Comprehensive Guide: Downloading Your Instagram Photos and Stories

Many Instagram users, especially content creators, need ways to back up their shared media. The good news is that Instagram provides a built-in method to download all your photos, Stories, Reels, and other content directly from your account. It’s a straightforward process.

Downloading Instagram Content via Data Request

This method allows you to download a complete archive of your Instagram data, including photos, videos, Stories, and more.

Step 1: Open your preferred web browser and go to Instagram’s website. Log in to your account.

Step 2: Navigate to your profile page.

Step 3: Click on More usually represented by three horizontal lines, typically found in the bottom left corner of the screen.

Step 4: From the menu that appears, select Settings.

Step 5: In the Settings menu, click on Meta Accounts Centre typically located at the top left.

Step 6: Within the Accounts Centre, go to the Your Information and Permissions section.

Step 7: Click on Download your information.

Step 8: Choose Download or transfer information from the options presented.

Step 9: Select Some of your information on the “How much information do you want” prompt.

Step 10: Choose Content in the “Your Instagram activity” section, then click Next.

Step 11: Customize your download request by specifying the Data Range, Format (HTML or JSON), and Media Quality. After configuring these settings, click Create Files.

Step 12: A confirmation screen will appear. Meta will send an email to your associated email address when your files are ready for download. Follow the link provided in the email to download your Instagram content.

For security reasons, the download link provided by Meta is typically valid for only a few days. Make sure to download your information promptly after receiving the notification email.


Downloading your Instagram content periodically is a good practice to ensure you never lose your precious memories and creations.