How to Download Instagram Videos: Save Your Favorite Content

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Karen Lin

Instagram 101 | Feb 15, 2024

Want More Real Instagram Followers?

As you may have noticed, videos quickly become the preferred way to share content on the Instagram app. Some even report that the platform no longer considers itself a photo-sharing platform. Instead, they focus more on videos and prioritize this in their algorithm.

With all the videos floating around, you may have wanted to save a few. From cooking recipes to family moments, it would be nice to have these easily accessible for reference later. Have you ever wondered how to download videos from Instagram? If so, you are in luck. As it turns out, saving IG videos on your phone or computer is possible. But you will need to get a little help to do so. There is no in-app way to save another user’s video content to your own devices. We have all the details on the help you need. From using Path Social’s own Instagram video downloader to options for Chrome, there is an easy method for everyone. Keep reading and get up-to-date on how to download videos from Instagram.

A woman learning how to download Instagram videos on her phone.

What Are Instagram Videos?

If sharing content as videos is new to you, don’t worry. After all, Instagram was originally only a picture-sharing platform. However, as mentioned above, videos have quickly become the preferred sharing method for many users. Before learning how to download Instagram videos, let’s take a step back and learn the basics.

So, just what exactly are Instagram videos? They are just as they sound – short videos users post and share on Instagram. There are a few different ways that people share IG videos.

The first method is through Instagram reels. These short, 15-90 second multi-clip videos let you add audio and other effects. You can create reels in a short series of separate clips or one continuous video stream. With a prime focus on content creation, they let users post engaging videos to share with a broad audience.

The next way to share IG videos is through stories. This feature was first launched in 2016 and quickly became a favorite way for users to share content. Stories offer an easy and instant way to post whatever is on your mind through photos and videos. The story format resembles a slideshow, appearing together in a sequence.

Someone learning how to download Instagram reels videos on their Android phone.

How to Download Instagram Videos That You Post

Downloading and saving your video content is quickly done directly from the Instagram app. We recommend doing this before you publish the video to your Instagram stories.

Are you wondering how to download Instagram videos you record through the app? We are here to help. To utilize the concept of the “built-in” Instagram video downloader for stories, follow the steps below.

  1. First, open your Instagram app. You might need to log into your account. Find your profile picture in the upper left corner. Then tap on the blue plus sign icon that overlaps your photo. 
  2. Next, capture your Instagram video content through the camera feature option.
  3. Now you can edit your content by adding text, emojis or stickers. You can even add music to your Instagram story.
  4. Finally, tap on the three-dot icon in the upper right-hand corner. Next, select the save/download icon. This will save Instagram videos directly to your camera roll or picture/video folder.

Now you are all caught up on how to save your own videos through the app. Let’s move along to using video downloaders for other people’s content.

A person recording an Instagram video on their phone.

How to Download Instagram Videos With Third-party Apps and Websites

Instagram does not offer a way to download Instagram video content from another user directly to your phone. There are hopes this will be a feature they introduce in the future. In the meantime, users have to look towards a third-party app or website if wondering how to download Instagram videos. As a side note, Instagram does not sponsor or endorse these apps. 

Third-party apps can help with many creative add-ons and download options. We recommend taking the time to do your research on any app or social media service before signing up. There may be unknown fees or other risk factors involved. It is best to understand what the service requires from you and your own account. This way, both your account and your content will always be safe. Here are a few popular video downloaders you can use.

Keyboard tiles spelling out the word download representing downloading videos and Instagram photos.

How to Download Instagram Videos With Path Social

Did you know that you can quickly and easily learn how to download Instagram videos through Path Social? That’s right. In addition to their social media growth services, Path Social saves your favorite content.

This feature is free to access on their website and is accessible from both your mobile device and computer. All you need to do is provide your email address. Rest assured that this downloader tool is safe and secure. Path Social does notify users when you download their video using their service.

To get going, copy and paste the link or source code of the Instagram video you wish to download. To do this:

  1. Tap the three dots icon in the top right-hand corner of the video.
  2. Select copy.
  3. Paste the link into Path Social’s Instagram downloader tool.

That’s all it takes. You can save Instagram videos directly to your phone or computer. You can access it whenever you please or re-post the video to your Instagram story.

 An iPad with various Instagram photo downloader apps displayed on the screen.

How to Download Instagram Videos With Video Downloader for Instagram

Next, let’s highlight Video Downloader for Instagram, another easy-to-use option. Unfortunately, this third-party app is only available for Android users through the Google Play store. However, this app has over 50 million downloads and boasts a user rating of 4.7. 

