How to Download Instagram Reels With Music (Complete 2025 Guide)

Want to save that viral Reel with its catchy song? Instagram's built-in download removes the music, but these methods preserve the original audio.

Quick Answer: 4 Ways to Download Reels With Music

Why Instagram's Built-In Download Removes Music

The Copyright Problem:

When you use Instagram's "Save" feature:

1. Reel saves to your device
2. Music is automatically removed
3. Only video and caption preserved
4. Instagram watermark added

Why Instagram Does This:

• Copyright protection
• Music licensing restrictions
• Prevents music redistribution
• Protects artists' rights

The Workaround: Use alternative methods that capture the full Reel, including audio.

Method 1: Screen Recording (No Apps Needed)

The simplest way to save Reels with music—built into every phone.

iPhone Screen Recording:

Step 1: Enable Screen Recording

1. Settings → Control Center
2. Scroll to "More Controls"
3. Add "Screen Recording" (green + button)

Step 2: Start Recording

1. Open Instagram Reel you want to save
2. Swipe down from top right (or up from bottom on older iPhones)
3. Tap Screen Record button (circle icon)
4. Wait 3-second countdown

Step 3: Record the Reel

1. Play the Reel from the beginning
2. Let it play through completely
3. Stop screen recording (tap red bar at top → Stop)

Step 4: Trim the Video

1. Open Photos app
2. Find screen recording
3. Tap Edit → Trim to just the Reel
4. Save trimmed version

Pro Tips:

• Turn on Airplane Mode to hide notifications during recording
• Use Do Not Disturb to prevent interruptions
• Record in vertical for best quality
• Clean up trimmed edges in editing app

Android Screen Recording:

Step 1: Enable Screen Recorder

For Android 11+:

1. Swipe down notification shade
2. Swipe again for Quick Settings
3. Tap "Screen Recorder" icon
4. If not visible: Settings → Display → Screen Record

For Samsung:

1. Swipe down Quick Panel
2. Find "Screen Recorder"
3. Or Settings → Advanced Features → Screenshots and screen recorder

Step 2: Configure Recording

1. Tap Screen Recorder
2. Choose settings:
   • Sound: Media sounds (important!)
   • Quality: HD or highest available
3. Tap Start Recording

Step 3: Record Reel

1. Open Instagram
2. Play Reel completely
3. Stop recording (notification or quick settings)

Step 4: Edit Recording

1. Open Gallery or Photos
2. Find screen recording
3. Use built-in editor or Google Photos to trim
4. Save final version

Screen Recording Best Practices:

For Best Quality:

• Brightness 100% for clear video
• Close other apps for smooth recording
• Stable position (no shaking)
• Full volume for audio capture
• Landscape orientation if Reel is horizontal

Audio Tips:

• Ensure media volume is up (not muted)
• Don't use Bluetooth headphones (some don't record system audio)
• Speaker or wired headphones work best
• Test first recording to verify audio captures

Method 2: Third-Party Downloader Apps

Dedicated apps designed to download Reels with music.

Best Apps for iPhone:

1. [object Object]

How to Use:

1. Download Repost for Instagram from App Store
2. Open Instagram → Find Reel
3. Tap three dots (⋯) → Copy Link
4. Open Repost app
5. Reel auto-appears → Tap Download
6. Choose Save with Audio
7. Reel saves to Photos with music

Pros:

• Preserves audio
• High quality
• Easy interface
• Batch downloads (paid)

Cons:

• Watermark on free version
• Some features require payment
• Occasional ads

2. [object Object]

How to Use:

1. Install InstaSave from App Store
2. Copy Reel link from Instagram
3. Open InstaSave
4. Link auto-pastes
5. Tap Download
6. Saves with original audio

Pros:

• Completely free
• No watermark
• Simple interface

Cons:

• Ads
• Requires link copying

Best Apps for Android:

1. [object Object]

How to Use:

1. Download from Google Play Store
2. Open app → Grant permissions
3. Copy Reel link from Instagram
4. App auto-detects link
5. Tap Download
6. Choose quality → Save

Pros:

