How To Download Instagram Reels On Your Phone: Here Are 4 Top Ways You Can Repurpose Posts

Android devices often come with a built-in screen recorder that can capture Reels directly from your screen while playing them on Instagram.

To save your own Reels on Instagram, navigate to the video you want to download, tap the three-dot icon, and select "Save."

Source : Alexander Shatov/Unsplash

Instagram users often look for ways to share their Reels content across various social media platforms, but downloading these videos can present challenges. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to save Instagram Reels on both Android and iOS devices, along with creative methods for repurposing them.

Downloading Reels: Limitations You Should Keep In Mind

While Instagram allows users to download their own Reels, the downloaded version does not retain the original audio. Additionally, Instagram does not offer a direct way to download Reels shared by other users. To get around these restrictions, users can turn to screen recording or third-party apps to download the videos with sound.

How To Download Reels

Using the Instagram App

To save your own Reels on Instagram, navigate to the video you want to download, tap the three-dot icon, and select "Save." Your saved Reels will appear in the “Saved” folder in your account settings.

However, downloading Reels from other users requires additional steps. You must use external methods like third-party apps or screen recording, as Instagram’s features do not support direct downloads from other profiles.

For Android Users

To download Reels on an Android device, consider using apps like "Video Downloader for Instagram." Available on the Google Play Store, this app allows you to copy the Reel's link and paste it into the app to download directly to your phone’s gallery. 

Alternatively, Android devices often come with a built-in screen recorder that can capture Reels directly from your screen while playing them on Instagram.

For iPhone Users

iPhone users can download Reels using apps like "InSaver: Repost for Instagram." After setting up the app and giving it necessary permissions, you can copy the link of the desired Reel from Instagram and paste it into InSaver to download it to your device.

If you prefer not to use third-party apps, screen recording is also an option. You can enable the screen recording function through your iPhone's Control Center, start the recording while the Reel is playing, and save the video directly to your Photos app.

Using Online Tools

Kapwing is an online video editing tool that also allows users to download videos. To use Kapwing, copy the Reel’s link from Instagram, sign in to Kapwing, and paste the link to start a new project. You can edit the video as needed, and once you're done, tap "Export Video" and download the Reel without a watermark.

To download Reels without watermarks, use third-party websites or apps specifically designed for this purpose. Another effective way is to use a high-quality screen recording app to capture the video directly from Instagram. Remember to check if the Reel comes from a public account, as videos from private profiles cannot be downloaded.

After downloading your Reels, you can creatively repurpose them to engage your audience across multiple platforms. Edit the videos to fit the format of the platform you plan to post on, add new captions or music, or combine them with other clips to create fresh content. By diversifying your content’s reach, you can maintain a consistent presence and engage with your audience in new ways.

Downloading Instagram Reels can be tricky due to certain restrictions, but using these methods—third-party apps, screen recording, and online tools—makes it possible to save and repurpose your content for wider sharing.