You can download Instagram Reels now

If TikTok has it then Instagram shall, too. And I've always said that.
 By 
Christianna Silva
 on 
The Instagram logo
Instagram Reels, now on your camera roll. Credit: Mashable illustration / Bob Al-Greene

If TikTok has a feature, you can be certain Instagram Reels will also eventually have that exact same feature.

On Tuesday, Instagram head Adam Mosseri said on his Instagram broadcast channel that users can finally download public Reels so they can more easily share them outside the app, TechCrunch first reported. You've been able to do this on TikTok for years, revolutionizing the way you send videos to people — hi mom — who don't have the app. It's also really helpful when crossposting, like if you want to post a TikTok video to your Twitter or Instagram Story.

How to download an Instagram reel

It's pretty simple to do.


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Total Time
  • 30 seconds
What You Need
  • Instagram app

Step 1: Open a Reel you want to save

Step 2: Tap the Share icon on the bottom right

Step 3: Select "Download" at the bottom, and the video will save to your camera roll

You'll need to update your Instagram app if these options aren't showing up just yet.

When you download a video from TikTok, it comes with a watermark, which is likely going to be similar for downloaded Instagram Reels. If you'd like to download your own Reels, you can do that without a watermark from your drafts — but the audio might not always download along with it, depending on copyright laws for that specific audio.

"In the U.S., we're rolling out the ability to download reels shared by public accounts to your camera roll," Mosseri wrote, according to a screenshot from Engadget. "Worth mentioning, Reels shared by private accounts can't be downloaded and public accounts can turn off the ability for people to download their reels in Account Settings."

Of course, that doesn't mean your private reels are completely private — there is nothing blocking users from screen recording on the app.

Topics Instagram

Mashable Image
Christianna Silva
Senior Culture Reporter

Christianna Silva is a senior culture reporter covering social platforms and the creator economy, with a focus on the intersection of social media, politics, and the economic systems that govern us. Since joining Mashable in 2021, they have reported extensively on meme creators, content moderation, and the nature of online creation under capitalism.

Before joining Mashable, they worked as an editor at NPR and MTV News, a reporter at Teen Vogue and VICE News, and as a stablehand at a mini-horse farm. You can follow her on Bluesky @christiannaj.bsky.social and Instagram @christianna_j.

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