How to Download Instagram Reels and Videos on PC and Mac (No Software)
Want to save an Instagram Reel to your laptop so you can rewatch it offline, repost it with credit, or keep it for inspiration? You don't need to install anything. If you want to download Instagram Reels on PC or Mac, a browser-based tool gets the job done in a couple of clicks. In this guide, we'll walk through the whole process step by step using Saverly, explain what works (and what doesn't), and answer the questions people ask most. Everything here covers public Reels and videos only — Saverly never touches private or login-gated content.
Why download Instagram Reels on a computer instead of your phone?
Saving Reels on a desktop or laptop has real advantages. The bigger screen makes it easier to copy the right link and confirm you've grabbed the correct clip. Files land straight in your Downloads folder, where they're simple to organize, rename, or drop into a video editor like Premiere, CapCut for desktop, or iMovie. You also avoid filling up limited phone storage, and a wired or Wi-Fi connection usually means faster, more reliable downloads of higher-resolution files. Whether you're a creator collecting reference clips, a social media manager building a swipe file, or just someone who wants a favorite video saved for offline viewing, the PC and Mac workflow is clean and repeatable.
What you can (and can't) download with Saverly
Saverly is a free, public-content downloader — there's nothing to install and no account to create. It works for public Instagram Reels and feed videos, and across Instagram it also handles photos, carousels, stories, highlights, and profile pictures, plus other platforms like TikTok, Facebook, X, Threads, Pinterest, and Reddit. To keep things honest: Saverly only saves public content. It cannot access private accounts, anything that requires logging in, or content from people who've restricted who can see their posts. It also doesn't do audio-only (MP3) extraction or bulk scraping of entire profiles — it's built for grabbing individual public videos and images you can already view in your browser.
How to download Instagram Reels on PC and Mac, step by step
The process is identical on Windows and macOS because everything happens in your browser. First, open Instagram in Chrome, Edge, Safari, or Firefox and find the public Reel you want. Click the three-dot menu (or the share/paper-plane icon) on the Reel and choose Copy Link — this puts the post URL on your clipboard. Next, open a new tab and head to Saverly's free Instagram reels downloader. Paste the link into the input box and press the download button. Saverly fetches the available version of the video; pick the quality you want, then click to save. The file downloads straight to your computer's Downloads folder, ready to play, edit, or keep offline. The same paste-and-save flow works for regular feed clips too — just use the Instagram video downloader for standard posts.
Tips for the best results and quality
A few small habits make downloads smoother. Always copy the link using Instagram's Copy Link option rather than typing the URL by hand — that guarantees the right post. Make sure the account and post are public before you start; if a Reel won't load, a privacy setting is usually the reason. When Saverly offers multiple resolutions, choose the highest one for the cleanest result, especially if you plan to edit or display the clip on a large screen. If a download stalls, refresh the page and paste the link again, or try a different browser. And remember the golden rule of reposting: only share content you have the rights to, and always credit the original creator.
FAQ
Do I need to install any software to download Instagram Reels on PC?
No. Saverly runs entirely in your web browser on both PC and Mac. You just paste a public Reel's link and download the file — there's nothing to install and no account required.
Can I download private or login-only Instagram Reels?
No. Saverly only works with public content. If a Reel is from a private account or requires you to log in to view it, it can't be downloaded. This keeps the tool aligned with respecting creators' privacy settings.
Does Saverly download Reels with the audio included?
Yes. Saverly saves the full Reel as a video file with its original sound. It does not offer audio-only or MP3-only extraction — you get the complete public video, not just the soundtrack.
Is it free to download Instagram Reels and videos on Mac and Windows?
Yes, Saverly is completely free to use. The same browser-based process works on Mac and Windows, so you can save public Reels and feed videos on either system at no cost.
Where do downloaded Reels go on my computer?
By default, the video saves to your browser's Downloads folder. From there you can move it, rename it, or import it into a video editor. You can change the default location in your browser settings if you prefer.