Instagram audio download guide for 2026
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As you scroll Instagram, you’ll often come across audio you want to use in your next Reel. The good news is that you can save or download Instagram audio — but the right method depends on your goal. For most users, saving audio in-app is the easiest option, while downloading it works best for original or licensed audio.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- Different ways to save or download Instagram Reels audio clips
- How to save audio for later
- Answers to common questions about Instagram audio downloads
Can you download audio clips from Instagram Reels?
Yes, you can download audio clips from Instagram Reels. However, it’s not as simple as clicking a download button.
Instagram makes it easy to save audio in the app and reuse it later, but it doesn’t currently offer a built-in way to download Reel audio as a standalone audio file straight to your device.
For most users, the easiest option is to save the audio in-app and access it later from your Saved > Audio tab. If you want the audio as a file on your device, that’s usually only possible when it’s your own original audio or you have permission to use it.
And if you’re creating branded content or running paid campaigns, it’s best to use commercially cleared music rather than relying on trending audio.
Quick answer:
- Want to use a Reel sound later on Instagram? Save it in-app.
- Want an audio file on your device? Use your own audio or licensed music.
- Running brand content or ads? Use commercially cleared music.
Next, we break down how to download IG audio.
4 ways to download audio from Instagram
The good news is that there are four different ways to download an audio clip from Instagram Reels so that you can take your pick.
We’ve created step-by-step instructions for each method so you can save your fave audio hassle-free.
1. Utilize a third-party Reels audio download tool
The first way to download Reels audio files for free is to use a third-party website. An Instagram audio downloader lets you get your favorite sounds on your personal devices.
Here are some apps for Instagram Reel audio download:
While each tool may look slightly different, the steps to download Instagram audio are pretty much the same. Simply follow the instructions below.
- Select the Reel audio you want to download
- Tap “Share” on the right-hand side of the screen (the icon looks like a paper airplane)
- Select “Copy link” at the bottom of the popup screen (If using a desktop, simply open the Reel and copy the URL into the browser)
- Paste the link into the Instagram audio downloader
- Click “Download” to extract the audio file from the Insta Reel
- The file will now be downloaded to your device (check your downloads file)
Some tools (like Reels saver) download the audio as an M4A file, while others offer the option to download Instagram audios as an MP3. As such, it’s best to choose the tool that provides the best file format for your needs.
2. Try a video-to-MP3 converter
The second method is to find a downloader video to MP3. These converter tools allow you to convert a downloaded IG video into an audio file.
Several free tools can do the job, like FreeConvert and OnlineConverter. Alternatively, you can find apps for iPhone or Android that will download Reels and convert them to MP3 on your smartphone.
Follow the steps below to use a video-to-MP3 converter.
- Select the IG Reel you want to download
- Tap “Share” (the airplane icon) on the right
- Select “Add to story”
- Click the three dots and select “Save” to download the video to your device
- Open the converter tool on your desktop or mobile device
- Drag your video into the “Choose Files” area
- Select “Convert file”
- Once the file has been converted, tap “Download”
- The MP3 audio file will now be saved onto your desktop and ready to use!
3. Extract audio from a saved Reel video
This third method is a good option if you’ve already saved the Reel to your device as a video. Instead of changing the file extension, simply use a converter or editing tool to turn the video into an audio file.
Follow the steps below:
- Download the IG Reel you want to extract audio from
- Open a video-to-audio converter or editing tool on your device
- Upload the saved Reel video file
- Choose your preferred audio format, such as MP3 or M4A
- Convert or export the file
- Download the audio file to your device
4. Use the VlogNow video editor
The fourth and final option is to use the VlogNow or VN Video Editor app on your cell phone. This handy tool allows you to instantly add audio from an IG Reel to your video content.
You’ll first need to download the app for iPhone or Android and then follow the step-by-step instructions below.
- Download your Reel of choice using one of the methods above
- Record your video for your new Reel
- Open the VN Video Editor app
- Select the + icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen
- Tap “New project” to open your camera roll and select your video
- Hit “Tap to add music” under the timeline editor
- Select “Music” (under the “Insert” popup)
- Tap the “My Music” tab
- Select “Extract from Video”
- Choose the IG Reel you want to download sound from
- Add it to an album and open the album
- Tap “Use” (next to the imported file)
- Save your new video!
How to save Instagram Reels audio to use later
If you plan to reuse audio you like on Instagram, you may not need to download it at all. The other alternative is to save the IG Reels audio within the app and apply it to your latest Reel from there. Not only is it much quicker, but it saves precious storage space on your devices too.
Follow the steps below to save Insta Reels audio clips for later.
Step #1:
Find the audio you want to reuse in your next video. We chose this hilarious jungle sounds clip that Asics recently used.
Step #2:
Tap the audio name (found under the username of the poster or at the bottom of the screen)
Then, select “Save icon” in the top right corner (the icon looks like a bookmark). You’ll know you successfully saved the audio when the bookmark icon turns black.
If you have your video ready to record (or post), you can also simply tap the “Use audio” button. But, saving it for later means you can easily find it if you want to use it again.
Step #3:
Head to your Saved folder on Instagram by tapping your profile picture and selecting the hamburger menu (three parallel lines in the right-hand corner)
Next, tap Saved to access your collection of saved posts, reels, and audio.
You’ll find a folder named “All Posts” and a separate tab labeled “Audio”.
Step #4
Click the audio tab to see all your saved clips and tap on a file to open it up.
Then, when you’re ready to create your video, simply tap “Use audio.”
This method is a handy hack when you’re coming up with ideas for your Insta Reels strategy and want inspiration. Essentially, you can create a mood board of audio files you want to use for future content.
FAQs about downloading Instagram audio
Key takeaways
Using trending audio files from popular IG Reels is a surefire way for brands to go viral and grow their presence on the platform. With these four methods, your business can leverage audio to create entertaining and high-converting content for Instagram and beyond.
Once you’ve made your new Reels, don’t forget to measure the impact of your Insta Reels strategy using a social media management tool.
Streamline your social team’s workload with Sociality.io. With a range of modules, you can schedule and publish posts directly to Instagram, track engagement, monitor performance, and maintain a consistent brand identity across your socials. Grab a free trial today!
