How to Download Instagram Videos on a Computer

Instagram on a computer has no download button at all, not even the watermarked one from the app. If you edit videos, make presentations or simply prefer a big screen, here is how to save public Instagram videos, Reels and photos on Windows, Mac and Linux.

Step 1: get the link

In your browser on instagram.com:

• Reel: open it, click the paper plane icon and choose Copy link, or copy the address bar (it contains /reel/).
• Post: click the post to open it on its own page and copy the address bar (it contains /p/), or click ⋯ → Copy link.

Not logged in? Public posts usually open anyway; if Instagram insists on a login, the link still works in the downloader.

Step 2: download

1. Open IG Downloader in a new tab.
2. Click Paste (or press Ctrl + V / ⌘ + V in the box), then Download.
3. Choose what to save:
   • HD MP4 for the video with sound,
   • audio for just the sound (M4A),
   • full-size photos, including every slide of a carousel.

Step 3: find the file

Your browser saves to the Downloads folder:

• Windows: press Ctrl + J in Chrome, Edge or Firefox, then Show in folder.
• Mac: press ⌥ + ⌘ + L in Safari or check the Downloads stack in the Dock.
• Linux: look in ~/Downloads.

Working with the files

Instagram videos are MP4 files with H.264 video and AAC sound, so they open everywhere:

• Editing: drop them straight into Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro, iMovie or Clipchamp.
• Presentations: insert them into PowerPoint, Keynote or Google Slides.
• Quick trims: use QuickTime (Edit → Trim) on a Mac or the free LosslessCut on any system. See how to trim a downloaded video.

Photos download as JPG at the largest size Instagram stores, typically 1080 pixels wide. More on dimensions in Instagram photo and video sizes explained.

Saving many posts

There’s no bulk “download a whole profile” option: each post needs its own link, and each visitor has a daily limit. That keeps the tool fast and discourages scraping other people’s accounts.

For your own account, Instagram offers a full export: Settings → Accounts Center → Your information and permissions → Download your information. It includes your photos and videos in their original quality.

What doesn’t work

Private accounts, Stories, Highlights and Live videos can’t be downloaded; Instagram only shows them to logged-in followers. See why private Instagram posts can’t be downloaded.

Use downloads fairly

Downloaded posts are for personal use, study and reference. If you plan to publish someone else’s photo or video, in a presentation shared online, a website or an ad, ask the creator first. The tool site’s article is it legal to download Instagram Reels? explains why.