Want to grab a video from Instagram? Memorize this before Meta comes for you!

Admit it: you’ve been glued to that reel for days—the one where the cat in a Naruto costume is making dumplings. Or maybe you want to save that super-useful guide from a blogger before it disappears forever. Sure, the author could allow downloads, but no—they checked the “forbid” box like this video contains nuclear codes instead of a salad recipe.

Relax. There’s a way around it. Legal? Well… that depends on which lawyer you ask. The key rule: don’t post downloaded content under your own name, or the copyright owner will catch up faster than followers flocking to a free crypto course.

Here’s your cheat sheet for “borrowing” content. Spoiler: the most reliable method is at the very end.

1. The Official Way (For Law-Abiding Citizens)

Yes, Instagram itself has a “Download” button. It’s right there with the “Share” option—click the paper airplane. But this only works if the author wasn’t stingy and allowed downloads.

If you’re unlucky—expect either a refusal or a silent video (thanks, but no thanks). Another catch: if you’re under 18, you first have to dig through settings to enable it. Basically, it’s a minefield.

Verdict: mediocre at best. Works only if the author is a generous soul.

2. Telegram Bots—Your Digital Legal Thief

Imagine having a personal assistant who does all the dirty work. That’s a Telegram bot.

Downside: some bots can be annoying, constantly begging you to subscribe to a meme channel from 2012.

3. Browser Extensions (Clever Chrome Hacks)

Working from a laptop? Perfect. Grab an extension like FastSave or Inssave. Once installed, a magical “Download” button appears right in Instagram’s web interface. Click, and the video is yours—no registration, no SMS, and importantly, no watermarks.

Important detail people ignore: this only works on the web version. Mobile apps? Forget it. But really, who browses social media from a PC these days? Only geeks and office workers pretending to work.

4. Single-Page Websites (Classic Move)

Search Google for “download Instagram video,” and you’ll get a ton of one-page sites. The method is the same everywhere: paste the copied link, click a button, and download the file. Example: FastVideoSave.Net.

Downsides: prepare for pop-ups—casino ads, shady weight-loss pills, and betting sites. You’ll close a dozen windows before reaching the coveted download button.

5. Dedicated PC Programs (For Hardcore Downloaders)

If you want to dump an entire culinary blogger’s account onto your hard drive, tools like 4K Stogram or Qoob Tools are for you. These programs download not just videos but photos and stories—often in bulk.

Drawbacks:

• You need to install software on your computer.
  
  
  
• Free versions usually have daily download limits.
  
  
  

For example, Qoob Tools lets you download only 50 media items per day for free. Beyond that—pay (starting from ~1000 RUB/month). Are pancake recipes worth that investment? Decide for yourself.

6. Mobile Apps (For the Lazy Downloader)

Check the App Store or Google Play—there are plenty of downloader apps. For iOS, try Reposter for Instagram or InSave. For Android: Video Downloader: Story Video or SaveInsta.

Lifehack: they all require access to your photos and videos. Grant it, paste the link, and the app does the rest. Convenient, but beware: your data might be leaked elsewhere. Let’s face it, nobody reads the user agreement, right?

Bonus: The King of Methods When Everything Fails

All services work today and are blocked tomorrow. Or a video just refuses to download. Time to go full “Level 80 Hacker”—screen recording.

Yes, it’s crude. Yes, it’s not perfect. But it always works.

• iPhone: swipe down from the top-right corner, find the circle button, tap to start recording, tap again to stop. Video lands in your gallery.
  
  
  
• Android: usually hidden in Quick Settings, or look for “Screen Recording” in settings.
  
  
  

Pro tip: you can trim unnecessary parts afterward. Audio isn’t perfect, but that’s the price of freedom.

Legally, you can only download what the author allowed. Everything else is a gray area. Choose your method based on your situation:

• Quickly, on mobile: Telegram bots or mobile apps.
  
  
  
• From a computer: browser extensions or one-page sites.
  
  
  
• Want it all: dedicated programs like 4K Stogram.
  
  
  
• Nothing else works: record the screen. An old-school but powerful hack.
  
  
  

And if downloading videos gives you the sudden urge to upgrade your phone or grab a more powerful gadget—check our classifieds board. Smartphones, tablets, and tech for every taste await. Who knows, your future phone might be right there, ready for another hundred favorite video downloads.