Want to save those hilarious cat clips and epic travel reels from Instagram before they disappear? By following this professional guide, you‘ll gain insider tricks for securely downloading any Instagram reel to your Windows or Mac computer.
Whether you need some cute videos to brighten your day offline or want to preserve special memories without risking deletions, you‘ll have access to clear instructions leveraging my over 5 years of experience as an online privacy expert. No fluff or filler – just easily digestible steps to rescue your favorite Instagram reels like a pro.
Overview: How to Download Instagram Reels to Computer
Here‘s a quick rundown of what we‘ll cover in this guide on saving Instagram reels:
- Why downloading reels is important to prevent losing special clips
- Step-by-step setup to use iTubeGo downloader on Windows or Mac
- Extra tips to customize quality, file types and more
- Top alternative Instagram downloading software options
- Expert answers to FAQs on formats, quality and sharing
By the end, you‘ll have a foolproof system to securely preserve any special Instagram reels – whether they are cute clips that always make you laugh or fun family moments you want backed up forever.
Why You Should Download Your Favorite Instagram Reels
Over the last few years, Instagram Reels have absolutely exploded in popularity. In 2021 alone, global searches for "Reels" increased over 90x 1.
And that meteoric growth shows no signs of slowing down.
Instagram Reels have given creators a fun new way to produce short-form, engaging video content on topics like comedy, animals, fitness, recipes and more.
Some of the best reasons to download and save Instagram reels include:
- Preserve cherished memories and events – everything from fun vacations to weddings and graduation ceremonies.
- Relive hilarious viral clips – that comedian you love or super cute pet? Their reels can disappear fast.
- Share special moments with friends and family easily via messaging apps and email
- Remix favorite reels into new video projects and montages
However, there is one big problem. Instagram does not give you any way to download and backup reels you find in the app.
And creators can delete their viral hits at any time.
That‘s why utilizing a dedicated Instagram reels downloader is so important.
It allows you to quickly and securely save any reel available currently to your Windows or Mac computer so you always have a copy.
Next I‘ll explain the easiest method using clever software called iTubeGo.
Using iTubeGo to Download Instagram Reels Videos
The simplest way to download Instagram reels is leveraging a handy piece of software called iTubeGo.
👉 Get Started with iTubeGo FREE
I recommend iTubeGo for securely saving Instagram reels to your computer because:
- 100% free software – no paid subscriptions or trial limitations
- Easy-to-use intuitive interface made for beginners
- Fast and reliable downloading even for multiple reels
- No ads or software bundles
- Additional handy features like trimming capabilities
From cute pet clips to comedy sketches – iTubeGo is the safest way to download any Instagram reel quickly.
And you‘ll avoid all sorts of malware risks that creep up with sketchier online Instagram video savers.
Next I‘ll breakdown exactly how to use iTubeGo downloader on both Windows and Mac OS.
How to Download Instagram Reels Videos on Windows
Downloading reels is a breeze with iTubeGo thanks to the simple Windows installation process:
Step 1: Download iTubeGo App for Windows
First head over to the official iTubeGo site and hit the big blue "Free Download" button to install their software for Windows 7, 8, 10 and 11 machines.
Run the quick setup .exe file that downloads to get up and running in minutes without any hassles.
Step 2: Copy The Instagram Reel URL
Now in a separate tab, head over to Instagram either on your browser or mobile app. Once you locate the awesome Instagram reel you want to save forever, tap the three dots beside it and hit Copy Link.
Then switch back over to the newly opened iTubeGo app.
Step 3: Paste URL & Customize
Go ahead and paste that Instagram reel URL you just copied into the bar that says "Paste URL" near the top left.
Beside it, choose your preferred "Video Quality" like 1080p HD along with the "Video Format" of MP4.
And if you want to grab the audio too, check "Extract Audio" below.
Step 4: Hit Analyze & Download
Once your settings are selected, go ahead and tap the "Analyze" button on the right.
On the popup confirmation, verify it found the correct Instagram reel URL and hit "Download".
Step 5: Locate Your Downloaded Reel
Within seconds, your Instagram reel will finish downloading directly to your Windows computer perfectly preserved!
You can find it quickly in the default local downloads folder and back it up or share as you wish.
And there you have it! With iTubeGo, you‘ve securely saved an Instagram reel to enjoy even offline permanently rather than risk the original being deleted later.
Next up is walking through nearly the identical process to install iTubeGo and download reels on Mac OS.
How to Download Instagram Reels Videos on Mac
You can just as easily save Instagram reels away forever on your MacBook, iMac or Mac PC leveraging iTubeGo downloader.
