How to Download Instagram Reels Directly on Android and iOS Without Any Third-Party Apps

Meta, Instagram’s parent company, has reported a global surge in the popularity of Reels, which are easily accessible on both Facebook and Instagram. However, sharing or viewing Reels outside these platforms can be challenging despite their straightforward accessibility within the apps.

Fortunately, you don’t need third-party apps to download Reels videos from Instagram. The platform now features a convenient Save button for this purpose. This guide will walk you through downloading Reels videos directly to your device. For detailed instructions on saving Instagram Reels without additional apps, keep reading.

How To Download Instagram Reels Without Using Any App on Android and iOS?

Saving Instagram Reels on your Android or iOS device is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps to download Reels directly to your mobile device:

• Select the Reel: Choose the Reel video you want to save from Instagram.
• Add to Your Story: Tap the “Add to Your Story” button, then click the share icon.
• Adjust the Reel: The Reels video will appear in your story section. You can resize it here—keep it at the default size for a short-sized reel with the story background, or use two fingers to zoom in for a full-story size.
• Save the Video: After adjusting the size to your preference, tap the three dots and select “Save.”
• Access the Saved Reel: After saving, the video, including its audio, will automatically be stored on your device. You can find and watch the saved Reels video in your device’s gallery.

Bookmarking Instagram Reels

If you’d instead bookmark Instagram Reels for future reference instead of saving them to your phone’s storage, you can use Instagram’s Bookmark feature. Here’s how:

• Open Instagram: Launch the Instagram app on your mobile device.
• Find the Reels Video: Locate and open the Reels video you want to bookmark.
• Access the Options Menu: Tap the ‘three-dot’ icon, usually found at the bottom-right or top-right corner of the video.
• Save the Reels: Select the ‘Save’ option from the menu that appears. This action will bookmark the Reels video and add it to your Saved collection on Instagram.
• View Your Saved Reels: Go to your Instagram profile by tapping the profile icon at the bottom-right of the screen to access your saved Reels. Then, tap the ‘hamburger menu’ icon (three horizontal lines) at the top-right corner of the profile page.
• Navigate to Saved: Choose ‘Saved’ from the menu. Here, you’ll find all the Reel videos you’ve bookmarked. Tap on any video to view it.

Tips for Downloading Instagram Reels

• Ensure You Have Permission: Always obtain permission from the content creator before downloading and sharing their Reels. Respect copyright and intellectual property rights.
• Check for Updates: Instagram frequently updates its app, and the ability to download Reels may change over time. Keep your app updated to ensure you have access to the latest features.
• Use Secure Methods: Avoid using third-party apps or websites that promise to download Instagram Reels, as they can pose security risks to your device and personal information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I download Instagram Reels directly to my device’s gallery?

Instagram does not provide a native option to download Reels directly to your device’s gallery. However, you can save Reels within the app or use the Instagram web version to save videos to your device’s storage.

Why can’t I find an option to download Reels directly on Instagram?

Instagram does not provide a direct download option for Reels within its app to protect user content and respect copyright laws. The app only allows you to save Reels within the app itself.

Are there any risks associated with using third-party apps to download Instagram Reels?

Using third-party apps or websites to download Instagram Reels can pose security risks, including malware and phishing attacks. It is safer to use Instagram’s built-in features or the web version to download content.

Can I download Reels from Instagram if the video is private?

If a private account posts a Reel and you are not a follower, you won’t be able to download it. You need to follow the account and have permission to view the content and use any of the methods mentioned.

How can I ensure I’m respecting copyright when downloading Reels?

Always obtain permission from the content creator before downloading and sharing their Reels. Respecting copyright and intellectual property rights is crucial to avoid legal issues and support creators.

What should I do if I encounter issues while saving Reels using the web version?

If you experience issues, try refreshing the web page, using a different browser, or checking your internet connection. Ensure that your browser settings allow video downloads and that your device has sufficient storage space.

Conclusion

Downloading Instagram Reels directly to your Android or iOS device without relying on third-party apps can be straightforward when utilizing the tools available within Instagram and through its web version. While Instagram does not offer a direct download feature for Reels, you can effectively save and access your favorite Reels using the app’s save functionality or downloading them through a web browser.

For Android users, saving Reels within the app is a handy way to keep track of content you enjoy, while using the Instagram web version allows for a more direct download to your device’s storage. iOS users can follow a similar approach, using the app to save Reels for easy access or downloading them via a web browser.