Instagram Reels: Know How to Download Reels Without Using Third-Party Apps

Meta launched Reels on Instagram back in 2020 as a response to the popular short video app TikTok. Instagram Reels allows users to create videos up to 60 seconds long and they will appear on the Instagram Explore page. These TikTok-inspired short videos have become Meta’s fastest-growing content format to date and allow creators to earn advertising revenue. The photo and video sharing platform now allows users to download Reels posted by others via Stories to watch later or share with friends outside the app. Learn how to download Instagram Reels on Android or iPhone.

Users can access downloaded Reels from their camera roll. Downloaded videos do not have the Instagram watermark and display the account username.

Currently, only Reels shared by public accounts can be downloaded. If Reels are shared from a private Instagram account, they cannot be downloaded. Additionally, users with public accounts can turn off the ability to download Reels in the app settings.

Meanwhile, Instagram head Adam Mosseri announced in June that US users would be able to download Reels shared by public accounts on their camera rolls. Previously, users could share Reels directly on their public accounts in Stories or through chat. This can be done by clicking on the share icon and then selecting the download option. In the image shared by Mosseri, a “Download” option can be seen in the bottom menu along with “Add to Story,” “Share,” and “Copy Link.”