How To Download Instagram Videos – Dos, Donts and Rating the Best Instagram Video Downloader Apps [2024 Guide]

How To Download Instagram Videos – Dos, Donts and Rating the Best Instagram Video Downloader Apps [2024 Guide]

These days, social media platforms like Instagram have become a great source of captivating videos that you may want to save and watch offline. Whether it’s a stunning travel video, a hilarious meme, or an informative tutorial, knowing how to download Instagram videos can be a valuable skill. 

In this article, we will delve into the dos and don’ts of downloading Instagram videos, explore the best Instagram video downloader apps, and provide you with the tools and knowledge to effortlessly save your favorite content.

If you’re eager to get started right away, we’ve got a fantastic recommendation for you. Meet YTD Downloader, a user-friendly and reliable solution that simplifies the process of downloading Instagram videos. With YTD Downloader, you can effortlessly save Instagram videos to enjoy offline at your convenience. 

How to Download Instagram Videos To Your phone and PC 

Method 1: Manually

Downloading Instagram Videos to Your Phone Manually:

Downloading Instagram videos manually to your phone via screen recording can be a straightforward way to capture and save content that you’d like to watch offline. While this method does not directly download the video file, it records what’s happening on your screen as you play the video, effectively creating a downloadable copy.

• Prepare Your Phone: Ensure that your phone is ready for screen recording. On both Android and iOS devices, you can access screen recording functions from your control center or quick settings.
  • For iOS: Swipe down from the top-right corner to access the control center and tap the screen recording icon to start recording.
  • For Android: Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the quick settings panel and select the screen recording option.
• Open Instagram: Launch the Instagram app on your phone and find the video you want to download.
• Start Recording: Once you’ve located the video, start the screen recording function on your phone. It will record everything on your screen, including the Instagram video.
• Play the Video: Tap to play the video on Instagram while the screen recording is active. Ensure that the entire video plays from start to finish to capture it in its entirety.
• Stop Recording: After you’ve recorded the video, stop the screen recording function on your phone. This will save the recording to your device’s gallery or storage.
• Access the Recorded Video: Go to your phone’s gallery or file manager to find the recorded video. It will be stored as a video file on your device.

Downloading Instagram Videos to Your PC Manually:

• Open Instagram: Using your PC, open your web browser and navigate to the Instagram website (www.instagram.com).
• Find the Video: Locate the video you wish to download from Instagram.
• Inspect Element: Right-click anywhere on the webpage (excluding the video itself), and from the context menu, select “Inspect” or “Inspect Element.” This action will open the browser’s developer tools.
• Identify the Video URL: In the developer tools panel, find the “Network” tab and select it. Then, play the video on Instagram. As the video plays, you should see various network requests appear in the developer tools.
• Filter the Requests: Use the search or filter feature in the developer tools to look for a request that contains the word “video” or “mp4.” This request should represent the video you’re watching.
• Open the Video URL: Right-click on the appropriate network request and select “Open in New Tab” or “Copy Link Address” to access the direct video URL.
• Download the Video: After opening the video URL in a new tab, right-click on the video and choose “Save video as…” or a similar option, depending on your web browser. This will allow you to save the video to your PC.

Method 2: Using a Website

Here is how to Download an Instagram Video using a website:

