About


How to Save Instagram Reels to Camera Roll

  Karen
Search 1000s of TikTok & IG influencers at Hypetrace

Did you just record an awesome Instagram video, upload it as a Reel, and now want to download reels to your phone?

This happens all the time! It might as well happen that you found a pretty funny Reels video, and want to show it to other users outside Instagram.

Is there a way to get this video saved directly into your device’s local storage? You are about to find out.

In today’s blog post, we will be talking about saving reels on this photos app. Read further to get in-detail data about the following matters:

  • How to save Instagram Reels to camera roll;
  • Best ways of looking for the Reel you want to download;
  • Is it possible to download video Reels uploaded by someone else?
Quick answer You can save your own Reels by selecting the Reel you want to save and tapping “Save to Camera Roll” from the three-dot menu. However, you cannot directly download Reels posted by others.

What is an Instagram Reel?

Instagram Reels are a relatively new feature that Instagram launched in order to compete against TikTok.

Unlike IGTV videos and other types of Instagram Videos, users can post short-form content through Reels on the Instagram App.

Android, iPhone, and iPad users can have access to the Reels feature through their Instagram camera.

Short videos, called Instagram Reels, are actually meant to show a whole new universe of possibilities by following the latest trends on the Internet.

Read Also: Nothing is perfect, not even Instagram Reels. If you can’t open Instagram Reels, perhaps you need to Clear Instagram Cache.

If this answer is too vague for you, check out our Instagram Reels Not Working guide so you can get rid of these issues in the blink of an eye.

Can You Actually Download Instagram Reels?

Yes, and no. It works like this:

  • You can save your own Reels indeed. You just need to follow a couple of steps, and your saved Reels will go directly into your phone gallery. You cannot get it automatically saved, though - it’s imperative to do so manually;
  • You cannot directly download videos or Reels that are posted by someone else. There isn’t a download button or a feature to get a saved Reel posted by another Instagramer;
  • The “Bookmark Icon” saves Reels of other users indeed, but they are not saved in your phone’s gallery. Instead, they save video on the Instagram app Bookmarks, and can therefore be checked from this option and nowhere else.

Pro Tip: Do you need to post an old Instagram Story? Luckily for you, Instagram saves stories in a specific folder.

Remember that desktop users cannot post stories. Check out more info about this topic here: How to Repost Instagram Story.

How to Save Instagram Reels to Camera Roll

The methods we are about to show you work both for Android users and iOS users.

You can record Reels from both Operating Systems, and if you want to download reels to your local storage, it will work similarly.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at your best options to download Instagram Reels in no time.

Pro Tip: Instagram Stories are now more relevant than ever before. It might happen that your profile’s stories are not arranged in the way you like.

Worry not - you can Rearrange Your Instagram Story Highlights by checking out the steps we show you in our related guide.

1. Save Instagram Reel that You have Posted

Let’s say that you want to save your own Reel to your mobile device.

In this case, follow these steps - it works in the exact same way for an Android phone or an iOS device.

Step 1: Open Instagram and Go to Your Instagram Account Page

Firstly, open the Instagram app, and tap on your profile icon at the bottom right corner of the screen. This will take you directly to your profile page.

Step 2: Select the Reel You Wish to Save

Then, look for the concerned Instagram Reel you want to download. Tap on the selected Instagram Reel, and proceed with the final step.

Step 3: Tap on “Save Reel to Camera Roll”

You will find a three dots icon. It might appear at the upper right corner of the screen, or at the bottom right - it depends on the Instagram version you use on your iOS or Android device.

Then, an option that says “Save to Camera Roll” will appear. The downloaded Reel will later appear on your iOS or Android device’s local storage.

It is not necessary to set up something after the recording begins - you can start downloading the video as soon as you post it. Really easy!

2. Save Reels of Other Persons to Camera Roll

Instagram does not let you download Instagram Reels posted by other individuals. So, what do we do here?

Method 1: Use an External Website

The first method consists of using a user-friendly website, such as GramSaver, so you can save Reels easily.

You can either open these types of websites from your computer or mobile device.

In any case, they will ask you to paste the video URL in order to download it.

If you spotted people posting Reels that you want to download, look for the Reel, tap on the three dots, and copy the URL.

This copied URL needs to be pasted on the previously mentioned website, and tap you must tap on “Save Video.”

The Reel will download to your storage space, whether you did so from your PC or phone.

Method 2: Use Third-Party Apps for Android and iOS

You might as well use a third-party app to download a video Reel, but do this only at your own risk.

There are plenty of Android video downloaders - just look them up in the Google Play store, and you will probably find a video downloader that fits your needs.

The problem appears when trying to find a video downloader for iOS phones, but platforms such as inSaver are indeed a lifesaver for this purpose.

The process of using these third-party apps for downloading videos consists of sharing the Reel from Instagram to the downloaded app.

Then, a download screen will appear - tap on “Save,” and enjoy your recently downloaded Instagram Reel.

Method 3: Use Native Screen Recorder App

Nowadays, all phones come with a screen recorder.

You don’t need to use third-party screen recorder apps anymore! Although screen recording apps still exist, we recommend you do the following:

  • On Android, look for the Reel you want to record, and swipe down the Android control center. Then, select “Screen Recording,” and screen record reels!;
  • The process is almost exactly the same on the iPhone. Go to the quick use control center by swiping it down, look for the Reel, start screen recording, and save the record.

Although this isn’t the best option because quality might get compromised, it will surely work.

That’s how you download Reels! For more Instagram insights, you know that going to GrowFollowing is always your best bet.

FAQ

Can I Save Instagram Reels Directly on the App?

Only if we talk about your own video Reel. If you need to save a Reel posted by someone else, you can save it and check it from your bookmarks, but saving it to your gallery is not directly possible.



About the author
Karen
Karen

Karen is a senior technical writer and copywriter here at GrowFollowing. Her area of expertize are social media apps and new media.