Follow these quick steps to start:
Step 1: Install iTubeGo for Mac OS
Head to the official iTubeGo for Mac download page and snag the free software DMG installation file.
Double click to open it, then drag and drop the iTubeGo icon into your Applications folder.
Step 2: Launch Software & Copy Reel URL
Now open your freshly installed iTubeGo Mac app from the launchpad.
As the software starts up, head back to Instagram in another tab to grab the post URL of whichever sensational reel you‘re looking to download by tapping the three dot menu and selecting Copy Link.
Step 3: Paste Link & Set Quality
In iTubeGo, paste that exact Instagram reel URL you copied into the input box saying "Paste URL".
Beside it, set your desired download quality and format – I recommend 1080p MP4. You can also tick the "Extract Audio" box below.
Step 4: Hit Analyze Then Confirm
Go ahead and click the blue "Analyze" button to have the software automatically validate the reel URL.
Make sure it‘s locating the correct Instagram reel, then proceed by clicking "Download" on the popup.
Step 5: Find Your Downloaded Reel
Within a minute tops, your requested Instagram reel will be fully downloaded to your Mac ready for you to enjoy!
Navigate to your computer‘s downloads folder to find it, back it up anywhere you prefer and view it anytime without internet.
And that‘s all there is to it! With just those few simple steps, you‘ve harnessed the power of iTubeGo to securely save Instagram reels to your Mac or Windows computer for permanent keeping.
Top iTubeGo Alternatives for Downloading Instagram Reels
While iTubeGo downloader is definitely my first recommendation for easily saving Instagram reels thanks to the straight-forwardness – here are two other good options:
1. SnapDownloader
Perfect for Windows users who want a simple, free Instagram downloading tool just for saving reels and videos. Core features:
- Download clips and reels from Instagram with ease
- Intuitive and beginner-friendly interface
- Handy built-in reel trimming abilities
- No watermarks on downloaded files
Overall SnapDownloader nails the basics for those on Windows wanting to quickly save Instagram reels to their computer.
Get SnapDownloader for Windows FREE
2. 4KDownloader
More advanced software packed with premium paid features like auto-saving new reels as creators release them. Ideal if downloading lots of Instagram clips.
- Download reels from Instagram + 7 other major sites
- Free version available but premium unlocks more capabilities
- Cross-platform downloader for Windows, Mac OS X & Linux
- Auto-subscribe to accounts for convenient new video alerts
For power users downloading multiple Instagram reels, photots and videos every day – 4KDownloader is a top choice.
Get 4KDownloader Starting FREE
Both these alternatives work great in their own ways. But for most folks wanting to easily save a few special Instagram reels, my recommendation is sticking with the more straightforward iTubeGo downloader covered above.
Expert Answers to FAQs on Downloading Instagram Reels
Here I‘ll tackle two of the most common questions around saving Instagram reels to ensure you get the most out of the process:
What video format and quality should I download Instagram reels?
I highly recommend using MP4 format alongside 1080p quality. MP4 provides the best compatibility with all devices like phones, tablets, computers and TVs able to playback high resolution video smoothly.
1080p resolution strikes the right balance between keeping your file sizes reasonably small yet still crisp quality. This prevents huge storage requirements or online transfer problems.
Most Instagram reels are published in 1080p quality or lower anyway. So selecting this option when downloading ensures you snag a near identical copy.
How can I get reels onto my iPhone to share offline?
The easiest method is to first download any special reels using iTubeGo to your Windows or Mac computer.
Then simply connect your iPhone or iPad to the computer like normal to sync data. The MP4 files will automatically get transferred into your Videos app ready for messaging or showing friends/family.
For Android, you can manually move downloaded MP4 reel files from your PC over to internal storage via USB file transfer steps. Just depends which OS your phone uses!
Conclusion
I hope this easy-to-follow guide has shown precisely how you can harness Instagram reel downloader tools like iTubeGo to securely preserve beloved clips and videos.
With just a few clicks, you‘ll safeguard hilarious comedy sketches, engaging travel glimpses, special family moments and more without worrying about deletions.
The steps provided work flawlessly on both Windows and Mac computers for saving others‘ reels or your own creations offline permanently.
And you‘ll avoid all sorts of excessive mobile storage requirements, copyright risks and other issues leveraging a dedicated tool optimized specifically for grabbing online video content.
So here‘s to never losing another precious Instagram reel again thanks to this pro tutorial! Have fun rescuing all those pet bloopers, creative edits and viral laughing fits for many future views.