The Ultimate Guide, Download Instagram Videos

Instagram has become one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, with millions of users sharing photos and videos every day. While Instagram is a great platform for sharing content, there are times when you come across a video that you want to save for later or share with friends. Fortunately, there are several ways to download Instagram videos, and in this ultimate guide, we’ll explore them all. Whether you’re using a smartphone, tablet, or computer, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s start the world of downloading Instagram videos step by step.

Why download Instagram videos?

Before we get into the how-to part, let’s discuss why you might want to download Instagram videos. There are several reasons why you might find it necessary to save Instagram videos:

1. Offline Viewing: Downloading Instagram videos allows you to watch them offline, which is particularly useful when you’re on a plane, train, or anywhere with a poor internet connection.
2. Content Preservation: Sometimes, you come across videos that you find inspiring, informative, or entertaining. Downloading them ensures that you have a copy for future reference, as content on Instagram can be deleted or become inaccessible.
3. Sharing: If you want to share a video with someone who doesn’t have an Instagram account or isn’t following the same user, downloading the video makes it easier to share through other messaging apps or social media platforms.
4. Editing: If you’re a content creator or simply want to edit an Instagram video for your own use, downloading it gives you the source material to work with.

Now that you understand why you might want to download Instagram videos, let’s explore the different methods you can use to do so.

Method 1: Use a Downloading App (Smartphones or Tablets)

Downloading Instagram videos on your smartphone or tablet is easy, thanks to various apps available for both Android and iOS devices. Follow these steps:

For Android:

1. Go to the Google Play Store: Open the Play Store on your Android device.
2. Search for a Video Downloader App: Type “Instagram video downloader” in the search bar. You’ll find several apps that can help you download Instagram videos.
3. Install the App: Choose a reputable app, read reviews, and install it.
4. Open Instagram: Open the Instagram app and find the video you want to download.
5. Copy the Video Link: Tap on the three dots (ellipsis) on the top-right corner of the video post, then select “Copy Link.”
6. Open the Video Downloader App: Launch the video downloader app you installed earlier.
7. Paste the Link: In the app, paste the copied link into the provided field.
8. Download the Video: Tap the “Download” or equivalent button, and the app will begin downloading the video to your device.

For iOS (iPhone/iPad):

1. Go to the App Store: Open the App Store on your iOS device.
2. Search for a Video Downloader App: Type “Instagram video downloader” in the search bar. Look for apps with good ratings and reviews.
3. Install the App: Choose a reliable app and install it.
4. Open Instagram: Launch the Instagram app and locate the video you want to download.
5. Copy the Video Link: Tap on the three dots (ellipsis) above the video post and select “Copy Link.”
6. Open the Video Downloader App: Open the video downloader app you downloaded.
7. Paste the Link: Paste the copied link into the app’s designated field.
8. Download the Video: Click the “Download” or similar button, and the app will start downloading the video to your iOS device.

Using a video downloader app is one of the simplest methods to save Instagram videos to your mobile device. However, please be cautious when downloading apps and make sure they are from reputable sources to avoid security risks.

Method 2: Online Instagram Video Downloaders (Any Device)

If you prefer not to install additional apps on your device, online Instagram video downloaders are a convenient option. These web-based tools work on any device with a web browser. Here’s how to use them:

1. Open Instagram: Go to Instagram and locate the video you want to download.
2. Copy the Video Link: Tap on the three dots (ellipsis) above the video post and select “Copy Link.”
3. Visit an Online Video Downloader: Open your web browser and search for “Instagram video downloader.” Several online tools will appear in the search results.
4. Paste the Link: In the online video downloader, paste the Instagram video link into the designated field.
5. Download the Video: Click the “Download” or equivalent button on the website. The video will be processed and made available for download.
6. Download the Video: Once the video is ready, you’ll typically see a download button or link. Click it to save the video to your device.

Online Instagram video downloaders are convenient and work on any device with a web browser. Just ensure that you choose a reputable website to avoid any potential issues.

Method 3: Using a Browser Extension (Desktop)

If you primarily use Instagram on your computer and want to download videos without switching to your mobile device, browser extensions can be a handy solution. Here’s how to use a browser extension to download Instagram videos:

For Google Chrome:

1. Open Google Chrome: Launch the Chrome browser on your computer.
2. Go to the Chrome Web Store: Click on the three dots (menu) in the top-right corner of the browser, go to “More Tools,” and select “Extensions.” Alternatively, you can type “Chrome Web Store” in the address bar.
3. Search for an Instagram Video Downloader Extension: In the Chrome Web Store, search for “Instagram video downloader.” You’ll find various extensions to choose from.
4. Install the Extension: Choose an extension that suits your needs, read its description, and click the “Add to Chrome” button to install it.
5. Open Instagram: Open a new tab in Chrome and go to Instagram.
6. Find the Video: Locate the Instagram video you want to download.
7. Download the Video: When you find the video, you should see a download button or icon (usually near the video). Click on it to initiate the download.

For Mozilla Firefox:

1. Open Mozilla Firefox: Launch the Firefox browser on your computer.
2. Go to the Firefox Add-Ons Store: Click on the three horizontal lines (menu) in the top-right corner of the browser, select “Add-Ons,” and then choose “Extensions.” Alternatively, you can type “Firefox Add-Ons” in the address bar.
3. Search for an Instagram Video Downloader Add-On: In the Firefox Add-Ons Store, search for “Instagram video downloader.” Browse through the available add-ons.
4. Install the Add-On: Choose an add-on that fits your requirements, click the “Add to Firefox” button, and follow the prompts to install it.
5. Open Instagram: Open a new tab in Firefox and navigate to Instagram.
6. Find the Video: Locate the Instagram video you want to download.
7. Download the Video: Look for the download button or icon near the video and click on it to start the download.