• Find the Instagram Video: Begin by opening your web browser and navigating to the Instagram website (www.instagram.com). Log in to your Instagram account if you’re not already logged in.
• Locate the Video: Scroll through your feed or visit the profile of the user whose video you want to download. Once you find the video you wish to save, click on it to open it in a new tab.
• Copy the Video URL: In your web browser’s address bar, you’ll see the URL of the video you’re viewing. Highlight the entire URL, right-click, and select “Copy” from the context menu. Alternatively, you can press Ctrl+C (Windows) or Command+C (Mac) to copy the URL.
• Open the Instagram Video Downloader Website: Open a new tab or window in your web browser and search for an “Instagram video downloader” website. Various options are available, but a popular choice is “www.instadownloader.net.”
• Paste the Video URL: Once you’re on the Instagram video downloader website, you’ll typically find a designated field where you can paste the Instagram video’s URL. Click on that field and right-click to select “Paste,” or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+V (Windows) or Command+V (Mac) to paste the URL into the field.
• Start the Download: After pasting the URL, look for a button labeled “Download” or a similar action button on the website. Click on it to initiate the download process.
• Select Video Quality (Optional): Some Instagram video downloader websites may offer options to choose the video quality or format you prefer. If such options are available, make your selection before proceeding.
• Download the Video: Once you’ve clicked the “Download” button, the website will process the Instagram video’s URL and generate a download link. Click on the provided link to start downloading the video to your computer.
• Save the Video: Depending on your browser settings, the video will either be automatically saved to your default download location or prompt you to choose a save location. Select a folder or location on your computer to save the video.
• Access and Enjoy the Downloaded Video: Once the download is complete, you can access the downloaded Instagram video from the folder you specified. You can now watch the video offline whenever you like.

It’s important to note that while downloading Instagram videos for personal use is generally acceptable, you should always respect copyright and privacy rights. Download content only for personal enjoyment or with explicit permission from the creator.

Method 3: Using a Third-Party App

Downloading Instagram videos using a third-party app is a popular and efficient way to save your favorite content for offline viewing. While Instagram doesn’t provide a built-in feature for downloading videos, several apps are designed specifically for this purpose. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to download videos from Instagram using a third-party app.

Speaking of tools and apps, if you download videos for marketing, here’s a list of Instagram marketing tools that comes in handy when producing Insta-worthy content.

The 5 Best Instagram Downloader Apps (hand-curated)

1. YTD Downloader – the Best Instagram video Downloader 

Without a doubt, the most seamless method to download an Instagram video is by using desktop software, and one of the most reputable options available is the long-standing YTD Downloader.

YTD Downloader boasts a remarkable track record, having been in operation since 2007. That’s an impressive 16 years and counting, earning the trust of over 10 million users worldwide. It comes as no surprise, considering that it offers the most convenient way for individuals to save Instagram videos.

As you’ll soon discover, the entire process is straightforward, swift, and highly efficient.

To begin, simply visit the official website at https://www.ytddownloader.com/, where you’ll find a prominent green “Free Download” button. Click on this button to initiate the download of the software. The installation process is quick, taking less than a minute to complete. It’s worth noting that this step is only required the first time you use the software.

How to download Instagram videos with YTD Downloader

To download Instagram videos using YTD Downloader, follow these steps:

• Install YTD Downloader: Firstly, install the YTD Downloader software on your device​​.
• Copy the Video URL: Go to Instagram, find the video you want to download, and copy its URL.
• Paste the URL into YTD Downloader: Open YTD Downloader and paste the copied URL into the provided field in the software.
• Select Video Quality: Choose the desired video quality for your download.
• Choose Save Location: Specify where you want to save the downloaded video on your device.
• Download the Video: Click the “Download” button to start the download process.

After downloading, you can also use YTD Downloader to convert the video to a different file format for use on other devices or with various media players​​. Please note that YTD Downloader supports downloading Instagram videos, stories, photos, and reels. This is, for sure, the best download Instagram videos app out there.

Pricing

YTD Downloader offers both free and paid versions. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its pricing:

• Free Version: YTD Downloader’s free version includes basic features, making it very usable without any cost. 

