Since launching in 2020, Instagram Reels have quickly become one of the platform’s most engaging and widely consumed content formats. Thanks to Instagram’s algorithm, which prioritizes video, Reels often receive greater reach than traditional image posts—making them a valuable tool for both brands and creators.

If you’ve ever wanted to save a Reel for inspiration, future content planning, or repurposing on another platform, you might’ve noticed there’s no direct download option. But don’t worry—there are several easy workarounds. Read on to learn how to download Reels from other users to your device.

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Is downloading Instagram Reels an option?

Absolutely, you can indeed save Instagram Reels!

It’s simple to retrieve your own Reels directly from your profile to your phone (we’ll guide you through the steps shortly).

However, if you’re eyeing content from another person’s Instagram page, you may need a clever solution. While Instagram didn’t originally allow downloading Reels from other public profiles using its built-in features, they’ve recently rolled out this capability for U.S.-based users.

For those outside the U.S. or without access to this update, don’t worry — there are straightforward methods to bypass this restriction and download Reels effortlessly!

How to Download Instagram Reels: 5 Proven Methods

1. Download Reels Directly from the Instagram App

To save a Reel straight from Instagram, simply find the one you want, then tap the share icon.

Look for the download option in the menu, and the Reel will be saved to your device.

That’s it — your Instagram Reel is now on your phone. Super simple, isn’t it?

2. Download Instagram Reels on iOS

To get Reels onto your iPhone, search for Story Saver in the App Store and pick from the variety of options available, or opt for apps like InSaver or InstaDown. If video quality matters to you, note that some apps provide higher-resolution downloads than others.

After installing your chosen app, open it, then head back to Instagram and find the Reel you want. Tap the share icon, select "Copy link," and switch to your downloading app. Paste the link there, and the Reel will save directly to your Photos app.

3. Download Instagram Reels on Android

To download Reels onto your Android device, you can rely on third-party tools. Head to the Play Store and search for apps like Video Downloader, Reels Saver, or Story Saver — you’ll find many trustworthy choices that support Reels and other post types too. Once you’ve installed your preferred app, launch it.

Next, find the Reel you want, tap the share icon, and select "Copy link" from the options. Switch back to the downloader app, paste the link, and hit the Save or Download button (depending on the app) to store the Reel on your device.

4. Download Instagram Reels with Screen Recording

You can save a Reel without extra apps by using your phone’s built-in screen recording tool. On Android or iOS, swipe down from the top of your screen to access it.

If it’s not immediately visible on an iPhone, ensure it’s activated (go to Settings, then Control Center, check Included Controls, and add Screen Recording if needed).

With the feature ready, open Instagram and navigate to the Reel you want. Start recording, then play the Reel.

When finished, the video will appear on your camera roll or photos app, depending on your device.

You might notice a bit of extra footage before and after the Reel, but you can trim it out using a basic video editor. Open the video, select edit, and slide the trim bars at the bottom to keep only the desired section. For more advanced editing, consider an app like InShot.

5. Download Instagram Reels with Online Tools

To download Instagram Reels from your computer, try a web-based option like 9Downloader. If you find it convenient, it works just as well as a phone app (on Android or iOS) or directly in your mobile browser.

With 9Downloader, the process mirrors the apps mentioned earlier — simply paste the copied Reel link and download the video. 9Downloader also helps save Instagram Reels without a logo or watermark, giving you clean, high-quality files ready to use.

Maximize Your Downloaded Instagram Reels

Your Reels are creative gems that deserve a wide audience, so repurposing them should be a key part of your content or marketing plan. This approach saves time, enhances SEO, and ensures a consistent brand presence that captivates followers.

Most importantly, the time you reclaim can fuel fresh ideas. Since video production often demands more effort, repurposing lets you prioritize quality and leverage that polish across various platforms, ultimately elevating your content game.

There are countless ways to repurpose, but here’s how to break them down:

• Share the full video or a clip as a Facebook Reel or YouTube Short.

• Pull out a single component, like a still image for a static post or an audio bite for a podcast.

• Embed the Reel into longer formats, such as a blog article or newsletter.

Using Reels-focused tools can streamline your workflow, cut down on tedious tasks, and level up your output. For instance, SO9 allows you to schedule Facebook Reels and manage posts across major platforms (TikTok, Twitter, Google My Business, YouTube, Pinterest, Threads, and, of course, Facebook and Instagram), keeping your strategy efficient and effective.

Tips for better Reel management with SO9

Your downloaded Instagram Reels can be maximized effectively with SO9, a user-friendly social media management tool tailored for agencies and creators. Here’s how:

• Effortless Scheduling: Plan and post your Reels across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and more, all from SO9’s simple interface.

• Performance Insights: Analyze how your Reels perform with SO9’s clear analytics, helping you tweak content for better engagement.

• Repurposing Made Easy: Use your watermark-free downloaded Reels to create new posts, stories, or snippets for other channels, all manageable within SO9.

• Time-Saving Automation: Automate posting and sharing tasks, letting SO9 handle the grunt work while you focus on creativity.

SO9 turns your Reels into a powerful asset, streamlining your workflow and amplifying your reach.

>> Read more: 6 Must-Have Instagram Analytics Tools to Boost Your Growth in 2025

Conclusion

Downloading and managing Instagram Reels doesn’t have to be a hassle — with the right tools and strategies, it can become a game-changer for your content creation. Whether you’re saving Reels directly from Instagram, using third-party apps, or leveraging online platforms like 9Downloader, you’ve got plenty of options to build a versatile library of videos. Pair that with SO9’s powerful management features — from scheduling and analytics to repurposing and automation — and you’ll transform your Reels into a consistent, high-impact part of your brand. Start exploring these methods today, and watch your social media presence grow stronger and smarter in 2025!