Instagram Downloader Perks: Keep Cool Content on Your Device

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Karen Lin

Instagram 101 | Jul 15, 2024

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Have you ever encountered an Instagram post you liked so much that you wanted to keep a copy of it? Maybe you took a screenshot of it to keep in your camera roll or saved it in a collection. Those are easy ways to keep content you love within reach, after all. But did you know that you can also use an Instagram downloader to get that content in its original quality?

Third-party social media downloaders make it easy for you to keep copies of your favorite content on your mobile phone. Because you have it on hand, it’s easier to share content with those around you by whipping out your device. But what exactly can a downloader do for you? Keep reading to see all the types of content you can obtain from these handy online tools.

Someone scrolling through Instagram photos on their phone

What Is an Instagram Downloader?

An Insta downloader is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a service that lets people download content from the app, from photos to videos. They come in many forms, from apps to browser extensions. However, it’s easiest to find content downloader websites—all you need is a quick Google search.

These third-party downloaders are useful since Instagram doesn’t have in-app features that let you save content straight to your phone. By downloading these pieces of content on your device, you can access them whenever and view them offline.

What’s awesome about these downloaders is that they allow you to download content in its original quality and size. That’s something screenshotting and screen recording can never give you, no matter how high-quality the content you’re saving.

Most downloaders work the same way. All you have to do is provide a URL to an Instagram page, whether it’s a profile or a post. Then, the tool fetches the content for you and generates a download link. From there, just hit the download button and wait for the photo or video to go straight to your device.

Someone using their phone with their finger hovering on a website’s “download” button.

4 Things You Can Do With an IG Download Tool

There are tons of content types you can download and keep on your device with a social media downloader. Whether you admire aesthetic photos or love watching funny videos, there’s a way to save your fave content with downloaders. Here are four things you can do with a handy Instagram download tool.

1. Save Memorable Images Using an Instagram Photo Downloader

The first thing you can do is download photos you love straight to your phone. There are millions of photos across Instagram, but only a few will truly move you. Those are the photos that deserve a download, and you can do that with a trusty Instagram photo downloader.

There are many reasons why people want to download photos from Instagram. Perhaps they want to keep memories with friends on their phones or use aesthetic images as inspiration for future posts. Whatever your reason, use the Path Social Photo Downloader to save photos to your device.

This downloader allows you to save photos from any public single post image on Instagram. All you have to do is copy the photo URL and paste it into the downloader site. Hit “search” and wait for Path Social to fetch the image for you. From there, save the photo to your device. Easy peasy!

2. Download Someone’s Profile Picture in Its Original Quality and Size

Your profile picture is the first thing someone sees when they visit your social media page. It’s one of the major elements that create their impression of you. So, it makes complete sense that people love taking a closer look at people’s profile photos.

The issue is that profile photos on Instagram are quite small. Even if you expand the photo, you won’t see its original quality and size. There’s also no way to save someone’s profile picture from the Instagram app.

Luckily, a downloader allows you to save someone’s profile picture in its original settings. That means you get the highest-quality version of the photo in seconds. Most profile picture downloaders will ask for the username of the person whose photo you want. Then, it generates the picture for you to save easily.

Someone taking a photo of a smiling woman at a restaurant.

3. Revisit Long-Form Videos Offline With a Trusty Instagram Video Downloader

Photos aren’t the only kind of Instagram content you can download with third-party tools. There are also Instagram video downloaders that allow you to save video content at the touch of a button. That way, you can rewatch these clips offline straight from your camera roll.

The Path Social Video Downloader is a free tool that lets you download videos on Instagram to your device. It works pretty much the same way as a photo downloader. Just provide the link to the IG video you like, paste it into the tool, and hit Submit. After Path Social loads your chosen video, click Download to save it to your desktop or mobile phone.

This downloader works for most video formats, from regular videos on the feed to Stories. It even used to work with IGTV videos back when they were a thing.

Three women huddled up together, smiling and laughing while watching a video on a phone.

4. Rewatch Entertaining Bite-Sized Clips With an Instagram Reel Downloader

According to DemandSage, there are over a billion Reels on Instagram today. That makes it super hard to find a Reel you previously saw and enjoyed. Downloading it and keeping a permanent, offline copy on your device ensures that you can rewatch these Reels whenever you want.

The Path Social video downloader also doubles as an Instagram Reel downloader. If you see a Reel you love and want to rewatch in the future, use the tool to download it.

Which Is the Best Instagram Story Downloader?

There are many ways to save Stories online, but which is the best Instagram Story downloader?

We’re going to have to say the Path Social video downloader is the best one as of writing. It’s awesome because it’s fast, free, doesn’t require logins, and allows you to download Stories of their original quality. You can also use the same downloader for other video content (like Reels and feed posts), making it incredibly versatile.

Just remember that downloading Stories has a time limit since they expire after 24 hours. If you spot a Story you want to save on your device, run to your video downloader right away. When the Story is gone, you’ll have missed your chance to download it for offline watching.

Is There a Way To Download Content From a Private Instagram Page?

Unfortunately, even the most advanced and reputable downloaders won’t have access to content on private profiles. Instagram users are extremely protective of their privacy. So, it makes sense that private videos and photos aren’t available on any kind of third-party tool.

The only way to see content from a private account is by following that page. Even then, the best you can do is take screenshots of the content to “download” it.

A smartphone with a padlock icon on the screen against a purple background.

Ethical Reminders When Downloading Other People’s Content

Third-party downloaders are super handy for anyone who wants to keep copies of Instagram content they love. But because you’ll likely be downloading other people’s content, it’s important to be ethical about it.

It’s okay to download a few pieces of cool content that resonates with you now and then. But it’s pertinent always to be considerate of the original owner and their rights. Here are some reminders about how to respect other people’s content if you do choose to download their work:

  • Use downloaded content for personal viewing only. Download content as much as possible for personal reasons only. This includes watching entertaining videos for fun or looking at photos for inspiration.
  • Don’t use the content for commercial purposes. Someone else worked hard to make the content you downloaded, and they’re the rightful owner of it. You can’t just use the content for professional and commercial purposes, like in ads or business posters. That’s considered stealing.
  • If you want to repost it, ask permission and credit the owner. Reach out to the original poster on Instagram and ask them if you can share their content. If they allow you to post it, make sure to credit them properly. You can tag and acknowledge them in your caption or add a watermark with their name. They’ll be more than grateful for it.
  • Never impersonate others when downloading their profile photo. Don’t use people’s photos to pose as them online. Catfishing and identity theft are never okay!

A man wearing a sweater that says “Respect” with a wall of leaves behind him.

Downloading Posts Is Fun, but Don’t Neglect Your Content!

Downloader tools are amazing for keeping copies of content you love. At the touch of a button, you can permanently keep photos and videos you enjoy. That means you can revisit them offline and any time you want without having to look for them on Instagram. These tools are an awesome way to improve your online content discovery experience.

Although an Instagram downloader is fun and useful, you can’t just always focus on other people’s content all the time. You also need to focus on making content that will grow your page. That’s something we at Path Social can help with.

Path Social uses an AI-powered algorithm to help you reach the right people. We take your Instagram content and promote it with many effective strategies so your target audience can see it. This way, you’ll get lots of new followers, all within your target market. Focus on your page and grow your Instagram community today with our help!