How to Download Instagram Videos & Reels
Complete step-by-step guide to download Instagram videos, Reels, IGTV, and Stories. Learn the best methods, legal considerations, and tips for high-quality downloads.
Updated: January 2025 | Reading time: 8 minutes
Quick Method: Download Instagram Videos in 3 Steps
Copy Instagram URL
Open Instagram, find the video/Reel you want, tap the three dots (•••) and select "Copy Link"
Download Video
Click "Get Info", choose your preferred quality, and download the video to your device
Try it now!
Ready to download your first Instagram video? Use our free downloader tool:
Instagram DownloaderTypes of Instagram Content You Can Download
Instagram Reels
Short-form vertical videos up to 90 seconds. These are Instagram's answer to TikTok and are highly engaging content.
- • Duration: 15-90 seconds
- • Format: Vertical (9:16 aspect ratio)
- • Quality: Up to 1080p
- • Audio: Included with video
Instagram Posts
Regular video posts shared to Instagram feeds. Can be square, landscape, or portrait orientation.
- • Duration: Up to 60 seconds
- • Format: Square, landscape, or portrait
- • Quality: Up to 1080p
- • Audio: Included with video
IGTV Videos
Longer-form video content on Instagram TV. Perfect for tutorials, interviews, and detailed content.
- • Duration: 1-60 minutes
- • Format: Vertical preferred
- • Quality: Up to 1080p
- • Audio: High-quality audio included
Instagram Stories
Temporary content that disappears after 24 hours. Download before they're gone forever!
- • Duration: Up to 15 seconds per story
- • Format: Vertical (9:16 aspect ratio)
- • Quality: Up to 1080p
- • Availability: 24 hours only
How to Download Instagram Videos on Mobile Devices
iPhone (iOS) Method
- 1Open Instagram app and find the video you want to download
- 2Tap the three dots (•••) in the top-right corner of the post
- 3Select "Copy Link" from the menu
- 4Open Safari and visit our Instagram downloader
- 5Paste the URL and tap "Get Info"
- 6Choose quality and tap download. The video will save to your Photos app
Android Method
- 1Open Instagram app and navigate to the video you want
- 2Tap the three dots (•••) menu on the post
- 3Select "Copy Link" option
- 4Open Chrome browser and go to our downloader tool
- 5Paste the URL in the input field and tap "Get Info"
- 6Select your preferred quality and download. Video saves to Downloads folder
Mobile Tips
- • Make sure you have enough storage space before downloading
- • Use Wi-Fi for faster downloads and to save mobile data
- • Some browsers may require you to long-press the download link
- • Check your device's Downloads folder if the video doesn't appear in Photos
How to Download Instagram Videos on Desktop
Desktop Browser Method (Windows, Mac, Linux)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- 1Open Instagram.com in your web browser
- 2Navigate to the video, Reel, or IGTV you want to download
- 3Copy the URL from your browser's address bar
- 4Open a new tab and visit our Instagram downloader
- 5Paste the URL and click "Get Info"
- 6Choose your preferred quality and click download
Desktop Advantages:
- ✓Larger screen for easier navigation
- ✓Faster download speeds on stable connections
- ✓Better file management options
- ✓Can download multiple videos simultaneously
- ✓Easier to organize downloaded content
Quality and Format Options
Available Video Qualities
1080p Full HD
Best quality available for most Instagram content. Recommended for viewing on large screens.
720p HD
Good balance between quality and file size. Perfect for mobile viewing and sharing.
480p Standard
Smaller file size, suitable for devices with limited storage or slower internet.
Supported Formats
MP4 Video
Most common format, compatible with all devices and media players.
MP3 Audio
Extract audio only from Instagram videos for music or podcasts.
Original Quality
Download in the same quality as uploaded to Instagram (when available).
Legal Considerations and Best Practices
Important Legal Notice
Always respect copyright laws and Instagram's Terms of Service when downloading content. Only download content that you have permission to use or that is in the public domain.
✓ Acceptable Uses
- • Downloading your own content for backup
- • Saving content with explicit permission from creator
- • Educational or research purposes (fair use)
- • Personal offline viewing of public content
- • Creating compilations with proper attribution
✗ Prohibited Uses
- • Redistributing copyrighted content without permission
- • Commercial use of others' content
- • Removing watermarks or creator attribution
- • Downloading private or restricted content
- • Violating Instagram's Terms of Service
Recommended Best Practices:
- • Always credit the original creator when sharing downloaded content
- • Ask for permission before downloading and using someone else's content
- • Use downloaded content responsibly and ethically
- • Respect privacy settings and don't download private content
- • Keep downloaded content for personal use unless you have explicit permission
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Problem: "Invalid URL" Error
Possible causes:
- URL is not from Instagram
- URL is malformed or incomplete
- Content has been deleted or made private
Solutions:
- Double-check the URL is from Instagram.com
- Make sure you copied the complete URL
- Try refreshing the Instagram page and copying the URL again
- Verify the content is still available and public
Problem: Download Fails or Stops
Possible causes:
- Poor internet connection
- Browser blocking the download
- Insufficient storage space
Solutions:
- Check your internet connection and try again
- Allow downloads in your browser settings
- Free up storage space on your device
- Try using a different browser
Problem: Video Quality is Poor
Possible causes:
- Original video was uploaded in low quality
- Selected lower quality option
- Instagram compressed the video
Solutions:
- Always select the highest available quality option
- Check if higher quality options are available
- Note that Instagram may compress videos upon upload
Best Practices & Pro Tips
Organization Tips
- • Create folders by date or content type
- • Use descriptive filenames
- • Keep track of original creators
- • Backup important downloads
Quality Tips
- • Always choose the highest available quality
- • Download soon after upload for best quality
- • Consider file size vs. quality trade-offs
- • Test different formats for your needs
Efficiency Tips
- • Bookmark our downloader for quick access
- • Use keyboard shortcuts for copying URLs
- • Download during off-peak hours for faster speeds
- • Clear browser cache if experiencing issues
Security Tips
- • Only use trusted downloader tools
- • Avoid tools that require personal information
- • Keep your browser updated
- • Scan downloaded files if unsure
Ready to Download Instagram Videos?
Use our free Instagram downloader tool to save your favorite Reels, IGTV videos, and posts instantly.