Here is how to download Instagram videos: copy the post link in the Instagram app, paste it into the Instagram video downloader and tap Download. The MP4 is usually ready in about a second, and you never need to log in to Instagram. The steps below cover every major device, plus the problems people run into most often.
Quick answer: the four steps
Saving a public Instagram video takes four steps. The same steps work for reels, regular videos and video slides inside a carousel.
- Open the video in the Instagram app or on instagram.com.
- Tap the share icon or the three-dot menu, then choose Copy link.
- Paste the link into the downloader and press Download.
- Tap Save MP4 when the result card appears.
How to download Instagram videos on iPhone
Safari works well for this. After you tap Save MP4, the file is saved to Files → Downloads. To move it into your Photos library, open the file in Files, tap the Share button and choose Save Video. The clip then appears in your camera roll like any other video.
If the video does not show up in Photos, check in the Files app that the download has finished before you try the share step again.
How to download Instagram videos on Android
Chrome or any other modern browser works. Paste the link, press Download and tap Save MP4. The file goes to your Downloads folder. Most gallery apps scan that folder, so the video usually appears in your gallery within a few moments. If it does not, open the Files app and look under Downloads.
The same approach works for Instagram Reels, which are saved as MP4 files with their original sound.
Saving Instagram videos on a Mac or Windows PC
Any desktop browser will do. Open the post on instagram.com, copy the URL from the address bar and paste it into the downloader. When you press Save MP4, the file lands in your browser’s download folder, which is Downloads by default on both Windows and macOS.
Desktop is the easiest place to organize a batch of clips, since you can rename each file and drop it into a folder as it arrives.
Troubleshooting Instagram video downloads
Most failed downloads come down to one of a few causes. Check these before you try again.
- Private accounts are not supported. Only public posts can be fetched.
- Wrong link: a profile link or a link to the Reels tab will not work. Copy the link from the individual video.
- Deleted or hidden posts cannot be fetched, because the file is no longer available from Instagram.
- Slow first request: a post that has never been requested can take a moment. Repeat requests for the same post usually come back from cache almost instantly.
Respect the creator’s rights
Downloading a video is easy, but the video still belongs to the person who made it. Save clips for personal reference, for a private collection or with the creator’s permission. If you want to repost a video, ask first and credit the original creator clearly.
Many creators are happy to share their work when someone asks. Saving a copy does not give you the right to publish it as your own.
When to use the API instead
Saving one or two videos is a good job for the free downloader. If you need to process hundreds or thousands of posts, or you are building a product that handles video, the CrawlMesh API is the better fit. It returns the same resolved media through a REST endpoint and MCP, and it is billed at $1 per 1,000 results. Prepaid credits start at $10, and failed calls are free. The pricing page lists the details.
FAQ
Is it legal to download Instagram videos?
The answer depends on your country and on how you use the file. The video still belongs to its creator, so keep downloads for personal use or get permission before you repost anything.
Can I download Instagram videos on iPhone without an app?
Yes. Copy the link in the Instagram app, open the downloader in Safari, paste the link and tap Download. The MP4 is saved to Files → Downloads, and Share → Save Video moves it into Photos.
Do I need an Instagram account to download a video?
No. The downloader works with public posts and never asks you to log in to Instagram.
Why won’t my Instagram video download?
The most common reasons are a private account, a link copied from the wrong place or a post that was deleted. Make sure the post is public and copy the link from the video itself.