What the extension does
Once it is installed, open instagram.com in Chrome and browse as usual. Each post gets a Download button next to it. Click it and a small panel shows the progress. When the file is done, the panel says "Saved to your downloads." along with the exact resolution.
There is nothing to paste and no separate page to visit. You stay on Instagram the whole time.
It saves
- Reels, with sound, usually at 1080p
- Photos, at up to 1080 px wide
- Carousels, with every image saved and numbered in post order
- Captions, with a one-click copy button
Why use an Instagram downloader extension instead of a website
Paste-a-link websites work, and we run one too. But if you save posts on a computer, an Instagram downloader extension has real advantages.
Better image quality
Our web tool can return photos and carousel images at lower resolution, for example 720 px wide. The extension usually gets higher quality, up to 1080 px wide. For Reels, it saves the best version Instagram serves, usually 1080p.
No daily limit
The web tool runs on our servers, so it has a daily limit. The extension runs in your own browser, so there is no limit.
Works with what you can see
The web tool only handles public posts. The extension works with posts you can open while signed in to Instagram in Chrome.
Fewer steps
No copying links, no switching tabs. Click Download beside the post and you are done.
How to install it
- Click Add to Chrome. This opens the extension in the Chrome Web Store.
- Press "Add to Chrome" in the store and confirm.
- Open instagram.com and sign in if you are not already.
- Find a post and click the Download button beside it.
That is all. There is no account to create and nothing to set up.
Using it as an Instagram video downloader in Chrome
If you mainly want videos, the extension works as an Instagram video downloader Chrome extension with no extra steps. Click Download beside a Reel and it saves the video with its sound.
Nothing is re-encoded. You get the file Instagram serves, not a compressed copy. When Instagram sends the picture and the sound as separate streams, the extension combines them in your browser into one video.
For a full walkthrough on Windows and Mac, see how to download Instagram Reels on PC.
Instagram downloader for PC and Mac
The extension works in desktop Chrome on Windows, Mac and other computers that run Chrome. It also works in other Chromium browsers that can install extensions from the Chrome Web Store.
It does not work on phones. If you are on a phone or tablet, use the paste-a-link web tool on our home page instead. It works on any device for public posts.
Sign-in and privacy
The extension needs you to be signed in to Instagram in Chrome. It uses the session that is already open and never sees your password.
It is free and needs no account. There is no usage tracking. Downloads go straight to your computer's downloads folder, and nothing is uploaded anywhere.
Only download posts you own or have permission to reuse.
What the reel downloader extension does not do
We keep the extension focused. It does not download:
- Instagram Stories
- Whole profiles, or many posts at once
- Private posts you cannot open yourself
- LIVE broadcasts
Troubleshooting
The extension shows a clear message when something goes wrong, so you know what to do next.
"Sign in needed"
Sign in to instagram.com in the same Chrome profile where the extension is installed, then click Download again.
The post was removed or is private
If a post has been deleted, or it belongs to a private account you cannot view, the extension tells you. There is nothing it can save.
The connection dropped
If your connection drops during a download, the panel shows a Retry button. Click it to try again.
I do not see the Download button
Make sure you are on instagram.com in desktop Chrome or a Chromium browser, and that the extension is turned on. Then reload the page.
More ways to save Instagram posts
- Save single images with the Instagram photo downloader
- Save every slide in order with the Instagram carousel downloader
- Use the web tool on the Reel Downloader home page from any device
Reel Downloader is made by PostOnce. It is an independent tool and is not affiliated with Instagram or Meta.