Tapping the bookmark icon on a Reel only saves it inside Instagram. To keep the video on your phone, in your Photos app or Gallery, you need to download it. Here is how, for both iPhone and Android.
Save to Collection vs. Save to Gallery
The in-app Save button adds the Reel to a private collection in your Instagram account. If the Reel is deleted or the account goes private, it can disappear. A downloaded file stays on your phone.
How to Save Instagram Reels to Gallery — Step by Step
Copy the Reel Link
Open Instagram and find the Reel. Tap the Share (paper plane) icon or the three dots, then tap "Copy Link". On a computer, copy the URL from the address bar.
Paste the Link into iGram.ink
Go to iGram.ink, paste the Reel link into the input field, and tap "Download". The tool will fetch the available download options.
Save the Reel
Tap the download button next to the option you want. The file is saved to your Downloads folder or Gallery, depending on your device.
iPhone: Get the Reel into Photos
- Download the Reel in Safari with iGram.ink.
- Tap the download icon in Safari (or open the Files app) and find the video.
- Tap Share, then choose Save Video.
- Open Photos. The Reel is now in your library.
Android: Get the Reel into Gallery
- Download the Reel in Chrome with iGram.ink.
- Most phones save it to Downloads and show it in your Gallery automatically.
- If it does not appear, open Files, go to Downloads, and move the video to your DCIM or Movies folder.
Reel Not Showing in Gallery? Try These Fixes
- Check Downloads or Files: The file may be there, not in the main Gallery.
- Check storage: A full phone can make downloads fail.
- Allow downloads: Make sure your browser has permission to save files.
- Restart the Gallery app: Sometimes it needs a refresh to show new files.
- Try another browser: Chrome and Safari are the most reliable.
For the full process, see our Instagram Reels download guide, or learn about saving Instagram photos and videos.
Tips
- Create an album for saved Reels so they are easy to find.
- Use downloaded Reels for personal viewing and respect creators' rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my downloaded Reel not in my gallery?
It may be in the Downloads folder (Android) or the Files app (iPhone). On iPhone, tap Share on the file and choose Save Video to add it to Photos.
Can I save a Reel to my gallery without an app?
Yes. A web downloader such as iGram.ink works in your browser, so no app is needed.
Is saving a Reel inside Instagram the same as saving to gallery?
No. The in-app Save button only bookmarks the Reel inside Instagram. It does not put a file on your phone.
Can I save Reels from private accounts?
No. Only public Reels can be downloaded.
Final Thoughts
To keep a Reel for good, download it instead of just bookmarking it. On Android it usually lands in Gallery automatically, and on iPhone you add it to Photos with Save Video.
Ready? Head to iGram.ink, paste a Reel link, and save it to your gallery. For more guides, visit the iGram blog.
Save Reels to your gallery
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