How to Download Your Own Instagram Reels and Videos in Original Quality
It happens to everyone: you edit a Reel, post it, then clear your phone and realise the original is gone. The good news is that your own posts are easy to get back. There are three ways, and each suits a different situation.
Option 1: Check your phone first
Instagram always compresses what you upload, so the best copy is the one on your device. Check Photos or Gallery, your editing app (CapCut, InShot, Edits, iMovie) and your cloud storage. A video there will be sharper than anything you download back.
Option 2: Use the Save option on your own Reel
On your own posts, the three-dot menu often has a Save or Download option that puts the video in your camera roll. The exact label changes between app versions, and the saved file may include Instagram’s own watermark or the audio may be missing. If you don’t want that, use the next option.
Option 3: Download it from the link
- Open your Reel or video and tap Copy link from the share menu.
- Go to the Reels downloader, paste the link and press Download.
- Choose the first button for the highest quality.
This gives you a clean MP4 without a watermark. It only works while the post is public. If your account is private, switch it to public for a moment, download, then switch back, or use Option 4.
Option 4: Download all your data from Instagram
- Open Settings › Accounts Center › Your information and permissions.
- Tap Download your information and choose your account.
- Select Some of your information (such as Posts and Reels) or everything, and pick the date range and format.
- Instagram emails you when the file is ready, which can take from minutes to a few days.
It’s the best way to back up a whole account. We cover more ideas in how to back up your own Instagram photos, videos and Reels.
Tips for next time
- Save the original to your phone’s gallery or cloud before you post.
- Turn on “Save original photos” and “Save posted photos” in Instagram’s settings.
- Keep project files of edited videos for a while.
Frequently asked questions
Is a download from Instagram as good as my original file?
No. Instagram compresses uploads. Your phone’s gallery or editing app project always holds the sharpest copy, so check there first.
Can I download all my Instagram posts at once?
Yes. In Accounts Center, choose Your information and permissions, then Download your information. Instagram prepares a file with your posts, Reels and stories and tells you when it’s ready.
Do I need a downloader for my own posts?
Not always. For one or two posts it’s quick. For everything you ever posted, use Instagram’s own data download.