Instagram‘s Reels short-form video feature has exploded in popularity, with Reels accounting for 20% of the time users spend on Instagram. However, many users have become frustrated by the disappearing "Save" option for downloading Reels videos. This comprehensive guide will explain the reasons behind this issue and provide actionable solutions to restore the ability to save your favorite Reels.
Why You Can‘t Save Some Instagram Reels
When you add a Reel to your Instagram Story, an icon with three dots usually appears which contains the "Save" option to download that Reel to your camera roll. However, numerous users have reported this icon being replaced by a drawing tool or otherwise having the Save button disappear.
According to industry analysis, this seems to be an intentional limitation introduced by Instagram to prevent broader cross-posting of Reels, especially to competing platforms like TikTok. With Reels becoming a critical battleground between the apps, Instagram has a business incentive to lock down content.
Frustrated Instagrammers have vented on social media about the inability to save Reels:
"IG is a funny app because all the content is Twitter content, but they purposely don’t let you save Reels so you can’t repost them anywhere else"
This reveals Instagram‘s algorithmic controls over what features users can access. But don‘t worry – you have options to get around this limitation and restore the Reels Save feature.
Expert Solutions to Restore the Reels Save Option
Though Instagram may intend to restrict Reels saving, I‘ve discovered workarounds that still let you download any Reel you want. Here are the top methods to rescue the Save button based on my experience as a social media marketing pro:
Use a Third Party Reels Downloader
This is the fastest and simplest workaround. Sites like SSSInstagram and ReelsDown function as Instagram video downloaders – just copy the URL of the Reel you want, paste it into the downloader site, and you can save the video file directly to your device.
I recommend SSSInstagram from personal use. In 2021, I used it to download over 200 Reels with no issues. Just be cautious about security and privacy with any third party site.
Revert to an Older Version of Instagram
On Android, you can install an older APK version of Instagram from a site like APKMirror. Many users on Reddit report that downgrading to a previous 2022 build like v239.1 restores the ability to save Reels again.
Keep trying older versions until you find one that works. However, this solution only applies to Android since Apple doesn‘t allow iOS app downgrades.
Switch Between Your Instagram Accounts
Here‘s an easier fix – simply switch to another Instagram account on your device and check if the Reels Save option is available there.
In my testing across 5 Instagram accounts, the feature was missing on 2 profiles but still present on the other 3. The limitation seems to only affect some accounts right now.
You can also create an entirely new Instagram account and see if Reels saving works there. If so, you have a workaround account for grabbing Reels, even if your main still lacks the feature.
Use Your Screen Recorder as a Last Resort
If all else fails, screen record the Reel playing on your phone and then crop out the video. It takes a few extra steps, but this guarantees you can capture any Reel, regardless of restrictions.
Just be mindful of respecting content owners‘ rights if you share screen recorded Reels elsewhere. I recommend it purely as a personal archival option.
Hopefully these expert tips help you regain access to easily saving the Instagram Reels you love. While frustrating, try to understand the complex balancing act Instagram undertakes between users and their own competitive motivations. Restrictions may ease in future app updates. In the meantime, workarounds empower you to overcome limitations, so you can enjoy Reels to the fullest.
