How to Copy an Instagram Reel Link

Copying the link is the first step to downloading any Reel, and it takes seconds once you know where to tap. This guide covers every platform — iPhone, Android, and desktop web — plus the different link formats you’ll encounter and how to fix it when “Copy Link” doesn’t appear.

On iPhone & Android (Instagram App)

Open Instagram and go to the Reel you want.
Tap the ⋯ (three dots) icon, or the paper-plane Share icon.
Select Copy Link.
The link is now on your clipboard, ready to paste.

The steps are identical on iOS and Android — Instagram’s app layout is the same on both.

On Desktop (Web Browser)

Go to instagram.com and open the Reel.
Click the ⋯ (three dots) icon and choose Copy Link — or simply copy the full URL from your browser’s address bar.
Paste it wherever you need it.

On desktop the address-bar URL and the Copy Link result point to the same Reel, so either works.

Understanding Reel Link Formats

You’ll run into a few variations, and all of them work:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/ABC123/ — the standard Reel link.
https://www.instagram.com/reels/ABC123/ — the plural form, same destination.
https://instagram.com/reel/ABC123/?igsh=... — a share link with tracking parameters after the ?.

That string after the ? is just tracking data. You can paste the whole thing into IR Downloader — it reads the Reel ID and ignores the rest — or trim everything from ? onward for a cleaner link. Either way the download works.

Cleaning Tracking Parameters (Optional)

If you like tidy links, delete everything from the ? to the end:

Before: instagram.com/reel/ABC123/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
After: instagram.com/reel/ABC123/

This is purely cosmetic — the downloader handles both — but it’s useful if you’re saving links in notes.

Copying Links on Different Instagram Surfaces

Reels show up in a few places in the app, and the copy step is slightly different in each:

From the Reels tab (full-screen feed): tap ⋯ on the right-hand side or the Share arrow, then Copy Link.
From a profile grid: open the Reel first, then use the ⋯ menu — copying from the grid thumbnail doesn’t give a direct link.
From your main feed: the same ⋯ menu on the post works.
From Explore: open the Reel to full screen first, then copy.

In every case you want the link to the individual Reel, not the creator’s profile. A profile URL (instagram.com/username/) won’t work — the downloader needs the specific /reel/ link.

Troubleshooting: “Copy Link” Isn’t Showing

Update the app. Older Instagram versions occasionally hide the option; an update usually restores it.
Try the Share sheet instead. Tap Share → Copy Link — it’s identical to the ⋯ menu.
Use the browser. Open the Reel on instagram.com and copy the address bar URL.
Private account? If the Reel is from a private profile, it can’t be downloaded regardless — see private Reels.

Next Step: Download the Reel

Once you’ve copied the link, paste it at IR Downloader and click Download. Then follow the guide for your device — iPhone, Android, or PC. The whole process takes under 30 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Copy Link button on a Reel? Tap the ⋯ (three dots) or the Share (paper-plane) icon, then choose Copy Link.

Do the extra characters after ? in the link matter? No. They’re tracking parameters. The downloader ignores them, or you can trim them off.

Is /reel/ different from /reels/? No. Both point to the same Reel and both work.

Why can’t I find Copy Link? Update the Instagram app, use the Share sheet, or copy the URL from instagram.com in a browser.

Copy the link, and you’re already halfway to a saved Reel.