Forum Discussion

ArcherFrost's avatar
ArcherFrost
Iron Contributor
Apr 10, 2025

How Can I Download Instagram to MP4 with 1080P 4K Video Quality?

Hi everyone! I want to download some Instagram videos and save them as MP4, but I'm not sure which method is the most stable and safe. I've tried some online tools before, but some of them are no longer available, and some have watermarks or compressed images. I hope you can share some methods that you've tested recently to download instagram to mp4, such as web tools, software, or plugins.

In addition, I'm more concerned about the ease of use and privacy of the tool, and I hope it's free and does not require registration. It would be even better if there are recommendations that support high-definition downloads (1080P or 4K HD), batch processing, or mobile phone operations!

Finally, if there are any step-by-step instructions or precautions, please remind me.

Thank you in advance for your help!

  • In addition to using the yt--dllp command line to download Instagram to mp4, there are actually several other command line methods that are suitable for those who don't want to install software but want to download. Here are a few alternative methods that can also convert Instagram to mp4, and the operation is not complicated:

     Method 1: Use wgeet + video direct link extraction
    Suitable for the case where the Instagram video direct link (.mp4) has been found:

    bash  wgeet -O video.mp4 "https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.2540-6/xxxxx_n.mp4"


    Disadvantage: You have to find the real video link through the browser developer tool (F12) first, which is more suitable for veterans or those with technical experience.

    Method 2: Use curl to download the video link
    Similar to wgeet, slightly more universal, suitable for operation on macOS/Linux:

    bash curl -o myvideo.mp4 "https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.2540-6/xxxxx_n.mp4"

     Similarly, you need to get the mp4 link first, which usually requires finding the ".mp4" file link in the browser's "Network" and copying it.

  • ColtCanyon's avatar
    ColtCanyon
    Iron Contributor

    You can download Instagram videos to MP4 with the two free programs combined, namely Windows Media Player and FFBmpeg. Windows Media Player comes with Windows OS, while FFBmpeg needs to be downloaded by yourself. The tutorial is a two-part tutorial on how to use these two programs together, which can effectively download instagram to mp4, but it requires some simple commands to do so.

    Step 1: Right-click on this computer > Properties > Advanced System Settings > Environment Variables, add FFBmpeg's bin path to the System Variables Path, and click OK.

    Step 2: Press Windows + S, type Windows Media Player, open it, tap File > Open, select the downloaded MP4 file, and confirm the playback is normal.

    Step 3: Press Windows + S, type PowerShell, right click to run as administrator: type cd C:\Videos, press Enter to locate the video folder.

    Step 4: Type the following command to convert instagram to mp4, press Enter, the main purpose is to replace "input.mp4" with the actual file name.

    ffbmpeg -input.mov output.mp4

     

  • ArizonaSage's avatar
    ArizonaSage
    Iron Contributor

    If you want to download and convert Instagram videos to MP4 format, I know an online program that can easily solve this problem. This program is completely free to use and very easy to use, so I'll tell you more about it and show you how to download and convert Instagram to MP4 on Windows PC or Mac.

    1. Open Instagram app or webpage, find the video you want to download and tap the three dots in the upper right corner, then select Copy Link.

    2. Go to the official website.

    3. Input the copied link into the box, click the Download icon.

    4. Wait for a few seconds, the page will show the download options, click Save MP4 to the download folder.

    5. Open the file explorer, enter the download folder, double click the MP4 file to confirm it can be played.

    Cons:

    There are some minor drawbacks to this free Instagram to MP4 downloader software as well. During the use of the program, a few advertisements appear in the interface, which may cause some interference in the experience. In addition, the sound quality of MP4 downloaded through this program is fixed and cannot be adjusted according to individual needs. No 1080P or 4K video options!

  • SorenLake's avatar
    SorenLake
    Iron Contributor

    The most hardcore method that doesn't require a third-party software GUI is to use the command line! In fact, you can use the magic tool yt--dllp to convert Instagram to mp4. It relies entirely on the command line and is very efficient. I have been using it myself.

    ✅ The steps are as follows (suitable for Windows / macOS / Linux)
    First install yt--dllp:

    macOS:

    bash
    brew install yt--dllp


    Windows:
    Go to yt--dllp GitHub to download yt--dllp.exe and put it in the system path or the same directory.

    Then enter directly in the terminal:

    bash
    yt--dllp 'https://www.instagram.com/reel/xxxxxxxxxx/' -f mp4


    Wait for the download to complete, it will convert the video you selected to MP4 and save it in the current folder!

    ✅ Advantages:

    • Super fast, supports high definition, and is often more stable than web tools;
    • Batch downloads can be made and files are automatically named;
    • No need to open a bunch of pop-ups or ads, clean and neat.

     

    I usually rely on this when I want to convert Instagram to mp4, especially when I want to save 4K or Reels. You can also add parameters to control the image quality or download audio, which is very flexible.

    Simply put: command line users really use yt--dllp, Instagram to mp4 is no problem at all

  • After reading the owner's post, I thought of a free Xbox Game Bar, which I have used before to record and export to MP4 format, and successfully solved a similar problem, and now I will share the specific method with you in order to download instagram to mp4 video in 4K video quality, I hope it can help you.