Regarding how to download Instagram videos, this option is highly user-friendly. To give it a try, download the app. Remember that Video Downloader for Instagram will ask you to log into your Instagram account through the app. Rest assured that your content and account are safe when doing this.After, you can select and download video content easily. Find the video you wish to download. Next, click on the three dots icon to instantly download the content. They even have the option to batch-download multiple videos at once. This service also allows you to download Instagram reels and content through IGTV.

Friends learning how to download Instagram videos.

How to Download Instagram Videos Without an App or Website

Perhaps you are a bit hesitant about using a third-party service. If so, you may be wondering how to download Instagram videos without an app. Is it possible? It can be – but you will need to get creative. The solution is to take a screen recording of the video. If you have never done this before, allow us to explain.

If you’re an iPhone user, open your Instagram app. Then swipe down from the top of the screen to open your phone’s control center. Select the double circle icon that indicates screen recording. From here, you will get a 3-second countdown before the recording starts. Next, click back into Instagram and view the entire video you wish to download. Don’t worry about returning to the same story in time, as you can edit the recorded clip later.

To stop recording, swipe down and tap the screen recording button again. The video will save to your camera roll, and you can easily edit the length. If you’re an Android user make sure you check if your device has screen recording capabilities. If so, the location may be in various places. 

There you go, an easy fix for how to download videos from Instagram without using any outside service.

A man researching how to download Instagram videos from his web browser.

How to Download Instagram Videos on Computer Browsers

Accessing Instagram through the app is perhaps the most popular way to use the social media platform. However, many people prefer to use the web-based version of Instagram instead. This allows them to view content on a bigger screen and gives them the ability to use a real keyboard.You may wonder about your downloading options if this is your preferred viewing device. Is it possible to learn how to download Instagram videos on a computer? The answer is yes and we’re here to help you figure it out. To do this, you must access a third-party website with a link option to copy and paste from Instagram. Once you figure it out for your browser, it’s a super easy task.

A laptop displaying the Google search screen that signifies searching for an online Instagram downloader.

How to Download Instagram Videos on Chrome

When it comes to web browsers, Google Chrome is a popular favorite. It was first released in 2008 and is the go-to option for many people. If you use it, you may wonder how to download Instagram videos on Chrome. You’ll be happy to know that it is easy. But, it does require the help of a third-party website.As one option, we suggest Story Saver. This popular web-based service lets you quickly learn how to download IG videos and highlights. The best part? Story Saver is exceptionally effortless to use. Copy the video link from Instagram and paste it into the offered box on the website. The content automatically downloads to your computer. You can now quickly access and share it via text message or email.

A laptop, Ipad and Iphone on the table

How to Download a Video From Instagram on Mac Computers With Safari

When it comes to electronics, many people prefer to use Apple products. After all, it’s convenient to have the same operating system on all your devices. If you use a Mac computer, you are probably familiar with their built-in web browser called Safari. However, you may wonder how this differs from the Chrome mentioned above. Specifically, is it different to learn how to download a video from Instagram on Mac? It turns out it is not.

You will still need to use the help of a third-party website to download videos from Instagram. However, many are available on Chrome and Safari, so your search will be easy. For iOS users, we suggest SaveInsta. Access their website through Safari and select Instagram Video Downloader from their top menu bar.

Next, copy and paste the video post link directly into the search bar. Like Chrome, the video will automatically download to your computer or tablet.

A woman who just figured out how to download Instagram videos.

How to Download Instagram Private Account Videos

Finally, you may be wondering how to download Instagram videos from users with private profiles. When a profile is set to private, the account holder must approve and accept any new follower requests. Other users can only see their content if they are followers, this includes feed posts and Instagram reels.

If you are already following the user in question, you can easily use the above-accessible methods to download IG videos. You can utilize the help of a third-party app or website to download videos directly to your mobile phone. You can also look at websites like Path Social. Since you are following the private account, you will have no issues accessing and viewing their videos.

However, things are a bit more difficult regarding a private account you are not following. You can’t view any of the content of a private Instagram account until you request to follow them. They also have to approve it.

Wondering if there is a way to download Instagram stories from private accounts you don’t follow? As of right now, it’s not possible.

Two people recording video for an Instagram story.

Final Thoughts on Downloading Instagram Videos

Now that you know how to download Instagram videos, give it a try. Do you want to save videos for your own personal use? Or, is your goal to repost content to drive engagement and add new followers? If so, we always recommend asking for permission from the content owner if known. Or, you can tag the original owner in your post acknowledging that they are the creator. IG videos add value and diversify your account. We encourage you to add videos and reels to your account, especially if you don’t currently use them.At Path Social, we’ve built up an in-house platform of Instagram influencers and an AI-targeting algorithm over the past decade. That’s how we organically target and reach users that engage in your content. And that’s why no one can replicate our results, which means you’ll build an Instagram community that lasts! Start growing and gaining Instagram followers today.