• Audio preserved
• Multiple quality options
• Fast downloads

Cons:

• Ads
• Some premium features

2. [object Object]

How to Use:

1. Install Reel Saver
2. Copy Instagram Reel link
3. Open Reel Saver
4. Paste link (auto-detected)
5. Select Download with Audio
6. Save to Gallery

Pros:

• HD quality
• No watermark (paid)
• Batch download

Cons:

• Free version has watermark
• Requires premium for best features

App Safety Considerations:

✅ Safe Apps:

• From official app stores (App Store, Play Store)
• Good reviews (4+ stars, thousands of reviews)
• Clear privacy policy
• Doesn't ask for Instagram login
• Regular updates

❌ Avoid:

• Apps requiring Instagram password
• Unknown sources/APK files
• Apps with <3 star ratings
• No privacy policy
• Excessive permissions

Method 3: Online Reel Downloaders (No App Install)

Web-based tools for downloading Reels—works on any device.

Top Online Downloaders:

1. [object Object]

How to Use:

1. Open Instagram → Find Reel
2. Tap three dots (⋯) → Copy Link
3. Go to igram.io in browser
4. Paste link in search box
5. Click Download
6. Choose Download with Audio
7. Video downloads with music

Pros:

• No app needed
• Works on any device
• Free
• Multiple quality options

Cons:

• Ads on website
• Download speed varies
• Watermark sometimes

2. [object Object]

How to Use:

1. Copy Reel link from Instagram
2. Visit savefrom.net
3. Paste link
4. Click Download
5. Select quality (HD recommended)
6. Click download button

Pros:

• Fast downloads
• Multiple platforms supported
• Clean interface

Cons:

• Pop-up ads
• Requires ad blocker for best experience

3. [object Object]

How to Use:

1. Copy Instagram Reel URL
2. Go to downloadgram.com
3. Paste in input field
4. Click Download
5. Choose Video with Audio
6. Save file

Pros:

• Simple interface
• Works instantly
• No registration

Cons:

• Ads
• May have watermark

Online Downloader Safety:

Before Using:

• ✅ Check URL (avoid typos, fake sites)
• ✅ Use ad blocker
• ✅ Don't login to Instagram on downloader sites
• ✅ Check reviews/reputation
• ❌ Never enter personal info
• ❌ Avoid sites asking for Instagram credentials

Method 4: Browser Extensions (Desktop Only)

Chrome/Firefox extensions for one-click Reel downloads.

Best Browser Extensions:

1. [object Object]

Installation:

1. Chrome Web Store → Search "Video Downloader for Instagram"
2. Click Add to Chrome
3. Grant permissions

How to Use:

1. Open Instagram on desktop
2. Navigate to Reel
3. Extension icon shows download button on Reel
4. Click Download with Audio
5. Choose save location

Pros:

• One-click download
• Audio preserved
• HD quality

Cons:

• Chrome only
• Occasional Instagram updates break it

2. [object Object]

Installation:

1. Firefox Add-ons → Search "Instagram Downloader"
2. Click Add to Firefox
3. Allow permissions

How to Use:

1. Visit Instagram Reel
2. Right-click on Reel
3. Select "Download with Instagram Downloader"
4. Choose format/quality
5. Save

Pros:

• Firefox compatible
• Right-click convenience
• Multiple format options

Cons:

• Less frequent updates than Chrome version

Extension Safety Tips:

Safe Usage:

• Download from official stores only
• Read permissions carefully
• Check reviews and ratings
• Keep extensions updated
• Remove if Instagram blocks

Red Flags:

• Requests Instagram password
• Wants access to all websites
• No reviews or very few
• Promises features too good to be true

Legal & Ethical Considerations

Is Downloading Reels Legal?