• Pro Version – Subscription Plans: The Pro version offers additional features like faster download speeds, no ads, and the ability to download and convert multiple videos at once. The pricing for the Pro version ranges from €2.99 to €5.99

YTD Downloader Pros

• Versatility in Supported Sites: It supports over 50 websites, including YouTube, Facebook, and popular streaming sites like DailyMotion, making it a versatile choice for downloading videos from various sources​​.
• Offline Access and File Conversion: The software allows for the downloading of videos for offline access and has the functionality to convert videos into different file formats​​.
• User-Friendly Interface: YTD Video Downloader has a simple, intuitive interface, simplifying the navigation and usage of its features​​.
• Built-in Editing Tools and Video Player: It includes basic editing tools and a built-in video player, eliminating the need for third-party applications for video playback and minor edits​​.
• High-Quality Video Downloads: The downloader supports high-quality video downloads, including 8K, 4K, 2K, and HD 1080P, with features like automatic recovery and retry in case of internet connection failure​​.
• Unlimited Downloads with Pro Version: The YTD Downloader Pro allows unlimited video and playlist downloads from streaming sites, with features to monitor downloader and converter activity and download multiple videos simultaneously​​.
• Fast Download and Conversion Speeds: YTD offers fast download and conversion speeds, making the process efficient and time-saving​​.

2. Repost: For Instagram

This app allows users to repost photos and videos from other Instagram accounts to their own feed, while giving proper credit to the original poster. The app typically includes features like saving posts for later, adding custom captions, and directly sharing content to one’s own Instagram story or feed, but also downloading videos.

How to use the app

• Open Instagram: Go to the Instagram app on your device.
• Find the Video: Locate the Instagram video you wish to download.
• Copy the Video Link: Click on the three dots (menu) at the top of the post and select “Copy Link.”
• Open Repost App: Launch the “Repost: For Instagram” app.
• Paste the Link: In the app, paste the copied link.
• Download the Video: The app should then offer you the option to download the video.

Pricing

Repost: For Instagram is a free app, without a premium version.

Repost: For Instagram Pros

• Versatility in Saving Content: Allows users to archive, save, and repost videos and photos from Instagram. It supports downloading all images associated with a post, not just the first one in a series, which is particularly useful for posts with multiple photos or videos​​​​.
• Customization of Watermark: Users can adjust the position and color of the watermark when reposting content, or even choose not to include one, which is useful for sharing a full post to oneself or to one’s photos​​.

Repost: For Instagram Cons

• Limited Video Editing: Videos cannot be cropped down to fully show the source, and some videos may not be eligible for reposting through the app, requiring users to find alternative solutions in such cases​​.
• Ads: Since this app is for free, you will find some intrusive ads that can be pretty disruptive for the overall experience.

3. Instake

InsTake, although not as widely recognized, provides a straightforward way to download Instagram videos. This application is accessible on both Android and iOS platforms and offers the functionality of video downloading without requiring a switch to a premium version. Nonetheless, to use this feature, users are required to sign into their Instagram account via the app, a process that might seem redundant to some.

How to use the app

• Open Instagram: Navigate to the Instagram app on your device.
• Find the Video: Locate the Instagram video you want to download.
• Copy the Video URL: Tap on the three-dot menu icon on the top right of the post and select “Copy Link.”
• Open Instake: Launch the “Instake” app on your device.
• Paste the URL: In the Instake app, paste the copied Instagram video link.
• Download the Video: Follow the prompts within the app to download the video to your device.

Pricing

This app is completely free.

Instake pros

• User-Friendly: Instake is easy to use and has been noted for its user-friendliness, making it a convenient choice for users who are not technically savvy​​​​.
• Supports Various Instagram Features: The app supports downloading content from different Instagram features such as stories, highlights and includes a built-in offline player for viewing downloaded content​​.

Instake Cons

• No Pause Option for Large Downloads: The app does not offer a pause option for big downloads, which can be inconvenient if you need to temporarily halt the download process​​.
• Presence of Ads: The app contains ads, and there is no paid version available to remove them​​.
• Limited Platform Availability: Instake is not available for iOS users, limiting its accessibility to only Android users​​.

