How to download Instagram photos and Reels: a complete guide

Instagram photos
(Image credit: Getty Images)

If you're looking for how to download Instagram photos, the good news is that there are several ways, even if it's not as simple as 'right click and save'. Whether you want to back up your photos or download Instagram Reels and Stories, this guide will show how to easily save your content to a PC, Mac or phone.

Below, we'll take you through a few different options, breaking them down step by step to make archiving your precious memories as easy as possible. You can download your entire Instagram history or simply save individual images either within the app itself or via a third-party tool.

Recent updates

This guide was updated on 15 May 2025 with the current process for requesting a link to download media from Instagram following changes to the apps UI design.

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Joe Foley
Freelance journalist and editor

Joe is a regular freelance journalist and editor at Creative Bloq. He writes news, features and buying guides and keeps track of the best equipment and software for creatives, from video editing programs to monitors and accessories. A veteran news writer and photographer, he now works as a project manager at the London and Buenos Aires-based design, production and branding agency Hermana Creatives. There he manages a team of designers, photographers and video editors who specialise in producing visual content and design assets for the hospitality sector. He also dances Argentine tango.

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