How to Download Instagram Reels: Permission and Copyright Explained
Quick answer
To download a public Reel, search the username in Shadowly, open the Reels tab, select the video and press Download. The video belongs to its creator, so ask for permission before you republish it.
Download steps
- Open the tool and search the username.
- Pick the video in the Reels tab.
- Press Download in the player. The file is saved as
.mp4.
When do you need permission?
Watching or archiving a video for yourself is not the same as posting it on your own account. Get written permission when:
- you will publish it on your own social media
- you will use it in an ad or campaign
- other people are recognisable in it
Music is a separate matter
The tracks in Reels have their own licences. When the video downloads, the music comes with it, but that does not give you the right to use the song elsewhere.
A word on quality
File quality depends on the original upload and on Instagram’s compression. If you need the best version, ask the creator for the source file.
Frequently asked questions
Does the downloaded video have a watermark?
Shadowly passes the video through as it is and adds no watermark.
Can I download Reels from a private account?
No. Only content from public accounts can be viewed and downloaded.
