How to download Instagram on PC (Windows, Mac, Linux)
Downloading Instagram from PC is ideal when you'll edit content, organize large archives, or simply prefer the big screen. In this guide I'll explain how to do it on Windows, Mac, and Linux using just your browser.
Why download Instagram from PC?
- Video editing: if you'll edit the Reel in Premiere, DaVinci, or After Effects
- Organized archiving: structuring folders by category is easier with a keyboard
- Big screen: reviewing content on PC vs. phone
- Carousels with many photos: extracting a ZIP is faster on PC
- Storage: your PC has more space than the phone
- Stable connection: PC WiFi is usually better than mobile data
How to download Instagram on PC
1. Copy the content link
From instagram.com
- Open the Reel, post, or Highlight on instagram.com
- Copy the URL from the browser address bar
From the mobile app (via PC sync)
If you found content on phone but want to download on PC:
- Copy the link on phone (Share → Copy link)
- Send to yourself via email, WhatsApp Web, or Discord
- Open it on PC from wherever you received it
2. Open ReelSavr
Go to reelsavr.net. Works in any modern browser:
- Google Chrome (Windows, Mac, Linux)
- Firefox (all platforms)
- Microsoft Edge (Windows, Mac)
- Safari (Mac)
- Brave, Opera, Vivaldi, Arc
3. Paste and process
Click the main input and paste (Ctrl+V on Windows/Linux, Cmd+V on Mac). Tap Search video.
4. Pick quality and download
Options available depending on content type:
For Reels and long videos
- 1080p Full HD: max quality
- 720p HD: balance
- 480p SD: small file
- Audio MP3: audio only
For photo posts
- Download all (ZIP): for carousels
- Download individual: photo by photo
Where files are saved
Windows 10/11
C:\Users\YOURUSER\Downloads\
Mac
/Users/YOURUSER/Downloads/
Linux
/home/YOURUSER/Downloads/
Power user tricks
Auto-paste from clipboard
If you copy an Instagram link and open ReelSavr, it offers to paste automatically. Click accept for instant processing.
Dedicated tab
Keep ReelSavr in a pinned tab for quick access. When you want to download, Ctrl+Tab to the tab.
Browser keyboard shortcuts
- Ctrl+L: select the URL in the bar
- Ctrl+C / Ctrl+V: copy / paste
- Ctrl+J: open downloads in Chrome
- Ctrl+D: add to bookmarks
Extracting ZIPs from carousels
If you downloaded a ZIP with many photos:
- Windows: double click → Extract all
- Mac: double click (extracts automatically)
- Linux: double click or
unzip file.zipin terminal
Post-editing
Video editors
- DaVinci Resolve: free, professional, all platforms
- Adobe Premiere Pro: pro standard, paid
- Final Cut Pro: Mac only, Apple native
- Shotcut: free, simple, all platforms
- CapCut Desktop: free, easy for beginners
Image editors
- GIMP: free, Photoshop alternative
- Photoshop: professional, paid
- Affinity Photo: one-time payment (no subscription)
- Photopea: free, browser-based, Photoshop-like
Format conversion
- HandBrake: for videos, free
- FFmpeg: terminal, free, everything else
- ImageMagick: for images, free
Comparison with desktop software
There are programs like 4K Stogram, Inshot, etc. that promise to download Instagram. Compared to ReelSavr:
| Feature | Desktop software | ReelSavr |
|---|---|---|
| Install | Yes | No |
| Updates | Manual | Automatic |
| Pro version | $15-30/year | Free |
| Asks for Instagram login | Sometimes | Never |
| Works on any PC | Only where installed | Yes, any browser |
| Bundleware risk | Possible | No |
Frequently asked questions
Does it work on Mac?
Yes. Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and Edge on Mac download Instagram just like Windows. Same process, same result.
Do I need a browser extension?
No. Just open reelsavr.net in any modern browser. Instagram extensions are usually insecure or ask for excessive permissions.
Does it work with Instagram installed as PWA?
Yes. ReelSavr can process links regardless of which app they come from. All you need is the public link to the post or Reel.
How do I download carousels with many photos?
Same as a normal post. ReelSavr auto-detects when it's a carousel and offers to download all images as a ZIP.