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How to Save Videos from Instagram: The Ultimate Guide for 2025

Posted on 3rd Aug, 2025.

TL;DR (The Short Version)

Instagram doesn't let you directly save videos, posts, or stories.
There are methods of saving Instagram content, such as screenshotting, screen recording, Saving to your profile, or using apps and websites.
Read on for more tips!

Instagram is packed with moments worth keeping. No matter whether it’s a hilarious reel, a jaw-dropping travel clip, or your mate’s genius story post that disappears in 24 hours, we’ve all wished there was an easy way to save videos from Instagram. The platform may be brilliant for content, but it’s not exactly generous when it comes to letting users download anything directly, unlike TikTok where you can save videos easily.

Good news: with the right tools and a little know-how, you can save Instagram videos safely and easily. This guide walks you through the best methods, covers dos and don’ts, and helps you avoid common mistakes without breaking any rules (or your phone). Let’s dive in.

Why Save Instagram Videos?

Before we get technical, let’s quickly touch on why so many people want to save Instagram videos in the first place:

Offline viewing: Perfect for long train journeys, flights, or dodgy Wi-Fi zones.
Inspiration and reference: Content creators often save viral Instagram clips to study editing styles, trends, or captions.
Archiving memories: Stories and posts disappear, but saving them keeps memories intact.
Sharing elsewhere: Sometimes you just want to send a great reel to your group chat without the link.

But how do you do it? Let’s explore the top options.

Method 1: Save Videos to Your Instagram Collections (Built-In Option)

Instagram offers a native way to “save” posts, but it doesn’t download them to your device. Instead, it bookmarks them for later viewing inside the app.

How to do it:

Tap the bookmark icon (bottom right of any post).
To access saved posts, go to your profile > Menu (top right) > Saved.

Use this for quick access to favourite content, but keep reading for methods that actually save videos to your phone or computer.

Method 2: Use an Instagram Video Downloader Website

If you want to physically save a video file, downloader sites are your best bet. These tools allow you to copy the video’s URL and download it directly.

Popular choices:

SaveInsta
iGram World
SnapInsta
Inflact

How to use them:

Copy the video URL from Instagram. (Tap the three dots > Link.)
Paste the URL into the downloader website.
Hit download and choose the format or resolution.

You can also use mobile apps for iOS or Android, such as Video Downloader & Editor on Android or Insaver for iOS.

Method 3: Screen Recording (Last Resort, but It Works)

Can’t get a link to work or trying to save from Stories or DMs? Screen recording is your fallback option.

On iPhone:

Swipe down to open the Control Centre.
Tap the screen record button.
Watch the video full-screen, it’ll be saved to your camera roll.

On Android:

Many phones have a built-in screen recorder in the quick settings panel. If not, download one like AZ Screen Recorder from Google Play.

You can also record using a secondary screen, such as using your phone to record your desktop, but this won't give good quality. When it comes to Instagram Stories, you can simply screenshot them.

Legal & Ethical Things to Know

Instagram’s terms of service prohibit the unauthorised redistribution of content. Basically, don’t steal someone’s content, repost it without permission, or use it commercially.

If you’re saving for personal use, study, or offline viewing, that’s usually fine. But if you’re planning to repost or edit it, ask the creator first or stick to royalty-free content.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I download posts from Instagram?

While Instagram doesn’t allow you to download posts directly to your device, there are a few easy workarounds:

Use a downloader website. Copy the post’s link, paste it into a free Instagram downloader site (like SaveInsta or iGram), and download the image or video directly.
Try a third-party app. If you're on mobile, there are apps that let you download Instagram posts with just a link.
Screenshot (for images only). For quick saves, a simple screenshot will do, just crop out the interface.

Why can't I save photos from Instagram?

Instagram doesn’t offer a built-in option to download photos directly from posts. This is largely due to copyright and privacy reasons. The platform aims to protect creators' content from being misused or redistributed without consent.

Can I save my own Instagram content, like Stories or Reels?

Yes, absolutely, and you should! Instagram lets you save your own content before or after posting.

Here’s how:

Stories:

Before posting: tap the download icon (downward arrow) to save to your phone.
After posting: go to your Story, tap the three dots, then select “Save” or “Save Story.”

Reels:

On the editing screen before sharing, tap “Save to device.”
After posting, open the Reel > three dots > “Save to camera roll.”

Posts (Photos/Videos):

Instagram doesn't auto-save them, so either save before posting or download it later using the shareable link and a downloader tool.

Saving Insta content doesn't have to be complicated! Simply save to your profile, or use an external downloader to save to your device.