The simplest way to save an Instagram photo
On Instagram itself, the easiest method is to use the bookmark feature built into the app. Open the photo, tap the bookmark icon (it looks like a ribbon) in the bottom right corner, and the image is saved to your Saved collection. You can view it anytime by tapping your profile icon, then the menu icon (three horizontal lines), and selecting Saved. This works on both iPhone and Android.
If you want the actual image file on your device instead of just a bookmark in Instagram, you will need a different approach. Instagram does not offer a native download button, so most people use either a screenshot, a third-party website, or a browser extension.
Key Takeaways
- Instagram's built-in bookmark feature saves photos to your account without needing external tools, and you can access them anytime from your Saved collection.
- Screenshots work on any device but capture only what is on your screen at that moment, so you may miss parts of the image or capture unwanted elements.
- Third-party websites like Instadownloader or DownloadGram let you paste an Instagram link and receive the image file, though you should check privacy policies before using them.
- Browser extensions can automate downloading, but they require you to install software and grant permissions to your browser.
- Saving someone else's photo without permission may violate copyright or their privacy, even if the technical download is possible.
Using a screenshot on your phone
A screenshot captures whatever is currently visible on your screen. On iPhone, press the side button and volume-up button at the same time. On Android, press the power button and volume-down button together. The image saves to your Photos app or Gallery.
Screenshots work instantly and require no extra apps or websites. The downside is that you capture only what fits on your screen — if the photo is taller than your display, you will miss the top or bottom. You may also accidentally capture notifications, the time, or other elements you did not intend to save.
Downloading via a third-party website
Websites like Instadownloader, DownloadGram, and Saveig let you paste an Instagram photo link and receive the image file. The process is the same on each: copy the link to the Instagram photo (tap the three dots on the post and select Copy Link), go to the website, paste the link into the box, and click Download. The image file then downloads to your device.
These sites work on any device with a browser — phone, tablet, or computer. They do not require you to log into Instagram or install anything. However, you should read the privacy policy of any third-party site before using it, since you are sending Instagram links to an external server. Some of these sites display ads or collect data about which photos you download.
Be aware that these websites can change, disappear, or stop working without notice. If one stops functioning, search for "Instagram photo downloader" to find others that are currently active.
Using a browser extension
Browser extensions like InstaSave (for Chrome) or similar tools add a download button directly to Instagram posts. Once installed, you open Instagram in your browser, and a download icon appears on each photo. Click it, and the image saves to your Downloads folder.
Extensions are faster than copying and pasting links to a website, since the download button is right there. The trade-off is that you must install the extension, which means granting it permission to see your Instagram activity and modify pages you visit. Before installing any extension, check the reviews and the publisher's name — malicious extensions exist, and installing one from an unknown source can expose your account or device.
Downloading from a computer browser
If you are viewing Instagram on a desktop or laptop, you can right-click directly on a photo and select Save Image As (Chrome, Firefox, Edge) or Save Image (Safari). Choose where to save it on your computer, and the file downloads immediately.
This method is the fastest on a computer and requires no extra tools. It works for photos you are viewing in your feed or on someone's profile. Stories and videos have additional restrictions — Instagram does not allow downloading stories through the browser, and videos may not save properly depending on how Instagram has encoded them.
What you should know about copyright and privacy
Saving a photo is technically possible, but that does not mean you have the right to use it. The person who posted the photo owns the copyright to that image, even if it is on Instagram. Downloading and reposting someone else's photo without permission, using it in an ad, or selling it violates copyright law in most countries.
If you want to share a photo someone else posted, use Instagram's built-in share feature instead — tap the paper airplane icon and send it to friends, or share it to your story. This credits the original poster and does not involve downloading the file.
If you are saving your own photos for backup or to use elsewhere, downloading is fine. If you are saving someone else's work, ask them first or use only the photo in a way that counts as fair use — for example, discussing it in a blog post with proper credit and a link to the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download Instagram stories?
Instagram does not allow downloading stories through the official app or browser. Third-party tools claim to do this, but they often do not work reliably because Instagram changes how stories are stored. If you want to save a story someone shared with you, ask them to send you the original file directly.
Will the person know if I download their photo?
No. Instagram does not notify users when someone saves, screenshots, or downloads their photo. The only exception is Instagram Stories — if you take a screenshot of a story, the poster receives a notification.
Is it safe to use third-party download websites?
Most popular sites are safe in the sense that they will not infect your device with malware. However, they do collect data about your activity, and some display ads or ask for personal information. Read the privacy policy before using one, and avoid sites that ask you to log into Instagram through them.
What is the difference between saving and downloading?
Saving (using Instagram's bookmark feature) stores a link to the photo in your account. Downloading creates an actual image file on your device that you can view, edit, or share even if the original post is deleted or your internet is off.
Can I download a video from Instagram?
Yes, using the same third-party websites or browser extensions that work for photos. Right-click on a video in your browser and select Save Video As. Some videos may not save properly if Instagram has applied special encoding, but most will download successfully.