Here is how to download Instagram reels: copy the reel link, paste it into the Instagram Reels downloader and tap Download. The MP4 keeps the original audio and is usually ready in about a second. Below you will find the steps for each device, how to get the reel into your gallery and what to do when a download fails.
Quick answer and why the audio matters
Each reel is saved as a single MP4 file with its original sound track. You do not need to record your screen or install an app.
Sound is part of most reels, so a direct download is the better choice than a screen recording. A recording often picks up background noise and can lose quality, while the downloaded file is the one Instagram serves for the post.
- Open the reel and tap the share (paper plane) icon.
- Choose Copy link.
- Paste the link into the reel downloader and press Download.
- Tap Save MP4 to keep the file.
Save Instagram Reels to your iPhone gallery
Tap Save MP4 in Safari, then open Files → Downloads. Tap the reel, choose Share and then Save Video. The reel now sits in Photos next to your other videos. If you use iCloud Photos, it will sync to your other Apple devices as well.
If you want to keep a reel in a specific album, create the album in Photos first and then add the reel to it from the Share menu. This keeps your camera roll tidy when you save several reels in one session.
Save Instagram Reels to an Android gallery
In Chrome, paste the link, tap Download and then Save MP4. The reel is stored in your Downloads folder. Open your gallery app and look for the Downloads album, or open the file from the Files app. Most gallery apps show it after a short scan.
If you also save photo posts, the Instagram photo downloader handles those in the same way.
Save reels on a computer
On a Mac or Windows PC, open the reel on instagram.com, copy the URL from the address bar and paste it into the downloader. The MP4 goes to your Downloads folder. Desktop saving is handy when you want to sort several reels into folders before moving them to a phone.
The Instagram video downloader works the same way for regular videos and posts.
A tip for reels you plan to re-share: keep the original MP4 untouched in a folder, and make any edits to a copy. That way you always have the file exactly as the creator posted it.
Troubleshooting reel downloads
When a reel will not download, one of these causes is usually the reason. Most problems can be fixed by copying the link again from the reel itself and trying once more.
- Private accounts are not supported. Only reels from public accounts can be fetched.
- Wrong link: use the link to the reel itself, not the profile or the Reels tab.
- Removed or hidden reels cannot be fetched.
- Slow first request: a reel that has never been requested can take a moment. Repeat requests come back almost instantly.
- If the post is a carousel mixing photos and videos, read the carousel guide for the steps that apply to it.
Rights, fair use and bulk jobs
Reels are creative work. Save them for personal enjoyment, for reference or with the creator’s permission. If you want to repost a reel, ask first and credit the original creator. Reusing a reel without permission can cause problems with the creator, even when the download itself was easy.
If you need reel data at scale, such as collecting hundreds of reels for research, the CrawlMesh API returns media for batches with the same fast link resolution. Pricing starts at $1 per 1,000 results, and you can review the options on the pricing page.
FAQ
How do I download Instagram Reels with audio?
Copy the reel link, paste it into the reel downloader and press Download. The MP4 includes the original audio, so the reel keeps its sound.
How do I save a reel to my iPhone gallery?
After you tap Save MP4, open Files → Downloads, tap the video and choose Share → Save Video. It will appear in Photos.
Can I download reels from a private account?
No. Only reels from public accounts can be downloaded.
Is downloading Instagram Reels free?
Yes. The free tool needs no account and no Instagram login while it is in early access.