Save Instagram Video

How to save an Instagram video right now

You found a video on Instagram and you want to keep it. Here's the short version: copy the video's link, paste it in the box above, tap download. That's genuinely all there is to it. The file saves to your device as an MP4 and you can watch it whenever you want, no internet required.

Getting the link from different places in Instagram

Where you found the video matters for how you copy the link. Each spot in the app handles sharing slightly differently.

From your feed: Tap the three dots on the post, then "Copy Link." Or tap the paper airplane share icon and choose "Copy Link" from the menu. Both give you the same URL.

From the Explore page: Open the video so it plays full screen, then use the same share or three-dot menu to grab the link. Videos in the Explore grid need to be opened individually first.

From a DM: If someone sent you a video in direct messages, tap and hold the message, then look for a share or copy link option. Not all DM content has a public URL though. If the video was originally a post or Reel, the link will work. If it was recorded directly in the DM conversation, there's no public URL to copy.

From Instagram on desktop: Right-click the post, or click the three dots and select "Copy Link." The URL format is the same as mobile.

What happens after you paste the link

The tool reads the URL, fetches the video data from Instagram, and presents you with a download button. Click it and the MP4 file transfers to your device. On phones, check your Downloads folder or Files app. On computers, it lands wherever your browser saves downloads, usually the Downloads folder.

Saving to your camera roll on iPhone

iPhones don't always make this obvious. Safari downloads go to the Files app first. Open Files, find the video in Downloads, tap the share icon, and select "Save Video." Now it's in your Photos library where you'd expect it. Chrome on iPhone works similarly.

Picking a video from a carousel

Some Instagram posts contain multiple photos and videos in a single swipeable carousel. When you paste a carousel link, you'll see all the items listed. Pick the specific video you want rather than downloading everything. Each media item in the carousel can be saved individually.