We often find ourselves in situations where downloading an Instagram reels video becomes necessary. Fortunately, saving public reel videos is usually quite simple, thanks to downloaders designed for this purpose. In fact, these days, the Instagram app natively lets you download reels.

download instagram private reels

Private reel videos, on the other hand, hold a different story. Since private reels are shared on private accounts that are only accessible to followers, simply downloading them would contradict the purpose of a private account.

If you’re determined to download private Instagram Reels, this article is for you. We’ve put together simple methods to download private reels videos on Instagram, provided you’re a follower of the private account. Read on to find out more about the guide.

Can I download Instagram Private Reels?

Yes, you can download Instagram private reels for private Instagram accounts you follow, but only with some unique methods.

Instagram uses a high level of privacy for private accounts — so you can’t accidentally see media posted by private IG accounts unless you’re a follower, and if you’re a follower, it’s not as easy to download them.

In our tests of downloading private Instagram reel videos with typical video downloaders and Instagram Reel downloaders, we found that the downloaders were unable to retrieve the video from the reel video URL.

However, we also learned about methods that allow you to download private reel videos by using the source code of the reel video.

How Can I Download Private Instagram Reels?

Looking for how you can download private Instagram reels? Below are the three effective methods we’ve realized you can use to download Instagram private reels without limitations:

Method
Description
Pros
Cons
Online Private Reel Downloader
Utilize online tools specifically designed to extract source code from private Instagram reels and facilitate downloading.
- No need to install additional software.
- Can download private reels without limitations if you have access to an account that follows the private account.
- Requires access to an account that follows the private account.
- Process involves copying source data which may be complex for some users.
Use a Third Party App
Utilize third-party applications like 4K Stogram, which offer features for downloading private Instagram reels.
- Offers customization options for download quality and other parameters.
- User-friendly interface.
- Functionality for downloading private videos may require a premium subscription.
- Requires installation of additional software.
Screen Record The Reel Video
Record the screen while playing the private Instagram reel, using third-party screen recording software.
- Widely accessible for most users. Can capture private reels effectively, regardless of account permissions.
- Captures entire screen, including potentially unwanted elements like the Reels menu.
- Requires additional steps to crop or edit out unwanted elements.
- Quality may be affected by recording settings and device performance.

Method 1: Online Private Reel Downloader

Regular Instagram video downloaders, as mentioned earlier, are incapable of downloading private reels on Instagram. Nevertheless, some online downloaders are specifically designed to facilitate the download of private reels. These tools function by extracting the source code of the private Instagram reel from the Instagram server using the reel URL, enabling the video download.

We recommend using any of the following programs that have proven to be effective: IG Downloader, In Down.io, or Instagram Private Reel Downloader.

It is important to know that in order to use these tools, you must have access to an account that follows the private account from which you want to download the video. Once this condition is met, you must log in to the Instagram account that follows the private account in the browser where you want to use the Instagram Private Reel Downloader. This step is necessary to give the private reel downloader permission to extract the source code of the reel video.

So, below are the steps to download Instagram Private Reel using IG Downloader:

1. Log in to the Instagram account that follows the private account from which you wish to download a reel using the default browser on the desired device.

2. Copy the URL to the private reel video you want to download.

3. Now, visit IG Downloader and paste the private reel URL to the box provided for it — the first box on the webpage.

download instagram private reel

4. The private reel downloader will generate a link to the video source data in the second box on the page. Copy this link and open it in a new tab.

5. You will be presented with a load of data —the private reel source data which you will need to download the reel video. Click on the source data and press Ctrl + A to select all the data, then press Ctrl + C to copy the source data.

reel video source code

6. Then go back to the IG Downloader page and paste the source data into the field provided — the third field on the page.

7. Click Download, and the private reel video should start downloading.

download private reel video

Method 2: Use a Third Party App

4K Stogram, a video downloader, presents an alternative for downloading private Instagram reels. The application is user-friendly and offers various features, including the ability to customize download quality and other parameters.

However, there is a catch: the function for downloading private videos is only accessible to premium users. This means that you have to opt for the paid version in order to use the app to download private reels from Instagram.

Method 3: Screen Record The Reel Video

Although many individuals don’t favor this approach, one of the most effective ways to download private Instagram reels is by screen recording. It’s obvious that there are few alternatives for this task, and screen recording is easily accessible for most users. Therefore, it can be a reliable option if you want to save a private movie from Instagram.

Despite the drawback that screen recorders capture the video along with the Reels menu, this issue can be addressed by employing third-party recorders such as AZ Recorder for Android, OBS Studio for PC, and DU Recorder for iPhone. These tools allow you to crop out unwanted elements, providing a private reel video without unnecessary distractions.

Final Thoughts

Using the methods described in this article, you can effectively save private Instagram Reels to any of your devices, provided you have access to a browser on the device or the ability to take screen recordings. It is important to note that all of these methods require you to be a follower of the private Instagram account, as non-followers will not have access to the account’s posts. We assure you that we will keep you updated in this article as new methods emerge.

FAQs: Download Instagram Private Reels

Of course, you can watch Reels videos from private Instagram accounts, but only if you follow the private accounts. If you're not a follower, you won't have access to the private account's profile, let alone the ability to watch their Reels, until you become a follower.

There is no app that permits viewing private Instagram profiles without being a follower of the account. Many online apps claiming to provide such functionality are typically scams, and it's advisable to avoid them. To discreetly check someone's Instagram account without revealing your identity, consider following them using an IG account that doesn't trace back to you, and hopefully, they will accept your follow request.

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