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Instagram has introduced a new feature enabling users to directly download public Reels from the app. Initially unveiled with restricted access in the US back in June, the feature has now been made accessible to users globally, as confirmed by Instagram's CEO, Adam Mosseri. Users worldwide can now easily save public Reels to their camera rolls by selecting the download option through the share button.
A notable feature of downloaded reels is the inclusion of a watermark featuring the creator's Instagram handle, similar to TikTok's downloaded videos. This move aims to enhance content attribution and recognition across the platform.
According to Instagram's FAQ notes, the download feature is turned off by default for users under the age of 18 with public accounts. However, individuals in this age group can choose to enable the feature at any time.
On the other hand, Reel downloads are limited for private accounts. This implies that the content is inaccessible to anyone on Instagram unless the account owner opts to switch their privacy setting to public. To adjust these settings, users can navigate to their profile, select the hamburger menu in the top right corner, go to Privacy under Settings and Privacy, tap on Reels and Remixes, and toggle the "Allow people to download your reels" option accordingly.
In addition to the global rollout of the reel download feature, Instagram is reportedly testing a new interactive feature. This feature would allow users to react and respond to direct messages using various multimedia options, including audio, photos, video, gifs, and stickers.