Instagram’s Download Option Lets You Enjoy Your Favorite Reels Offline

Instagram has just made it easier for users to download publicly posted Reels within the app. This feature, initially available to U.S. users in June, is now accessible to all. If a Reels creator enables downloads, a new “Download” option appears in the “Share” display.

Publicly posted Reels are downloadable by default, but creators can disable this feature to prevent copying of their content. Downloaded Reels will display with an Instagram logo and the creator’s IG handle. This change may lead to an increase in spammy accounts reposting Instagram content on TikTok to gain more shares and likes, even though TikTok’s algorithm may reduce the reach of posts with visible branding.

While this move might encourage creators to share original content, it’s expected that more users will reshare popular Instagram clips on TikTok. Beyond potential misuse, this feature provides a convenient way to preserve top Reels clips and share them in different ways. While not revolutionary, it could boost engagement and exposure for Reels creators, offering new possibilities for interaction.

Instagram’s chief, Adam Mosseri, has announced that the option to download public Reels is now rolling out to all users.