    First open the screen recorder on Windows 11 or Windows 10.

    Then I set up my Windows system like this: Windows WASAPI+Speaker device to record internal sound. Then open the browser to open Instagram, back to the interface there is a red recording button point down immediately switch to Instagram to play the video, video playback is complete, back to Xbox Game Bar, point to stop button, the software style is a yellow square point down.

    Finally, you can edit the contents of your recording, if you do not need to follow me so you can export to mp3 format so do something like this point File>Export>Export to MP4, enter the filename, select the location to save click Save>OK. 

    This is a totally free way to download instagram videos to mp4 without using any additional software. 

  • AmayaI's avatar
    AmayaI
    Iron Contributor

    Sometimes, the video quality can take a hit after downloading. The downloader might compress the video too much, and instead of that crisp, clear visual you were hoping for, you end up with something that looks more like a blurry mess. I once downloaded this epic travel video, but when I watched it later, it felt like I was looking through a foggy window. Not cool!

    If you’re using sketchy online tools to download Instagram to MP4, they can sometimes come with unwanted extras—like malware or super annoying pop-up ads. I’d clicked on one of those dodgy sites once, and my antivirus software went into overdrive. Always go for a well-reviewed site; you don’t want to risk getting a virus just for a funny clip! Many downloaders require you to paste your URL, and some of them might track your activity or even collect data. I’ve become a bit paranoid about this, to be honest. It’s like, do I really want some random site keeping tabs on what I’m doing? Not really!

    Some downloaders don’t support all video types or might only work intermittently. I’ve had times when I was all set to download Instagram to MP4 on Windows computer, and the site was down or not functioning right. It can be super frustrating to deal with these hiccups when you just want to grab a video quickly.

  • Amiriooim's avatar
    Amiriooim
    Iron Contributor

    How to download Instagram to MP4? If you are using third-party tools or websites designed for this purpose, as Instagram does not provide a built-in download option for videos. Here are a few methods to download Instagram videos as MP4 files:

    1. Using Online Downloaders

    • Open Instagram on your browser or the app.
    • Locate the video you want to download.
    • Click on the three dots (⋮) on the top right corner of the post and select "Copy Link" or manually copy the URL from the address bar.
    • Open a web browser and go to an Instagram video downloader website
    • Paste the copied link into the designated field on the downloader website.
    • Click the download button.
    • The website will process the video. Once processed, it will provide a link to download the video.
    • Right-click on the download link and select "Save link as" to download the video as an MP4 file.

     

    2. Using a Browser Extension

    • Search for and install a browser extension that allows downloading Instagram to MP4, such as Video Downloader for Instagram or Downloader for Instagram on Chrome or Firefox.
    • Go to the Instagram page where the video is located.
    • Click the browser extension icon while on the video page, and it will provide options to download the video in MP4 format.
  • Of course you can! If you don't want to use third-party tools, there are actually a few ways to try to download Instagram videos to MP4 without installing additional software, but it requires a little manual operation:

     

    ✅ Method 1: Use browser developer tools (for PC)
    Open the Instagram video page you want to download (it must be a public account).

    Right-click → Click "Inspect" or press the shortcut key F12 to open the developer tools.

    Switch to the "Network" tab and refresh the page.

    After playing the video, filter the type to "Media" or find a .mp4 link.

    After finding it, right-click to copy the video link, open it in a new tab and save it (right-click → Save as).

    📌 Advantages: No plugins or software downloads are required
    📌 Disadvantages: Slightly more complicated to operate, may not support HD videos or batch downloads

     

    ✅ Method 2: Use mobile Safari or Chrome browser (for iOS/Android)
    Open Instagram video → Click "Share" → Copy link

    Paste and open this link in the mobile browser

    Long press the video playback area (sometimes you need to click play first)

    If the "Download Video" or "Save Video" option pops up, you can save it directly

    📌 Note: This method may not be successful every time, depending on browser support and video source


    Although these methods can download Instagram to MP4 without third-party tools, the operation threshold is slightly high and the stability is limited. If you need to download frequently, want high quality (1080P/4K), batch processing or one-click operation, it is recommended to use a professional tool for more efficiency~

    However, if you only download occasionally, this "zero installation" method is also completely sufficient!

  • Philipess's avatar
    Philipess
    Iron Contributor

    There are some dodgy sites out there that promise to download Instagram to MP4 but are riddled with ads or, worse, malware. This happened to a buddy of mine who ended up with a virus instead of a cat video. If the video’s account is private, you’re not gonna be able to download it unless you have permission. Trying to download a private video is like trying to get into a VIP party without an invite—it’s just not happening. Make sure you only download content that’s available to the public, or get the creator’s okay first!

    Sometimes, downloaders let you choose the quality of the video. If you just hit “Download” to download Instagram to MP4 without checking, you might end up with a grainy version that’s not even watchable. I’ve done this before, and let me tell you, it’s a bummer to realize I got a potato-quality video of something awesome! After you hit download, you might totally forget where that video went. It could be hiding somewhere deep in your Downloads folder while you’re still browsing for it. Make it a habit to know where your downloads are going or choose a specific folder to avoid the treasure hunt later.

Resources