How to Download Instagram Videos on a Mac (Safari & Chrome)
A Mac makes this easy because the browser already does most of the work. You don’t need QuickTime tricks, screen recording or an extension. All you need is the link of the Instagram post and any normal browser. Here is how it works in Safari, Chrome and Firefox.
The quick steps
- Open the video on instagram.com in your browser.
- Click the address bar and copy the address (press Cmd + L, then Cmd + C).
- Open the SaveInstant video downloader in a new tab and paste the link with Cmd + V.
- Click Download and choose the quality. The first button is the best one.
- The MP4 is saved to Downloads. Click the arrow in the toolbar to open it.
Safari, Chrome and Firefox: small differences
- Safari: a download arrow appears in the toolbar. Click it and double-click the file. If Safari asks permission to download from the site, choose Allow.
- Chrome: the file shows at the bottom or in the Downloads list (Cmd + Shift + J).
- Firefox: the Downloads panel opens automatically. Click the folder icon to show the file in Finder.
Reels, photos and carousels
Reels use the same steps with the Reels downloader. For a photo post, use the photo downloader, and for a post with many slides try the carousel downloader. If you copy the link from the Instagram website, it works for all of them.
Where is the file, and how do I play it?
Open Finder and click Downloads. Double-click the MP4 to play it in QuickTime Player. To use it in iMovie, Final Cut or a video editor, simply drag the file into the project. You can also move it to Movies or an external drive to keep your Downloads folder tidy.
If the download doesn’t start
- Check that the post is public. If you must log in to see it, we can’t fetch it either.
- Turn off content blockers or a VPN for a moment and try again.
- Try another browser. Our troubleshooting guide covers the other usual causes.
The video belongs to its creator, so use it for personal viewing and ask before sharing it. For a Windows or Linux walk-through, see the PC and laptop guide.
Frequently asked questions
Where do Instagram downloads go on a Mac?
Into your Downloads folder, which you can open from the Dock or from Finder’s sidebar. You can change this folder in your browser’s settings.
Do I need QuickTime or any extra software?
No. The file is a standard MP4, and QuickTime Player or Preview opens it straight away.
Can I download several videos in one go?
Each link is handled one at a time. Paste one link, save the file, then paste the next. For posts with several slides, one link gives you every slide.