Instagram makes it easy to bookmark a Reel, but bookmarks only live inside the app. If the creator deletes the Reel, or you want to watch it offline, edit it into your own project, or keep a copy of your own content, you need the actual video file on your phone.
Option 1: Instagram's built-in download (when it's there)
For some public Reels, Instagram shows a Download option when you tap the share (paper plane) button. If you see it, it's the quickest route. It has a few limits, though:
- It isn't available for every account or every Reel, because creators can turn it off.
- The saved video usually has an Instagram watermark with the creator's username.
- It doesn't work for posts with several videos, and it isn't offered everywhere.
If you don't see the option, or you want a clean file, use the method below.
Option 2: Save a Reel with a downloader (works on any phone)
- Open the Reel in Instagram and tap the share button (the paper plane).
- Tap Copy link.
- Open your browser (Safari on iPhone, Chrome on Android) and go to the Instagram Reels downloader.
- Tap Paste, then Download.
- Choose the quality you want and tap it to save the file.
You don't need to log in, and we'll never ask for your Instagram password. Only public posts work. Reels from private accounts can't be downloaded.
Where the video goes on iPhone
Safari saves downloads to the Files app, not straight into Photos. To move a Reel into your camera roll:
- Open the Files app and go to Downloads (or tap the blue download arrow in Safari's address bar).
- Tap the video to open it.
- Tap the share button in the corner and choose Save Video.
The Reel now shows up in Photos like any video you recorded, and you can edit it, trim it or share it to other apps.
Where the video goes on Android
Chrome saves files to the Downloads folder. Most gallery apps (Google Photos, Samsung Gallery and others) show a Downloads album automatically. If you don't see it:
- In Google Photos, go to Library and look under Photos on device for the Download folder.
- Or open the Files app, go to Downloads, and the video is there.
Saving a post with several videos
Carousel posts can contain a mix of photos and videos. When you paste the link of a carousel, each video in the post is listed separately, so you can save just the ones you want.
When it doesn't work
"This post is private or needs a login." The account is private, or the post is only visible to followers. There's no way around this, and we don't use logins.
"This post is unavailable." The Reel was deleted or archived, or the link is wrong. Copy it again from the share button.
The download starts but the video won't play. Make sure the download finished completely before opening it. On iPhone, open it from the Files app instead of the Safari download list.
Stories don't work. Stories are only visible to logged-in users, so they can't be saved this way.
Keep it respectful
Saving Reels for yourself, like recipes, workouts or tutorials, is how most people use this. If you want to repost someone else's Reel, ask the creator and credit them. Reuploading other people's videos as your own can get your account restricted and isn't fair to the person who made it.
Ready to try it? Copy a Reel link and paste it into the Instagram downloader. If the video is too large to send afterwards, our video compressor can shrink it in a few seconds.