Instagram first rolled out Reels in August 2020 as a new way to provide short, entertaining content – and of course, level itself with TikTok. On TikTok, however, users have always been able to download videos and post them elsewhere.
While Instagram previously didn’t offer that same capability, the app has now expanded so that viewers can download their favorite Reels.
CEO Adam Mosseri shared the news of the expanded feature in one of Instagram’s new broadcast channels. Users can download Reels that have been posted by public accounts by tapping the “Share” icon, from which they’ll be given the option to download it.
To start, downloads will only be available to users located in the US. They also won’t be an option for private accounts and those who are public but don’t want their Reels being downloaded can opt to turn off the option in their account settings.
Just like TikTok, downloaded Reels will come with an Instagram watermark and the handle of the account.
In other tech news, Google’s Pixel Smartphone rolled out hands-free photos, 3D wallpapers and more.
