×

How to Download Instagram Reels in 2026?

Last Updated on March 23, 2026 by Himanshu Rawat

Instagram Reels are one of the most-watched content formats today accounting for over 60% of time spent on the platform. Whether it’s travel clips, recipe hacks, or relatable memes, reels are perfect for quick, visual storytelling. If you want to save a reel to watch offline or share it outside the app, like over WhatsApp or email?

The good news? There are easy ways to download Instagram Reels to your phone, whether you’re using the Instagram app, an Android or iPhone, or even a screen recording. In this blog, we’ll show you step-by-step how to do it, using simple methods that anyone can follow.

Can You Download Instagram Reels?

Yes, you can! But how you download them depends on a few things.

If it’s your own reel, Instagram lets you download it straight from the app—either before you post it or after it’s live on your profile.

If it’s a reel from someone else’s account, you can download it—but only if:

• Their account is public, and
• They’ve allowed downloads on their Reels.

If those settings are turned on, you’ll see the option to download the reel directly from Instagram. If not, you can still save it using screen recording or a third-party tool (we’ll show you how!).

Reminder: Always respect creators’ content. Don’t repost without credit or permission.

How to Download Instagram Reels

Let’s go through the easiest and most effective methods, step by step:

Method 1: Download Your Own Reels from the Instagram App

If you’re trying to download your own reel, Instagram makes it pretty simple. You can save your video either before you post it or after it’s already shared.

Before Posting a Reel:

• Create your reel as usual.

• Before tapping “Share,” look for the download icon (a small arrow pointing down) and tap it.
• The reel will be saved to your phone’s gallery.

After Posting a Reel:

• Go to your profile and tap the Reels tab.
• Open the reel you want to download.
• Tap the three dots in the corner.

• Select “Save to your device” or “Download.”

And that’s it—your reel is now saved on your phone.

Note: If your reel uses music from Instagram’s library, the downloaded version may not include audio due to licensing.

Method 2: Download Public Reels with Instagram’s Download Option

Instagram now allows some Reels from public accounts to be downloaded:

• Open Instagram and find the reel you want.

• Tap the three dots on the bottom right of the reel.

• If you see the “Download” option, tap it.
• The reel will be saved to your phone.

Note: This only works if the creator has enabled downloads for that Reel.

Method 3: Use a Third-Party App (Android & iPhone)

For Reels that don’t have the download option, use a third-party app:

On Android:

• Try apps like Reels Downloader, Video Downloader for Instagram, or Story Saver from the Play Store.
• Copy the Reel’s link from Instagram and paste it in the app.
• Tap Download to save the video.

On iOS:

• Look for InSaver, ReelSaver, or InstaDown on the App Store.
• Copy the link from Instagram.
• Open the app and paste it — the video will download to your Photos app.

Caution: Only use trusted apps to avoid privacy risks.

Method 4: Use Your Phone’s Screen Recorder

Don’t want to install anything? Use your built-in screen recorder:

For iPhone:

• Swipe down to open Control Center.
• Tap Screen Recording.
• Play the Reel.
• Trim the video later in the Photos app if needed.

For Android:

• Swipe down to open Quick Settings.

• Look for the Screen Recorder option.

• Record the Reel while it plays.
• Use a basic video editor to trim out the start/end.

Method 5: Download Instagram Reels on Desktop

Prefer saving Reels on your computer? Try these browser tools:

• Instagram Reels Downloader
• Kapwing
• SnapInsta
• Inflact

Just copy the Reel URL, paste it into the tool, and download the video. Some tools may require a sign-up for high-resolution downloads.

Bonus: How to Save Reels Without Downloading

If you don’t want to download reels to your phone, you can still save them inside Instagram. This way, you can watch them later without taking up space on your device.

Here’s how to do it:

• Find the reel you want to save.
• Tap the three dots on the reel.
• Tap “Save.”

That’s it! The reel is now saved to your Instagram account.

To find it later:

• Go to your Instagram profile.
• Tap the three lines (top right corner).
• Tap “Saved.”
• You’ll see all the reels and posts you’ve saved.

This option is perfect if you just want to bookmark reels to watch or share later—no need to download anything.

What to Do with Downloaded Reels?

Whether you’re a content creator, small business owner, or digital marketer, downloaded Reels can be much more than just videos saved for offline viewing. You can repurpose them into valuable assets that fuel your content strategy, save time, and even inspire new ideas.

Here are creative and actionable ways to reuse your saved Reels effectively:

• Cross-post to TikTok or YouTube Shorts – Re-edit and share the same content across platforms to reach more viewers.
• Create product or service videos – Use clips for tutorials, behind-the-scenes, or testimonials.
• Save trending audio ideas – Even if you can’t repost, you can use the audio trend in your way.
• Build a content inspiration folder – Collect Reels to spark ideas for future content.
• Use in email or ad campaigns – Reels often perform well in short-form ads or newsletters.

Always remember to give credit and only use downloaded content in a respectful way.

What Should You Do Next?

Now that you know how to save and download Instagram Reels, go ahead and try it out.

• Want to watch reels without the internet? Use the download or screen record options.
• Don’t want to fill up your phone storage? Just save reels inside the Instagram app.
• Looking for ideas for your own content? Keep a list of reels that inspire you.

And if you run a small business or sell online, check out Outfy.

It’s a tool that helps you easily make and share short videos like reels for your products. You can even set it up to post automatically. It saves you time and helps more people find your store.

Just remember—if you’re downloading someone else’s reel, their account needs to be public, and they must have downloads turned on. And always give credit if you plan to share it.

Now go ahead—start saving reels you love, or better yet, start making your own!

FAQs about Downloading Instagram Reels