How to download Instagram Reels to your phone

Instagram Reels are perhaps the most popularly consumed audio-visual content the world over. Each of us at some point, has been guilty of scrolling through them, for hours on our couch. However, say you liked a reel and wanted to save it for offline viewing later. Unfortunately, Instagram never let users do so. Until now. 

After initially announcing that the feature was being tested in June 2023, Instagram head Adam Mosseri has announced that the feature is now officially available to users worldwide. Users can now download Reels from public accounts to their smartphones quickly and easily, and not to mention, free of cost.  

How to download Instagram Reels to your device

1. Choose the Reel that you’d like to download. Ensure that the same has been shared on a public account.  

2. Tap on the “share” icon on the side. 

3. Find the option that says “Download,” and tap on it.  

4. That’s it, the Reel should get downloaded to your gallery, for offline viewing anytime you like. 

What Instagram Reels can you download?

Bear in mind, there are a few limitations to the new feature. For starters, one can only download Reels from public Instagram accounts. Moreover, even when a public account posts a new Reel, the user will have the option to choose whether they want to allow viewers to download their Reels. This is to ensure none of their Reels are misused or used for commercial purposes without prior consent. Another feature to ensure unauthorised use of the Reel is also that each downloaded Reel will include a watermark of the creators’ Instagram handle on it.  

ALSO READ: How Food Shorts and Reels are changing the way we eat, cook and shop

Now, we’ve already gone over how to download a Reel. However, what if you happen to be a creator and are looking to understand how to allow, or not allow people to download your Reels? Well, we’ve got you covered.  

How to allow or not allow viewers to download Reels

1. Record and edit your Reel and tap “Next” on the bottom right.  

2. Tap on “More options” at the bottom. 

3. Scroll down and tap on “Advanced settings.”  

4. Find the option to allow or not allow people to download your Reels and toggle the switch on or off for the same.  

5. Another pop-up will also ask you whether you’d like to turn downloading on or off for just one Reel in particular, or all Reels on your account. Select the option of your choice, and head back to your Reel. And that’s it, you’re all set. 

Now, if you’ve already shared a Reel and made it available for download, but due to certain reasons, are looking to turn off downloads on it, what do you do? In this case, all you have to do is tap on the profile icon or your profile picture in the bottom right, and head to the Reel you’d like to manage. Tap on “Manage Reel,” and then tap on the “Turn off downloading” option, and you’re done. 

While the feature has been released globally, for both – Android as well as iOS devices, it is being rolled out in a phased manner, and it may be a few days before you actually see the feature on your devices.