Instagram Reels has quickly become a popular feature on the platform, allowing users to create and share short, entertaining videos. While Instagram does not provide a direct option to download Reels, there are several methods available that allow you to save these videos to your device. In this guide, we will explore different techniques to download Instagram Reels easily. Whether you want to save your own creations or download Reels from other users, we’ve got you covered.
Please note that downloading and sharing Reels without the creator’s permission may violate Instagram’s terms of service, so it’s essential to respect the content creator’s rights and only download Reels for personal use or with proper authorization.
Without further ado, let’s delve into the various methods you can use to download Instagram Reels.
Using Screen Recording
Screen recording is a simple yet effective way to save Instagram Reels on your device. This method works on both mobile devices and computers.
- Mobile Devices:
- Open the Instagram app on your smartphone and navigate to the Reels video you want to download.
- Prepare your device for screen recording. On iOS, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access the Control Center and tap the Screen Recording icon. On Android, swipe down from the top of the screen and tap the Screen Recording or Screen Capture option, depending on your device.
- Once the screen recording starts, play the Reels video in full-screen mode. Make sure the entire video is captured.
- When you finish recording, stop the screen recording by following the same steps as above.
- The recorded Reels video will now be saved on your device’s camera roll or gallery, depending on your device’s settings.
- Computers:
- Open the Instagram website (instagram.com) on your computer and log in to your account.
- Locate the Reels video you want to download and make sure it’s visible on your screen.
- Use a screen recording software or built-in tools like QuickTime Player (on Mac) or OBS Studio (available for Mac, Windows, and Linux) to record the Instagram Reels video playing on your screen.
- Start the screen recording and ensure that the entire Reels video is captured.
- Once the recording is complete, stop the screen recording and save the video file to your preferred location on your computer.
Utilizing Third-Party Apps and Websites
While there is no shortage of third-party apps and websites that claim to download Instagram Reels, it’s important to exercise caution when using these services. Many of them may contain intrusive ads, require you to provide your Instagram login credentials (which poses security risks), or even violate Instagram’s terms of service. Nevertheless, here are some commonly used methods:
- Online Video Downloaders:
- Several online platforms allow you to download Instagram Reels by simply entering the video’s URL. These websites extract the video from the URL and provide you with a download link. Examples include SaveFrom.net, DownloadGram.com, and InstaDownloader.co.
- To use these services, find the Instagram Reels video you want to download, copy its URL, paste it into the designated field on the online downloader, and follow the instructions to save the video to your device.
- Instagram Reels Downloading Apps:
- Some apps available on app stores (such as VidMate, InSaver, or QuickSave for Instagram) claim to download Instagram Reels. These apps usually require you to log in with your Instagram account and provide a built-in browser to navigate and download Reels. Be cautious when using such apps, as they may request unnecessary permissions or collect your personal information.
- To use these apps, download and install them from your respective app store, log in with your Instagram credentials, and follow the app’s instructions to locate and save the desired Reels videos.
Requesting the Creator’s Permission
One of the most ethical ways to obtain Instagram Reels is by requesting the content creator’s permission. This approach ensures that you respect the creator’s rights and maintain a positive relationship within the Instagram community. Here’s how you can request permission to download a Reels video:
- Direct Message (DM):
- Locate the Reels video you want to download and navigate to the creator’s Instagram profile.
- Click on the “Message” or “Direct Message” option to initiate a conversation with the content creator.
- Politely explain why you want to download their Reels video and request their permission to save it to your device.
- Be patient and understanding if the content creator declines your request or does not respond. Respect their decision and do not download the Reels video without permission.
- Commenting on the Reels Video:
- Alternatively, you can leave a comment on the Reels video, expressing your interest in downloading it and kindly asking the content creator for permission.
- Keep your comment respectful and concise, clearly explaining why you want to download the video.
- Remember that the content creator may not see or respond to your comment, so it’s advisable to use DMs for a more direct approach.
Using Instagram’s “Save” Feature
Instagram provides a built-in feature that allows you to save Reels videos within the app. While this method does not download the videos to your device’s local storage, it provides a convenient way to access and view the saved Reels offline.
- Saving Reels on Instagram:
- Open the Instagram app on your device and locate the Reels video you want to save.
- Tap on the three-dot menu icon located at the bottom right corner of the Reels video.
- From the options that appear, select “Save” or the equivalent option provided (e.g., “Add to Collection” on iOS).
- The Reels video will be saved to your Instagram account under the “Saved” section, which you can access by navigating to your profile and tapping the “Saved” tab.
Using Instagram’s “Save” Feature (continued)
- Accessing Saved Reels:
- To access your saved Reels, go to your Instagram profile by tapping on your profile picture.
- Tap on the “Menu” icon (three horizontal lines) located at the top right corner of your profile.
- From the menu, select “Saved” or the equivalent option provided.
- In the “Saved” section, you will find all the Reels videos you have saved. Tap on a video to view it, even when you’re offline.
Utilizing Browser Extensions
Certain browser extensions can enhance your Instagram experience by adding additional functionality, including the ability to download Reels videos. Here’s how you can use browser extensions to download Instagram Reels:
- Install a Browser Extension:
- Choose a reputable browser extension that supports downloading Instagram Reels. Some popular options include “Downloader for Instagram” for Google Chrome and “Video Downloader for Instagram” for Mozilla Firefox.
- Install the extension by visiting the respective browser’s extension store and following the installation instructions.
- Download Reels Using the Extension:
- Open the Instagram website on your browser and log in to your account.
- Navigate to the Reels video you want to download.
- Click on the browser extension icon, usually located near the address bar or in the browser’s toolbar.
- The extension will detect the Reels video on the page and provide an option to download it. Follow the instructions provided by the extension to save the video to your device.