Browser extensions offer a seamless way to download Instagram videos directly from your desktop browser. Always ensure that you install extensions from trusted sources to avoid security risks.

Method 4: Downloading Instagram Videos on a Mac

If you’re a Mac user, you can use a built-in tool called “Screen Recording” to capture Instagram videos. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Instagram Video: Launch the Safari web browser on your Mac and go to Instagram.
2. Find the Video: Locate the Instagram video you want to download.
3. Open QuickTime Player: Open the “QuickTime Player” application, which comes pre-installed on most Macs.
4. Start Screen Recording: In QuickTime Player, click “File” in the top menu bar and select “New Screen Recording.”
5. Select Recording Area: A recording window will appear. Click the arrow next to the record button and select the recording area, which should include the Instagram video.
6. Start Recording: Click the record button, then play the Instagram video.
7. Stop Recording: Once the video is done playing, click the stop button in the menu bar or press “Control + Command + Esc” on your keyboard.
8. Save the Video: After stopping the recording, you can trim the video if needed and save it to your computer.

Using the Mac’s built-in screen recording feature is a simple and effective way to capture Instagram videos. Just remember to respect copyright and privacy when downloading and sharing content.

Method 5: Download Instagram Videos Using a Screen Recorder (Windows)

If you’re a Windows user, you can use screen recording software to capture Instagram videos. One popular choice is OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software). Here’s how to do it:

1. Install OBS Studio: Download and install OBS Studio from the official website (https://obsproject.com/).
2. Open Instagram: Launch your web browser and go to Instagram.
3. Find the Video: Locate the Instagram video you want to download.
4. Set Up OBS Studio: Open OBS Studio and click “File” > “Settings.” In the “Output” tab, set your desired video format and quality settings.
5. Create a New Scene: In OBS Studio, click the “+” button under the “Scenes” box to create a new scene.
6. Add a Display Capture Source: Click the “+” button under the “Sources” box and choose “Display Capture.” Select your display and click “OK.”
7. Adjust Recording Area: Resize the capture area to include the Instagram video.
8. Start Recording: Click the “Start Recording” button to begin capturing your screen.
9. Play the Instagram Video: Play the Instagram video in your web browser.
10. Stop Recording: After capturing the video, click the “Stop Recording” button in OBS Studio.
11. Save the Video: Your recorded video will be saved to your computer. You can trim and edit it as needed.

Using OBS Studio or similar screen recording software allows you to capture Instagram videos on your Windows PC effectively. Be sure to respect copyright and privacy when using this method.

Method 6: Download Instagram Videos Using an Android Emulator (Windows or Mac)

If you prefer not to use online tools or screen recording software, you can use an Android emulator like Bluestacks or NoxPlayer on your Windows or Mac computer. Here’s how to do it:

1. Install an Android Emulator: Download and install an Android emulator like Bluestacks (https://www.bluestacks.com/) or NoxPlayer (https://www.bignox.com/).
2. Set Up the Emulator: Follow the on-screen instructions to set up the emulator, including signing in with your Google account.
3. Open the Google Play Store: In the emulator, open the Google Play Store.
4. Download Instagram: Search for “Instagram” in the Play Store and install the app within the emulator.
5. Launch Instagram: Open Instagram within the emulator and log in to your Instagram account.
6. Find the Video: Locate the Instagram video you want to download.
7. Download the Video: Play the video and use a screen recording function within the emulator to capture it. Each emulator may have slightly different options for screen recording.
8. Stop Recording: After capturing the video, stop the screen recording.
9. Save the Video: The recorded video will be saved within the emulator. You can transfer it to your computer or edit it as needed.

Using an Android emulator is a more advanced method to download Instagram videos to your computer. It’s especially useful if you want to interact with Instagram as if you were using a smartphone.

Method 7: Using Third-Party Instagram Video Downloaders (Browsers)

In addition to browser extensions, some websites provide Instagram video download services directly from your desktop browser. These services work similarly to online Instagram video downloaders. Here’s how to use them:

1. Open Instagram: Launch your web browser and go to Instagram.
2. Find the Video: Locate the Instagram video you want to download.
3. Copy the Video Link: Click on the three dots (ellipsis) above the video post and select “Copy Link.”
4. Visit a Third-Party Download Website: Search for “Instagram video downloader” in your browser, and you’ll find various websites offering this service.
5. Paste the Link: On the third-party website, paste the Instagram video link into the provided field.
6. Download the Video: Click the “Download” or similar button on the website to initiate the download.
7. Save the Video: Once the video is ready, you’ll typically see a download button or link. Click it to save the video to your computer.

Be cautious when using third-party Instagram video downloaders and make sure they are reputable to avoid any potential security risks.

Tips and Considerations:

• Respect Copyright: Always remember that Instagram videos are subject to copyright, and downloading them without permission for commercial purposes or redistribution may infringe on copyright laws.
• Privacy: Be mindful of the privacy of Instagram users. Avoid downloading and sharing content that violates someone’s privacy or consent.
• App Permissions: When using mobile apps, be cautious about the permissions they request. Only grant permissions that are necessary for the app to function.
• Security: Ensure that the tools and websites you use to download Instagram videos are from reputable sources to prevent security risks.
• Updates: Apps, extensions, and websites may require updates from time to time. Stay up-to-date to ensure compatibility and security.

In conclusion, downloading Instagram videos can be a useful way to save and share content that you find interesting or valuable. Whether you’re using a smartphone, tablet, or computer, there are various methods available to suit your needs. Just remember to use these methods responsibly and respect copyright and privacy rights.

Read More: How To Share Your Wi-Fi Password From Your iPhone?