Since its launch in 2020, Instagram Reels has quickly become one of the most popular forms of content on social media. While many users enjoy Instagram Reels on their mobile phones, you may want to save Reels videos on Windows for different reasons.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through three methods of downloading Instagram Reels on Windows, including using software tools, web-based downloaders, and screen recorders. Read below for step-by-step instructions for each method.
What Are Instagram Reels
Instagram Reels are short and vertical videos that range from 15 to 90 seconds. They can include audio, effects, stickers, captions, and trending sounds, making them a powerful tool for creators. Users can create and share them within the Instagram app.
You can find Reels in the Explore tab, the Reels tab, or a user’s profile on Instagram. This helps reach a wide audience. Unlike Instagram Stories (which disappear after 24 hours unless saved), Reels stay on your profile unless deleted.
Why Download Instagram Reels on Windows
Most Instagram users interact with Reels on their mobile devices. However, there are plenty of scenarios where you may want to download them to a Windows computer:
1. Content Creation
Content creators often prefer editing their Reels videos on desktops with editing tools. If you want to make your own Reels more polished, downloading them to your Windows computer makes importing and editing easier.
2. Offline Access
Storing Reels videos locally ensures you can access them even without an Internet connection. This is especially useful while you’re traveling, in areas with poor Internet connectivity, or archiving important tutorials.
3. Better Storage Management
Windows computers usually have more storage space compared to mobile devices. Large collections of downloaded Reels can be organized into folders without consuming your mobile memory.
4. Cross-Platform Use
Downloaded Reels can be repurposed (with proper credit and permissions) across platforms like Facebook, YouTube Shorts, TikTok, or even in slideshows and presentations.
3 Methods for Instagram Reels Download on Windows
There’s no single method that works for everyone, but here are the most effective options for downloading Instagram Reels directly to your Windows computer.
Method 1: Download Instagram Reels Using Desktop Software
Firstly, you can try desktop software to download Instagram Reels to your device. They often come with higher-quality downloads and more stable performance than online sites.
MiniTool Video Converter could be one of the most reliable and safe Instagram Reels downloaders.
Key Features of MiniTool Video Converter
# No ads, no watermarks
While using MiniTool Video Converter, you won’t see any ads, and it doesn’t add any watermarks to the downloaded Reels.
# Wide platforms support
MiniTool Video Converter supports downloading videos from several trending online video platforms, including Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter. It allows you to save not only Reels from Instagram, but also regular videos and Stories.
# High-quality MP4/MP3 output
With MiniTool Video Converter, you can save your favorite Reels to original-quality MP4 files. As long as the source video supports 4K or 8K resolution, this software can download it for you quickly. Also, you can extract the audio file from the Reels and download it in MP3 format.
# Excellent performance in YouTube download
Most users prefer using MiniTool Video Converter to download content from YouTube. It’s capable of downloading YouTube videos, music, playlists, podcasts, and other types of content. The output formats include MP4, WebM, MP3, and WAV. You can download unlimited videos, and up to 10 videos can be saved simultaneously.
Steps to Download Instagram Reels with MiniTool Video Converter
How to download Reels from Instagram on Windows? You can follow the guide step by step:
Step 1. Download and install MiniTool Video Converter
Click the button below to download this Instagram Reels downloader and install it on your computer.
MiniTool Video ConverterClick to Download100%Clean & Safe
Step 2. Launch and go to Download Video
After installing, launch MiniTool Video Converter, and then navigate to the Download Video tab on the left-hand menu.
Step 3. Copy the link to the Instagram Reels video
Go to Instagram on your browser and click on the Reels tab. Then, try one of the following three ways to get the video link:
1. Copy the link on your browser’s address bar.
2. Click the Share icon and select Copy link.
3. Click on the More icon and choose Copy link.
Step 4. Paste the Instagram Reels video link
On the interface of MiniTool Video Converter, click on Paste URL. In the pop-up window, paste the copied Instagram Reels link into the input box and click on Download.
Step 5. Download Instagram Reels to MP4/MP3
If you want to save the Reels video in MP4, choose a quality option under Download Video. Or, choose a quality option under Download Audio to extract an MP3 file from the video. Then, click the Download button to begin the download process.
Step 6. Play or find the downloaded Instagram Reels
You can track the download progress in the Downloading tab. You have the option to pause or resume the download at any time. When it finishes, it will automatically move to the Completed tab.
To play the downloaded Instagram Reels video, click the play icon, or click the folder icon to locate the file location.
Just repeat the similar steps if you want to save videos from other platforms with this powerful video downloader!
Other desktop Instagram Reels downloaders to try:
- SnapDownloader
- By Click Downloader
- YT Saver
Method 2: Download Instagram Reels Using Online Tools
If you want a quicker download process and don’t want to download and install any application, consider using an online tool. There are many options to choose from, but here I’d like to recommend: Online Video Downloader on viddown.net.
