How to Copy an Instagram Reel, Post or Story Link

Every download, share or bookmark of an Instagram video starts with the same step: copying the correct link. It sounds trivial, but a wrong or incomplete link is the number one reason downloads fail. This guide shows how to copy links for Reels, posts and Stories on every device, which formats are valid, and how to check you copied the right thing.

How to copy a Reel link on mobile (Android and iPhone)

1. Open the Instagram app and play the Reel.
2. Tap the paper plane (Share) icon on the right-hand side.
3. In the share sheet, tap Copy link. If you do not see it immediately, swipe along the bottom row of options.

The link is now on your clipboard. Open any text field and paste to check. A good link looks like https://www.instagram.com/reel/AbCdEfGh123/, sometimes followed by a question mark and extra text. That extra part is tracking information and is harmless.

How to copy a link on a computer

1. Open the Reel on instagram.com.
2. Click the three dots in the corner of the post.
3. Select Copy link.

You can also click in your browser's address bar, press Ctrl+A (Cmd+A on Mac) and then Ctrl+C (Cmd+C) to copy the entire web address while the Reel is open on its own page.

Link formats you may see

• instagram.com/reel/CODE/: a standard Reel.
• instagram.com/reels/CODE/: another form of the same Reel link.
• instagram.com/p/CODE/: a normal feed post, which may contain a photo, a carousel or a video.
• instagram.com/tv/CODE/: an older IGTV video.
• instagram.com/stories/USERNAME/ID/: a story. Stories expire after 24 hours, so the link stops working then.
• instagram.com/share/...: a newer share link that redirects to the real post.

For Stories you can usually enter just the username rather than a link, and the downloader will list that person's current public stories.

Copying a profile link

Go to the profile, tap the three-dot menu in the top corner, and choose Copy profile URL. Profile links are useful when you want to share an account, but they will not work for downloading a specific Reel. Use the Reel's own link instead.

Why a link might not work

The account is private

Private accounts restrict content to approved followers. Tools that work with public content cannot access them, and that is intentional. See our explanation.

The post was deleted or is age-restricted

If the creator deleted the Reel, the link will lead to an error page. Some content is also limited by region or age.

You copied only part of the link

On some keyboards, long-press selection can cut off the end. Use the Copy link button inside Instagram rather than highlighting text manually.

The link has extra spaces or text

If you pasted a message such as "Check this out https://..." the tool may not read it. Remove everything except the link itself.

Copying links from messages and other apps

If a friend sends you a Reel in WhatsApp, Telegram or Messenger, long-press the message and choose Copy. Then paste it into the downloader. Links shared through Instagram direct messages can be copied from the Share menu on the Reel itself once you open it.

Check before you paste

A quick checklist can save time:

1. Does it start with https://?
2. Does it contain instagram.com?
3. Does it include /reel/, /p/, /tv/ or /stories/?
4. Is there only one link and nothing else?

If all four are yes, you are ready. Head to the downloader, paste the link and continue. If it still fails, our troubleshooting article covers other causes.

Summary

Use the in-app Copy link button, confirm the link has the right format, and make sure the account is public. With a clean link, saving or sharing a Reel takes seconds.