Instagram's Save button (the bookmark icon) doesn't actually save the reel to your phone: it just adds it to a list inside the app. If the creator deletes it or you lose your connection, you can't watch it anymore. To keep the reel as a video file in your gallery, you need to download it.
With Velotu you do it from your browser, without handing over your Instagram username or password, and with the reel's original audio.
Step by step
- In Instagram, open the reel and tap the paper airplane (Share) icon.
- Tap Copy link.
- Go to velotu.com/en/instagram in your browser.
- Paste the link and tap Download.
- Pick a quality. For the sharpest picture, choose the highest one available (up to 1080p).
Instagram Reels and Video Downloader in HD, Free →
Getting it into your gallery
- Android: the reel is saved to Downloads. Open your gallery or Google Photos and look for the Downloads album; if it's not there yet, give your phone a few seconds to detect it.
- iPhone: the reel goes to the Files app → Downloads. Open it, tap Share and choose Save Video to send it to Photos.
What does "converted to MP4" mean?
Instagram stores some HD versions in a modern format called VP9. Some players, like the built-in Windows player, can't open it. That's why, for the highest quality, Velotu gives you two options:
- Compatible MP4 (H.264): we convert it so it plays on any device. It takes a little longer and you'll see a progress bar.
- Fast original: downloads in seconds, exactly as Instagram stores it. It plays fine on phones, in browsers and in VLC.
If your video won't open, this guide explains what to do.
What can't be downloaded
- Reels from private accounts: only public posts work.
- Stories: for now Velotu downloads reels, videos and photos from posts, not stories.
- Reels that were deleted by their creator.
On a computer
- Open the reel on instagram.com and copy the URL from your browser (it starts with instagram.com/reel/ or instagram.com/p/).
- Paste it into velotu.com/en/instagram and click Download.
- Pick a quality and the file will be saved to your Downloads folder.
Does the reel download with the music?
Yes. Velotu downloads the video with its original audio, including the song or sound the reel uses. If Instagram muted the reel's audio for copyright reasons, the download will be missing that audio too.
Tips for using the reel afterward
- If you're going to edit it in CapCut or your phone's editor, download the compatible MP4 version: editing apps work best with that format.
- If you're going to share it on WhatsApp, 720p is plenty and it sends faster.
- If you're going to post it on your own accounts, ask the creator for permission and tag them.
Tip: Is the post a photo instead of a video? Use the Photos tab: it downloads images in their original resolution, carousels included.