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Reels Downloader
Chrome extension v1.0.0

Instagram Downloader Chrome Extension

The Reels Downloader Chrome extension adds local download controls to Instagram on desktop. Save eligible Reels, videos, photos, Stories, Highlights and carousel posts without sending the media through our website.

Download extension ZIP Install from Chrome Web Store Use the online downloader
  • Version 1.0.0
  • Manifest V3
  • Free, local-first
Google Chrome desktop Instagram Downloader Chrome Extension
Reels Downloader controls displayed beside an Instagram post
Installation guide

How to install the extension in Google Chrome desktop

The download is an unpacked extension ZIP. Extract it first, then load the folder through your browser extension manager.

  1. 1

    Download the Chrome extension ZIP

    Select Download extension and save reels-downloader-extension-1.0.0.zip. Extract the complete ZIP to a folder you will keep.

  2. 2

    Open chrome://extensions

    Enter chrome://extensions in the Chrome address bar. Developer mode is required for a manually downloaded unpacked extension.

  3. 3

    Select Load unpacked

    Choose the extracted browser-extension folder that directly contains manifest.json. Chrome then displays Reels Downloader in the extension list.

  4. 4

    Pin and use Reels Downloader

    Open the puzzle-piece menu, pin the extension, then visit instagram.com. Open a Reel or post and select the Download control at the lower right.

Browser controls can change. Check the official extension documentation.

What the Instagram downloader Chrome extension saves

  • Instagram Reels and video posts as MP4 files
  • Photos at the best resolution returned by Instagram
  • Carousel images and videos individually or in a ZIP
  • Active Stories and saved Highlights your account can view

Why Chrome shows a Developer mode warning

This website distributes the extension as an unpacked ZIP while store review is pending. Chrome reserves Load unpacked for development and manual installations, so it may display a Developer mode notice. Download only from the official reelsdownloader.tools domain and review the included manifest before enabling it.

The manifest uses Manifest V3 and requests host access only for instagram.com. If you prefer not to install an unpacked extension, use the online Instagram Reels downloader instead.

Chrome desktop requirements and troubleshooting

  • Use an up-to-date desktop version of Google Chrome
  • Extract the ZIP before selecting Load unpacked
  • Select the folder containing manifest.json, not its parent folder
  • Refresh an Instagram tab that was open before installation
  • Sign in to Instagram when the content requires account access
Reels Downloader

Download Reels Downloader 1.0.0

Official ZIP hosted on reelsdownloader.tools through Cloudflare. Extract before loading it.

Download extension ZIPInstall from Chrome Web Store

Before you install an Instagram downloader extension

The extension accesses only instagram.com to detect media on the open page.

Keep the extracted folder after installation so the browser can continue loading it.

Download only content you own or have permission to save.

Questions and answers

Google Chrome desktop FAQ

Can Chrome install the downloaded ZIP directly?

No. First extract the ZIP, open chrome://extensions, enable Developer mode and select Load unpacked. Choose the extracted folder containing manifest.json. A normal website cannot silently install a Chrome extension because Chrome requires user approval.

Is the Reels Downloader browser extension free?

Yes. Version 1.0.0 is free to download and use. Media detection and ZIP creation run locally in your browser, with no Reels Downloader account, subscription or upload to our servers.

Which Instagram content can the extension download?

It supports Reels, videos, photos, carousel posts, Stories and Highlights that your current Instagram account is allowed to view. Availability can change when Instagram updates its website or when a post is private, deleted or restricted.

Does the extension collect my Instagram password?

No. The extension never asks for or stores your Instagram password. It works inside instagram.com with the session already active in your browser, and its manifest limits site access to Instagram.

Can I download content from private accounts?

Only when your signed-in Instagram account already has permission to view that content. The extension does not bypass privacy controls. Download only media you own or have permission from the copyright holder to save.

More installation options

Choose another browser guide

Chrome, Edge and Chromium

Install the Instagram downloader extension in Chrome, Edge and Chromium.

Microsoft Edge desktop

Install the Instagram downloader extension in Microsoft Edge desktop.

Mozilla Firefox

Download and test the Firefox Manifest V3 extension.

Reels Downloader is independent and is not affiliated with Instagram or Meta. Privacy · Terms.