The Legal Gray Area:

Generally Legal:

• ✅ Personal use (watching offline)
• ✅ Educational purposes (with credit)
• ✅ Saving your own content
• ✅ Content with Creative Commons license

Illegal/Risky:

• ❌ Reposting without permission
• ❌ Commercial use
• ❌ Removing watermarks and claiming as own
• ❌ Downloading copyrighted music for distribution

Instagram's Terms:

• Downloading violates Terms of Service
• Instagram doesn't actively enforce for personal use
• Reposting others' content can result in copyright strikes

Ethical Best Practices:

If Downloading for Reposting:

1. Get Permission

   • DM creator for explicit consent
   • Screenshot permission conversation
   • Give proper credit

2. Provide Attribution

   • Tag original creator
   • Mention in caption
   • Link to original post

3. Don't Claim as Original

   • Never remove watermarks
   • Don't present as your content
   • Be transparent about source

If Downloading for Personal Use:

• No ethical issues
• Enjoy offline
• Don't share without permission

Troubleshooting Download Issues

Problem One: Download Has No Audio

Causes:

• Method doesn't support audio
• Audio was copyrighted and stripped
• App/site limitation

Solutions:

1. Try Screen Recording (always captures audio)
2. Use Different Tool
3. Check Original Reel (if muted, downloads will be too)
4. Verify Volume Settings on device

Problem Two: Poor Quality Download

Causes:

• Low-quality source
• Downloader compression
• Internet speed

Solutions:

1. Choose HD/Highest Quality option
2. Use Different Tool (some compress less)
3. Screen Record for original quality
4. Check Original Reel Quality first

Problem Three: Can't Copy Reel Link

iOS/Android:

1. Tap three dots (⋯) on Reel
2. Select "Copy Link"
3. If option missing: Try updating Instagram

Alternative:

1. Tap paper plane (share) icon
2. Select "Copy Link"

Desktop:

1. Right-click on Reel
2. "Copy Link"
3. Or click three dots → "Copy Link"

Problem Four: Downloader Site Not Working

Troubleshooting:

1. Clear Browser Cache
2. Try Incognito/Private Mode
3. Disable Ad Blockers (temporarily)
4. Use Different Browser
5. Try Alternative Downloader

Best Practices for Saving Reels

Organize Downloaded Reels:

Create Folders:

Instagram Reels/
  ├── Recipes/
  ├── Tutorials/
  ├── Funny/
  ├── Inspiration/
  └── To Repost (with permission)/

Naming Convention:

• [Creator]_[Description]_[Date].mp4
• Example: @chef_john_pasta_recipe_2025-02-15.mp4
• Makes searching easier

Storage Management:

iPhone:

• Use Files app for organization
• Create albums in Photos
• Offload to iCloud/Google Photos

Android:

• Files by Google for management
• SD card storage if available
• Cloud backup (Google Drive, Dropbox)

Audio Quality Tips:

For Best Sound:

1. Download immediately (Instagram compresses over time)
2. Choose highest quality option
3. Avoid re-downloading (degrades quality)
4. Screen record in quiet environment (for best capture)

Alternative: Instagram Collections

If you just want to save Reels for later (on Instagram):

Using Collections Feature:

Step 1: Save Reel

1. Play Reel
2. Tap bookmark icon (ribbon/flag)
3. Reel saved to "All Posts"

Step 2: Organize in Collection

1. Tap bookmark again
2. Select "Create Collection" or choose existing
3. Name collection (e.g., "Recipes," "Workouts")
4. Add Reel

Step 3: Access Anytime

1. Profile → Menu (☰)
2. "Saved"
3. View by collection
4. Watch with original audio

Pros:

• Official Instagram feature
• Audio always works
• Organized categories
• No download needed

Cons:

• Requires internet
• If Reel deleted, you lose access
• Can't share files outside Instagram

Conclusion

Downloading Instagram Reels with music is possible through several methods, each with pros and cons. Screen recording is the most reliable way to preserve audio, while apps and online tools offer convenience. Always respect copyright and creators' rights when downloading and sharing content.

Quick Recommendations:

• For Simplicity: Screen recording
• For Bulk Downloads: Third-party app
• For No Installation: Online downloader
• For Desktop: Browser extension
• For Just Saving: Instagram Collections

Remember: Use downloaded Reels responsibly. Get permission before reposting, always credit creators, and respect intellectual property rights.

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