How to Download Instagram Videos on iPhone (Step-by-Step)

Published April 5, 2026

iOS doesn't give the Instagram app a "Save to Camera Roll" button for other people's posts, and there's no built-in Files app trick that fixes that either. The most reliable workaround is using a browser-based downloader that works the same way in Safari as it does on desktop.

Step-by-Step for iPhone

1. Open the Instagram app and find the video, Reel, or post you want to save.
2. Tap the ... menu or the paper-plane Share icon, then choose Copy Link.
3. Open Safari (or any browser) and go to Cheff Downloader's Video Downloader.
4. Tap the input box, then tap Paste when the option appears.
5. Tap Download. Safari will prompt you to save the file.
6. Once downloaded, tap the Safari downloads icon, then choose Save to Files or share it directly to Photos.

Saving Directly to Your Camera Roll

After the video finishes downloading in Safari, tap the download icon in the toolbar, open the file, tap the Share icon, and choose Save Video to add it straight to your Photos app.

It Works for More Than Just Videos

The exact same steps apply for photos, Reels, and Stories — copy the link in the app, paste it into the matching tool in Safari, and download.