4. InstaGet (Android Only)

InstaGet is an uncomplicated and efficient app designed for downloading Instagram videos. While it may not boast a range of advanced features, its ease of use compensates for this simplicity. However, it’s important to note that InstaGet is exclusively available for Android users, leaving iPhone users to look for alternative solutions.

How to use the app

• Open Instagram: Start by opening the Instagram app on your device.
• Find the Video: Browse to the video you wish to download.
• Copy the Video URL: Tap on the three dots (menu) at the top of the post and select “Copy Link.”
• Open InstaGet: Launch the InstaGet app on your device.
• Paste the URL: In InstaGet, paste the copied Instagram video link.
• Download the Video: Follow the instructions within the app to download the video to your device.

Pricing

The app is completely free.

InstaGet Pros

• Easy to use: It has a very clean interface and it is really user friendly, with all of the options readily available.
• Fast download speed: You will find that the majority of your videos will download in a few seconds, depending on their size, of course.

InstaGet Cons

• Only for Android: This is a huge limitation, obviously, as there are so many iPhone users out there. This is not the best Instagram downloader out there.
• No premium version: The fact that it is free may sound good, but that means a lot of ads that can be disruptive, and with no premium version available, that becomes a problem.

5. FastSave

How to Use The App

FastSave is a mobile application specifically tailored for downloading videos from Instagram. It offers a user-friendly interface that enables quick and easy saving of videos directly from Instagram to a user’s device. In addition to video downloads, FastSave also allows for the saving of images from Instagram, making it a versatile tool for content saving. 

• Download the App: Install FastSave for Instagram from the Google Play Store.
• Enable FastSave Service: Open the app and turn on the FastSave Service.
• Open Instagram: Go to your Instagram app.
• Find the Video: Navigate to the video you want to download.
• Copy the URL: Tap on the three dots (‘…’) at the top of the post and select “Copy Link.”
• Automatic Download: FastSave will automatically download the video once you’ve copied the link.
• View Downloaded Content: Open the FastSave app to view, share, or delete the downloaded videos from the FastSave gallery.

FastSave Pros

• Ease of Use: FastSave is user-friendly and easy to navigate.
• Fast Downloads: The app quickly downloads videos after you copy the link.
• In-App Gallery: It provides an in-built gallery to view downloaded content.

FastSave Cons

• Ads: The free version contains ads, which can be intrusive.
• Limited Features in Free Version: Some advanced features might be limited to the premium version.
• Privacy Concerns: As with any third-party app, there may be concerns regarding the handling of your data and privacy.

6. InSaver

InSaver provides a straightforward process where users can save their favorite Instagram videos directly to their device for offline viewing. The app also extends its functionality to include the saving of images and stories from Instagram, enhancing its utility for content enthusiasts. 

How to Use:

• Install InSaver from the App Store (iOS).
• Open Instagram and copy the link of the video you want to download.
• Open InSaver and the link will be pasted automatically. Tap ‘Save’ to download the video.

• Pricing: Free with in-app purchases.
• InSaver Pros:
  • User-friendly interface.
  • Automatic link detection.
  • Supports downloading of photos and videos.
• Insaver Cons:
  • Contains ads in the free version.
  • In-app purchases required for additional features.
  • Only available for iOS users.

7. Video Downloader for Instagram (Reposter)

This is a specialized tool aimed at simplifying the process of downloading Instagram videos. It allows users to easily save videos from Instagram feeds, stories, and reelsdirectly onto their devices. It has a user-friendly interface, which makes the downloading process quick and hassle-free. 

How to Use:

• Download the app on Android.
• Copy the video link from Instagram.
• Open the app and paste the link to start the download.

• Pricing: Free with in-app purchases.
• Video Downloader for Instagram Pros:
  • Easy to use.
  • Can repost videos directly to Instagram.
  • Allows downloading of pictures and IGTV videos.
• Video Downloader for Instagram Cons:
  • Contains ads.
  • Some features require a purchase.
  • Interface can be clunky.