Key Features of Online Video Downloader on viddown.net
# Excellent compatibility
As an online downloader, this tool works well on most common web browsers, whether it’s Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, or Opera. As long as your device (desktops, smartphones, laptops, or tablets) has a browser, you can access this tool easily.
# Free and clean
Online Video Downloader on viddown.net is completely free to use. The homepage has no annoying ads, and there are no watermarks on the downloaded videos.
# Support multiple platforms
This online downloader supports downloading videos from multiple social media platforms. Apart from Instagram, you can download YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo, TikTok, and Twitter videos.
# Unlimited downloads
The tool enables you to save unlimited videos to your device as desired. With it, you can download as many Instagram videos and photos as you want with no restrictions.
# High-quality downloads
While downloading Instagram Reels via Online Video Downloader on viddown.net, you can always get the best quality by keeping it in its original resolution.
How to Download Instagram Reels Video Using Online Video Downloader on viddown.net
Here’s how to download Reels from Instagram with this online Instagram video downloader:
Step 1. Visit viddown.net
Open your web browser and visit viddown.net. At the top of the screen, expand the Instagram menu and choose Download Instagram Reels to access its Online Instagram Reels Downloader.
Step 2. Copy the URL of the Instagram Reels video
Open a new tab on your browser to go to Instagram and copy the URL of the Reels video you want to save.
Step 3. Paste the Instagram Reels video URL
Next, paste the Instagram Reels video URL you just copied into the address box and click on the Download button.
Step 4. Download the Instagram Reels
Click on Download next to your desired download option. It will pop up the Save As window, which requires you to decide where to save the video. Click on Save to start saving the Reels.
You can also save the video thumbnail by going to the Photo tab, selecting the resolution, and clicking on the corresponding Download button.
Step 5. Locate the downloaded Instagram Reel video
After downloading successfully, you can go to your browser’s Downloads section or the folder you chose before to locate the downloaded Instagram Reel video.
The following online tools are also worth trying:
- SSSInstagram
- iGram Downloader
- ReelSave.app
- Snapinsta.to
Method 3: Record Reels with Windows Screen Recorders
If you don’t want to use any third-party Instagram Reels downloaders, a fallback solution you can try is to record the Reels video while playing it.
To record the Reel, you need an easy-to-use Windows screen recorder. As we mentioned earlier, MiniTool Video Converter is also a powerful screen recording tool.
MiniTool Video Converter lets you record any area on your screen. You can choose to record the entire screen or just a portion of it. This feature is perfect for recording the desired Reels video vertically in a selected region.
While recording, you can choose to capture your system audio or microphone either separately or simultaneously. You don’t need to worry about video quality either, as it supports screen recording in up to 4K resolution. Besides, you can customize the frame rate before you start recording.
Most importantly, this screen recorder has no limitations on the recording duration. You can record the video as long as you like. Plus, it doesn’t leave any watermark on the recorded videos.
How to Record Instagram Reels Through MiniTool Video Converter
To record your wanted Reels and save them as MP4 videos, follow the step-by-step instructions:
Step 1. Install and open MiniTool Video Converter
Install MiniTool Video Converter on your PC by clicking its download button. Then, open it.
MiniTool Video ConverterClick to Download100%Clean & Safe
Step 2. Initiate MiniTool Screen Recorder
Switch to the Capture Screen module and click anywhere within the marked area to initiate the MiniTool Screen Recorder.
Step 3. Navigate to the wanted Reels video
Visit the Instagram website and locate the Reels video you want.
Step 4. Customize recording settings
In the small window, choose Select Region to record the Reels in a selected region. Then, decide whether to record your system audio and microphone. Click the Settings icon to adjust other settings, like output folder, frame rate, quality, etc.
Step 5. Start recording the Reels
Click on the REC button or press F6 on your keyboard to start capturing the Reels video. It will have a three-second countdown. At this time, go to your browser and play the Reels video.
Step 6. Stop the recording
When the video play finishes, press the F6 key again to stop recording.
Step 7. Find the recorded Reels
After that, the recorded video will be listed on MiniTool Video Converter’s interface. You can click the edit icon to rename the video, click the play icon to play it, or click the folder icon to find its save folder.
To Wrap Things Up
This article provides a comprehensive guide on Instagram Reels download. Three practical methods are introduced, along with their step-by-step instructions. You can save your favorite Instagram Reels via desktop applications, online tools, or screen recording software.
If you encounter any problems while using MiniTool Video Converter to download or record Instagram Reels, please get in touch with us via [email protected] or send me messages on X.
About The Author
Position: Columnist
Lydia is always interested in new things and has been attracted deeply by writing. Her love for writing makes her become an English editor about multimedia in MiniTool. She’s determined to write articles about photos, audio, video, and other news to offer readers useful suggestions. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, reading, photography, and having fun with friends.