Instagram now allows anyone to download public Reels

For public profiles on Instagram, any user has the ability to download and distribute reels, unless adjustments are made to the settings. Downloaded reels come with an Instagram watermark, username, and audio attribution, and should not be utilized for commercial purposes. The usage of downloaded reels is beyond Instagram’s control.

Instagram now allows anyone to download public Reels drafts

Instagram has announced a major update that allows users from around the world to download Reels, following its initial introduction in the United States earlier this year. This new functionality offers users greater flexibility in sharing and saving Reels that they find engaging or inspiring. Let’s dive into the details of this exciting update.

Expanded Sharing Options

Previously, users had the option to share Reels on public profiles, Stories, or through direct messages. In addition, they could save Reels by accessing the saved Reels tab within the application. However, Instagram has now introduced a feature that enables users to share downloaded Reels on various other platforms as well.

Adam Mosseri’s Announcement

Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram, recently made an important announcement on his Broadcast channel. He revealed that all users can now download Reels from public accounts and save them directly to their camera roll. It means that you can easily keep a collection of your favorite Reels right at your fingertips.

Watermark and Gradual Rollout

It’s worth noting that any Reels downloaded in this manner will feature a watermark with the Instagram handle of the creator. It ensures that credit is given where it is due. However, as with any major update, the rollout will take some time to reach all users. So, if you don’t see the download option available on your account just yet, don’t worry—it will be coming your way soon.

Disabling Reels Download Function

Even though public accounts now have the option to enable the Reels download feature, some creators may choose to deactivate it. If this is the case, users will be unable to save Reels from these accounts to their galleries. However, there’s a workaround! By tapping the three dots on a specific Reel of interest, users can save it and access it later through the Saved tab.

Important Points to Note

To ensure a smooth experience using the Reels download feature, here are some important points to keep in mind:

• Only new Reels can be downloaded from public accounts unless you modify your download settings.
• Downloaded Reels will have an Instagram watermark that displays the username and audio attribution, giving credit to the creator.
• Modifying your download settings won’t affect existing copies of downloaded Reels on your device.
• Original audio from Reels may be included in downloaded clips if the original Reel had the option to download the audio.
• It’s important to remember that downloaded Reels should not be used for commercial purposes, as Instagram cannot control their use once downloaded.

How to Download Reels on Instagram

On Thursday, the Instagram head shared on his Broadcast Channel that it is now available globally. Any reel downloaded will include a watermark with the creator’s Instagram handle. To take advantage of this exciting feature and download Reels to your camera roll, simply follow these steps:

Step 1: Find a Reel that you want to save

Step 2: Tap the Share button, which features a paper airplane icon

Step 3: Select the Download option

Click on Download Option

Audio Options for Downloaded Reels

It’s interesting to note that there is a slight difference in audio depending on the source of the Reel. If you download a Reel that uses a licensed audio clip, the downloaded video will not have any audio. However, Reels with original audio tracks will retain their sound.

How to Disable the Download Option for Your Reels

Suppose you have a public account and prefer not to have the Download option available for your Reels. In that case, Instagram allows you to turn it off. Simply follow these steps:

Step 1: Go to your Profile

Step 2: Tap on Settings and Privacy

Step 3: Select Sharing and Remixes

Step 4: Navigate to Downloading your Reels

Step 5: Turn off the download button

Other Platforms’ Approach to Watermarks

The way Instagram watermarks shared Reels is in line with its goal of protecting intellectual property and giving credit where credit is due. Like, in 2021, the platform stopped suggesting videos from TikTok or other platforms that had watermarks on them. In the same way, YouTube started adding logo-based watermarks to saved Shorts in August 2022 to stop people from sharing them on other platforms.

The fact that Instagram is now letting users all over the world download Reels is a big deal for all of them. Users can put together their collection of interesting content since Reels is easy to save and share. As Instagram keeps adding new features and making its functions better, we can look forward to more fun changes in the future. Take a look around the world of Reels and stay tuned!