Instagram Rolls Out Reels Downloads for All Users

Instagram spilled the beans that everyone, regardless of their location, can now snag publicly shared Reels within the app. Initially, this feature was exclusively showered upon the U.S. users in June.

If a creator gives the green light for downloads of their snazzy clips, brace yourself for a shiny new “Download” option in the Reels “Share” display. Publicly posted Reels will be up for grabs by default, though creators can play the exclusivity card and turn it off if they’re not in the mood for a clip-copying spree.

Now, feast your eyes on these example screens to witness the glory of downloaded Reels. They come complete with an Instagram logo and the creator’s IG handle splashed across the clip. It’s like a watermark, but make it Instagram-chic.

But hold your horses; this newfound freedom also opens the floodgates for spammy accounts to snatch content from Instagram and flaunt it on TikTok. Sure, it’ll still have the IG seal of approval, but most users won’t bat an eye. However, TikTok’s algorithm has a thing for playing hard to get with posts boasting upfront branding, including the IG logo.

Let’s not beat around the bush; this move might nudge creators towards dropping some original content bombs. Yet, brace yourselves for the inevitable surge of users sharing those viral IG clips on TikTok too.

Beyond gaming the system, this feature is also your ticket to hoarding top-notch Reels clips and flaunting them in fresh, exciting ways. It might not be groundbreaking, but it’s the kind of change that sparks more engagement, paving the way for Reels creators to bask in the glory of heightened exposure.

In the grand revelation, Instagram chief Adam Mosseri spilled the beans that the download option for public Reels is now rolling out to everyone. So, keep your eyes peeled for those freshly downloaded Reels making a cameo in your next TikTok scroll. Cheers to more Instagram in your TikTok feed!