8. 4K Stogram

This app stands out with its ability to download videos in high-quality 4K resolution, ensuring that the saved content maintains a high level of clarity and detail. Beyond videos, the app also allows for the downloading of photos, stories, and even entire account feeds from Instagram.

How to Use:

• Download and install 4K Stogram on your PC or Mac.
• Enter an Instagram username, hashtag, or location into the search bar.
• Download videos, photos, and stories.

• Pricing: Free trial available; paid plans start from $10.
• 4K Stogram Pros:
  • Downloads high-quality content.
  • Can download from private accounts (with permission).
  • Bulk downloading capabilities.
• 4K Stogram Cons:
  • Paid software.
  • More complex than mobile apps.
  • Mainly for desktop use.

9. QuickSave for Instagram

QuickSave offers a simple and intuitive interface, allowing users to quickly save their favorite Instagram videos directly to their mobile device. It has great speed and it is easy to use, making it a go-to choice for those looking to download Instagram content without any hassle. 

How to Use:

• Install the app from the Google Play Store.
• Copy the URL of the Instagram video.
• Open QuickSave and paste the URL to download.

• Pricing: Free with ads.
• QuickSave for Instagram Pros:
  • Straightforward interface.
  • Fast downloading speed.
  • Allows for saving of videos and images.
• QuickSave for Instagram Cons:
  • Contains ads.
  • Occasionally slow to update with Instagram changes.
  • Android-only app.

10. SaveFromWeb

SaveFromWeb allows users to download videos directly from Instagram through a simple web interface, without the need to install a dedicated app. Users simply paste the URL of the Instagram video into SavefromWeb, and the tool processes the download, making it accessible and convenient for various devices and platforms. 

How to Use:

• Visit the SaveFromWeb website.
• Enter the URL of the Instagram video.
• Click ‘Download’ to save the video.

• Pricing: Free.
• SaveFromWeb Pros:
  • No need to install an app.
  • Works on any device with a web browser.
  • Simple and quick to use.
• SaveFromWeb Cons:
  • Not as integrated as an app.
  • Requires a good internet connection.
  • Less secure than downloading through an app.

How To Download Instagram Videos FAQ

Is it legal to download Instagram videos?

Instagram videos are typically protected by copyright laws. Downloading and using them without permission may constitute a copyright infringement, especially if you use them for commercial purposes or public display. If you’re downloading a video for personal use, like viewing it offline, it’s generally seen as not a problem, but it’s still not explicitly permitted by Instagram’s terms of service.

How can I download private Instagram videos?

Downloading private Instagram videos is a sensitive area, both ethically and legally. Private videos are meant for a limited audience, and the creators of these videos have chosen to restrict their visibility to a select group of followers for reasons of privacy and control over their content.

It’s crucial to have the explicit consent of the content creator before attempting to download or share their private content.

From a technical standpoint, most standard video downloading tools and apps do not support downloading content from private Instagram accounts due to privacy protections put in place by Instagram. 

How do I download IG reels?

Downloading Instagram Reels can be done using third-party apps or websites, as Instagram itself does not provide a direct download feature for Reels. 

Remember, while these methods can be effective, they involve using third-party services, which comes with certain risks regarding security and privacy. Always ensure you are using reputable apps or websites.

How do I download an Instagram video from an URL?

Downloading an Instagram video from a URL can be accomplished using third-party websites or apps. These tools typically work by pasting the video’s URL into their interface, which then processes the link and provides a download option. 

How To Download Instagram Videos Wrapped Up

To download Instagram videos effectively, there are several third-party tools at your disposal, each with its unique features and functionalities. However, among these, YTD Downloader stands out as the best tool for this purpose. 

YTD Downloader offers a seamless experience with its user-friendly interface, allowing for easy downloading of videos from Instagram and other platforms. It supports various video qualities, including HD, and provides options for converting videos into different formats, catering to diverse needs and preferences.