How to stop others from downloading your Instagram Reels

Instagram just rolled out a new feature that allows you to download Reels you like directly to your smartphones, for offline viewing later. Now, it is super handy, for it may be a dance routine you’d like to recreate, or a recipe you’d like to try for brunch on Sunday.

However, you could be a content creator, and don’t want people downloading all your original Reels. Luckily, Instagram does allow users to block these downloads as well.

How to stop people from downloading your Reels

The methods to stop one from downloading your Reels on Instagram are relatively straightforward and the same for both Android devices as well as iPhones.

Turn off Reel downloads

The first option is to block Reel downloads on your account.

1. Record and edit your Reel, and once it is good to go, tap on “More options” at the bottom of the screen.

2. On the subsequent screen, scroll down, and tap on “Advanced settings.”

3. Here, scroll down and find an option that says, “Allow people to download your Reels,” and toggle it off.

4. Next, select whether you’d like to turn on or off the option to download your Reels only for the particular Reel you’re uploading, or the ones you share in the future, and those that you’ve shared in the past as well.

5. That’s it, you’re all set. Tap on the arrow at the top left corner to head back to your Reel, and hit the “Share” option on the bottom.

Another way to ensure anyone can’t download your Reels is to make your Instagram account private. Also, note that any Reels of yours that one may download also come with a watermark, which features the Instagram logo as well as your username on it.