Instagram’s head, Adam Mosseri, announced on Wednesday that the platform now allows users worldwide to directly download public Reels onto their devices. This expansion follows the initial introduction of Reels download functionality in June, which was initially limited to U.S.-based users.
To download a Reel, users can simply click on the share icon and select the download option, making it accessible and convenient for everyone. Previously, users were confined to saving Reels within the Instagram app for later viewing.
Importantly, Mosseri emphasized during his Instagram broadcast that the downloaded Reels will feature an Instagram watermark, displaying the account name, similar to the watermark found on TikTok videos.
For users who wish to control the accessibility of their Reels, the option to turn off downloading is available. By navigating to Settings > Privacy > Reels and Remix, users can toggle the “Allow people to download your Reels” option, providing them with the flexibility to manage their content.
Even with the download feature turned off, users can still save Reels within the app for convenient viewing. Additionally, Mosseri highlighted that when downloading a Reel containing a licensed audio clip, the downloaded video will be silent. In contrast, Reels with original audio tracks will retain their sound.
It is important to note that when you download the Reel that contains the licensed audio clip, the downloaded video will have no sound. But if you download the Reel with the original audio track, then it will retain its sound.
Back in June, this reel-downloading feature was restricted to US-based Instagram users only. Now, this feature is extended to users worldwide.