Instagram Video Downloader
Instagram’s grid is not one URL shape. A **feed post** lives at `/p/{shortcode}/`. Older IGTV-style videos used `/tv/`. **Reels** live at `/reel/` or `/reels/`. People say “Instagram video” for all three, then paste a Reel into a form that expected `/p/` and wonder why the caption talks about carousels. This downloader is the **post and /tv/ page**. Reels are first-class on the [Instagram Reels Downloader](/tools/instagram-reels-downloader).
What is an Instagram video downloader?
An Instagram video downloader takes a public Instagram media URL, asks for public metadata, and lists files a logged-out request can actually retrieve. Instagram often answers with a **login wall** instead of a video file. When that happens we say the public page was not readable. We do not pretend a 1080p MP4 is waiting behind a spinner.
RootoverZero will not log into Instagram on your behalf, will not use your cookies, and will not walk around “this account is private.”
`/p/` vs `/reel/` vs `/tv/`
Path, What it usually is, Better tool. `/p/Shortcode`, Feed post: photo, carousel, or in-feed video, This page. `/tv/Shortcode`, IGTV / long video landing, This page. `/reel/Shortcode`, Reel, [Reels downloader](/tools/instagram-reels-downloader). `/reels/` profile grid, Not a single media URL, Open one Reel, copy that link. `instagram.com/username`, Profile, Not downloadable as one file
This form **accepts Reels** so a mixed paste still analyzes, but the editorial home for Reels is the other tool. If you care about 9:16 Reels language, go there.
Public vs private vs close friends
**Public.** A logged-out browser can open the post. Analysis has a chance.
**Private account.** Even a shared link often requires a follower login. Expect failure.
**Close friends.** Not public. Do not paste those URLs here expecting a file.
**Expired story links.** Stories are not `/p/` posts. This is not a story saver.
Test: open the URL in a private window. If Instagram demands an account, the worker will see the same wall.
What you might get
Instagram’s public oEmbed (when it still answers without an app token) can include a title-like caption snippet and a thumbnail. Open Graph tags on the HTML, when not replaced by a login page, may include `og:image`. A direct `og:video` MP4 is uncommon for anonymous fetches in 2026.
Listed files are **only** those URLs. Preview JPEGs are labeled as images. After you have a still, [crop](/tools/image-cropper) for a 1:1 feed mock or read [how to crop to 1:1 without stretching](/blog/crop-photo-to-1-1-for-instagram-without-stretching). [Resize](/tools/image-resizer) if a CMS asked for exact pixels. [Compress](/tools/image-compressor) if the still is huge.
How to copy a post URL
On desktop, open the post and copy the address bar (`/p/` or `/tv/`).
In the app: three-dot menu → Copy link. If the link is `/reel/`, switch tools.
Do not copy a `l.instagram.com` tracking redirect without letting it resolve, if your paste is still a Google or Meta wrapper. Prefer the `instagram.com/p/` form.
Carousels
A `/p/` carousel is several photos (and maybe a video) behind one shortcode. Public metadata often exposes **one** preview, not every slide as a ZIP. We will not invent “slide 3 of 7” buttons. If you own the post, download from Instagram’s own archive tools.
Processing and privacy
The URL goes to the worker. Instagram may receive a request for that public URL. We do not intentionally store the media after processing. Rate limits stop bulk scraping from one IP.
Responsible use
Do not harvest a creator’s feed to repost as ads. Get a license or use your own media. A public Instagram URL is not an asset library.
Related
[Instagram Reels Downloader](/tools/instagram-reels-downloader) [YouTube Shorts Downloader](/tools/youtube-shorts-downloader) if the clip is on YouTube [TikTok Video Downloader](/tools/tiktok-video-downloader) [Instagram Reel URLs and public posts](/blog/instagram-reel-urls-and-public-posts)
FAQ
What is an Instagram video downloader?
A tool that analyzes a public Instagram post URL and lists publicly retrievable files, if any.
Why did I get a login error?
Instagram hid the post behind an account wall. The worker cannot see more than you can in a private window.
Can I download Reels here?
The URL will analyze, but the Reels downloader is the page written for `/reel/` links.
Do you support stories?
No. Stories are not `/p/` posts and are usually not public HTML.
Will I get every carousel slide?
Usually not. Expect at most the public preview Instagram published.
Is there a quality picker?
Only for files that exist. We do not show 4K for a JPEG thumbnail.
Does this work on mobile?
Yes. Paste the copied link into the field.
Do you store Instagram videos?
We do not intentionally store downloads after processing.
Can I download a private account I follow?
Not through this site. Use Instagram while logged in, on Instagram.
What about IGTV /tv/ links?
Those are in scope for this downloader.
How do I crop a still after saving a preview?
Image Cropper, then Image Resizer if you need 1080×1080.