the post or Reel, tap the paper-plane Share icon or the three dots, and choose Copy link. On a computer, copy the address from the browser's address bar while the post is open.
Step 2: Paste the link into SaveMedia
Go to the Instagram video downloader (or the dedicated Reels downloader and photo downloader), paste the link and press Download. A preview and a download button appear. For carousels you get one button per slide.
Step 3: Save it
- iPhone: use Safari. After the download, open the Files app, find the file in Downloads, tap share and choose Save Video or Save Image to put it in Photos.
- Android: Chrome saves the file to Downloads; your gallery app can usually show it from there.
- Computer: the file lands in your Downloads folder.
Do Reels keep their sound?
Yes. The downloaded MP4 includes the audio that plays in the Reel. Keep in mind that Reels often use licensed music. Having an offline copy for yourself is one thing; posting it again elsewhere can trigger copyright claims on the music or the video.
Quality: what to expect
SaveMedia picks the largest version of the photo or the best video file that Instagram exposes for the post. It cannot be better than what the creator uploaded, and screenshots or screen recordings are usually worse than the downloaded file.
Common problems and fixes
- "Private" or "not found": open the link in a private window. If you are asked to log in, the post is not public.
- Wrong link type: copy the link of the post itself, not a profile link.
- Only a thumbnail downloads: go back and paste the link again, and use the Video tab for Reels. If the problem repeats, wait a minute and retry.
- Too many requests: there is a fair-use limit per minute. Wait briefly and try again.
Respect creators
Instagram content belongs to its creators. Download for personal viewing, or when you have permission, and credit the creator if you share. Rights holders can contact us through our DMCA Policy.