Want to save your favorite Instagram videos so you can watch them offline later? Whether you're on a PC, Mac, iPhone, or Android device, there are several straightforward ways to do it — many without installing a single extra app. Here's everything you need to know.
Do You Need an App to Download Instagram Videos?
Not necessarily. While Instagram itself requires an internet connection for browsing, posting, and interacting with content, you don't need third-party software to keep a copy of a video for offline viewing. Below are two no-app methods you can try right now.
Method 1: Save It as Your Own Story
This trick uses Instagram's built-in sharing tools to get a video onto your device:
- Find the video you want and tap the paper-airplane (share) icon.
- Choose "Add to your story."
- Resize the clip so it fills the screen with no background bars, then tap the three-dot menu and select "Save."
- Make any final edits you like before saving it to your device.
Method 2: Copy the Link and Use a Download Site
- Open the video you want to save on Instagram.
- Tap the three dots in the corner and choose "Copy link."
- In your browser, go to a video-download website such as SaveFromInsta.
- Paste the copied link into the site's search bar and hit "Download".
Downloading Instagram Videos on iPhone and Android
The two methods above work on mobile too, but phone users have another handy option: shortcuts.
On iPhone:
- Install the Shortcuts app from the App Store.
- Find your video in Instagram, tap Share, then Copy link.
- Open Shortcuts and run an "Instagram Video Downloader" shortcut you've added.
- The video saves automatically to your camera roll.
On Android:
- Install a Shortcuts-style app from Google Play.
- Copy the video's link from Instagram the same way.
- Run your saved Instagram downloader shortcut.
- The clip lands in your photo gallery.
Free Apps Worth Knowing About
If you'd rather use a dedicated app, a few popular free options include:
- Reposter for Instagram (iPhone) / Repost for Instagram (Android)
- Video Downloader for Instagram (Android)
- Save-From-Insta.com (browser-based, for desktop use)
Downloading Instagram Videos on PC or Mac
To grab a video on desktop, you'll need to be logged into your Instagram account first. From there:
- Locate the video and copy its URL.
- Visit a downloader tool such as SaveFromInsta.
- Paste the URL into the tool's input field.
- Click Download.
A Few Safety Tips
Third-party download tools vary widely in quality and trustworthiness, so it's worth taking some precautions:
- Stick to well-known, reputable sites and apps.
- Check user reviews before downloading anything.
- Confirm a tool is legitimate before entering any information.
- Keep your apps and browser up to date.
- Avoid handing over personal details you don't need to share.
A Quick Note on Copyright
Before saving and reusing someone else's Instagram video, remember that the original creator still owns the rights to it. Downloading for personal, offline viewing is generally fine, but re-posting or using someone else's content commercially without permission can raise copyright issues — so when in doubt, ask first or stick to your own content.