How to Download Videos from Instagram

Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to note that downloading copyrighted videos from Instagram without the owner’s permission may violate copyright laws. Always ensure you have the creator’s consent before saving or reposting their content.

If you’re looking to share someone else’s video on your own feed, giving credit isn’t just polite—it’s essential. Contact the original poster beforehand and ask for their approval. Not only is this a good habit to develop, but it also protects you from potential copyright infringement. Most creators appreciate the recognition and will likely be flattered that you find their work worth sharing. For more clarity, you can review Instagram’s copyright policy anytime.

One of the easiest ways to download Instagram Reels and videos is by using a free online tool that allows you to save content directly to your device—quickly and hassle-free.

How to Download Instagram Videos to Your Desktop

You can manually download Instagram videos using any web browser on your desktop. This method involves checking the source code of the video’s page to extract the download link. Don’t worry—it’s easier than it sounds.

Here’s how to do it:

Open the Instagram video in a new browser tab.
Right-click anywhere on the page and select Inspect or View Page Source, depending on your browser.
Press Ctrl + F (or Cmd + F on Mac) to bring up the search bar and type in .mp4.
Look for a URL that starts with src= and ends in .mp4. This is the direct link to the video.
Copy and paste the link into a new browser tab. Once the video loads, right-click on it and choose Save Video As…
Save the video to your desired folder on your computer.

You now have the video saved offline and ready to watch or share later—with proper permissions, of course.

How to Download Instagram Videos to Your Mobile Device

If you’re using an Android phone, you’re in luck—Instagram videos you watch are often cached on your device, making it possible to retrieve them afterward.

Steps for Android Users:

Play the full video in your browser or Instagram app (only the viewed portion will be saved).
Open your phone’s File Manager.
Navigate to: Android > Data > com.instagram.android > Cache > Videos.
Look for files with a .clean extension, which are cached video files.
Rename the file extension to .mp4 or simply open it using a video player app.

Once renamed, you’ll be able to watch the video offline anytime. Just be sure not to clear your cache if you want to keep the video accessible.

By following these steps, you can easily download videos and reels from Instagram to enjoy later or share—with credit and permission. Whether you’re backing up your favorite content or preparing something for offline use, tools like manual methods and online downloaders can make the process simple and efficient.