How to Download Instagram Reels on iPhone and Android
On this page
Reels are the most-saved content on Instagram: recipes you want to cook later, workouts, tutorials, songs you can’t stop replaying. But tapping the bookmark only saves a reel inside Instagram. If the creator deletes it, it’s gone. This guide shows how to download Instagram reels to your iPhone or Android phone as real video files, in HD and with the original sound.
The fastest way on any phone
- In Instagram, open the reel and tap the Share icon (paper plane).
- Tap Copy link.
- Open the Instagram reels downloader in Safari or Chrome.
- Paste the link and tap Download.
- Tap Save to phone. On iPhone, choose Save Video in the share menu.
The reel is now in your gallery, with no watermark added and no Instagram login needed.
How to download Instagram reels on iPhone
iPhones need one extra tap, because Safari asks where to put the file.
- Copy the reel link from Instagram (Share → Copy link).
- Open Safari and go to the reels downloader. Use Safari or Chrome, not the browser inside Instagram.
- Paste the link and tap Download.
- Tap Save to phone. The share menu opens.
- Tap Save Video. The reel appears in the Photos app, in Recents.
If you don’t see Save Video, scroll the share menu or tap Save to Files. Files saved that way are in the Files app under Downloads, and you can move them into Photos from there.
How to download Instagram reels on Android
On Android the reel saves straight to your phone, with no extra menu.
- Copy the reel link in Instagram.
- Open Chrome and go to the Instagram reels downloader.
- Paste the link and tap Download.
- Tap Save to phone. The button turns to Saved when it’s done.
Find the reel in your Download folder. In Google Photos it’s under Collections → On this device → Download; in Samsung or Xiaomi Gallery, open Albums → Download. If Chrome asks whether to allow the download, tap Allow.
Using Instagram's built-in Download button
Many public reels now have a native download option:
- Open the reel and tap Share.
- Scroll the bottom row and tap Download.
It’s handy, but limited. The creator has to allow downloads, it only works for public accounts, the file includes an Instagram watermark with the creator’s username, and some reels with licensed music don’t offer it. When the button is missing, the reels downloader still works.
How to download your own reels
- Before you post: tap the download arrow on the editing screen to save the finished reel, with your edits and music.
- After you post: open the reel, tap the three dots and choose Download or Save to device.
- Every reel automatically: go to Settings and activity → Archiving and downloading and turn on saving posted videos to your phone.
Lost the original? Paste your reel’s link into the downloader to get a clean HD copy without the watermark.
Download reels with sound, or just the sound
A downloaded reel always includes its audio. If you only want the song or voiceover, use the Instagram audio downloader to save it as an MP3. That’s useful for ringtones, editing, or finding a song you can’t identify.
Reel quality: what to expect
| What you see | What you get |
|---|---|
| Reel posted in HD | 1080 × 1920 (1080p), the best Instagram stores |
| Reel posted in lower quality | The same quality it was uploaded in |
| Reel with music | Video with the music included |
| Reel with multiple clips | One finished video, as people watch it |
A downloader can’t make a reel sharper than the creator uploaded it. If a reel looks blurry in the app, the download will too.
Reel won't download? Try this
- “Private account” message: only approved followers can see private reels, so no downloader can save them.
- Nothing happens when you tap Download: you’re probably inside Instagram’s in-app browser. Open the link in Safari or Chrome instead.
- Wrong link: copy it again from Share → Copy link. A profile link won’t work, you need the reel link.
- Reel was removed: if it doesn’t play when you’re logged out of Instagram, it can’t be downloaded.
Can I repost a downloaded reel?
Saving a reel to watch later is personal use. Reposting is different: the reel belongs to its creator, so ask first and credit them clearly. Instagram’s own Remix and share-to-story features are the safest ways to reuse someone’s reel.
Frequently asked questions
Is it free to download Instagram reels?
Yes. TapDL is free, with no sign-up and no limit on normal use.
Do downloaded reels have a watermark?
Reels saved with Instagram’s own Download button include a watermark. Reels saved with TapDL don’t get any watermark added; you get the video as Instagram stores it.
Can I download reels without an account?
Yes. You don’t need to log in to Instagram or to TapDL. You only need the reel’s link.
Why does the reel save to Files instead of Photos on my iPhone?
You probably tapped Save to Files. Next time, choose Save Video in the share menu. You can also open the Files app, find the reel in Downloads and share it to Photos.
Can I download a whole reel playlist or profile at once?
You download reels one link at a time. If a post holds several clips, they all show up together and you can tap Download all.
Will the creator know I downloaded their reel?
No. Instagram doesn’t tell creators when someone downloads a public reel.
