What you can and cannot download from Instagram
You can download audio from Instagram in several ways, but what you're legally allowed to keep depends on who owns the sound. If you created the audio yourself, or if Instagram's own royalty-free music library is the source, you can download it without restriction. If the audio is a copyrighted song, a podcast, or someone else's original work, downloading it for your own collection crosses into copyright infringement — even if the post is public.
Instagram's terms of service prohibit downloading content without permission, but the real legal line is copyright law. A video might be public, but the music in it might not be yours to take. Before you download, ask yourself: did I create this audio, or do I have the creator's permission to use it?
Key Takeaways
- Audio from Instagram's own royalty-free music library can be downloaded freely, but copyrighted songs and other people's original audio cannot without permission.
- Third-party downloaders like yt-dlp, FFmpeg, or online tools can extract audio from Instagram videos and Reels, but using them on copyrighted material is illegal.
- The easiest legal route is to use Instagram's built-in sharing features or to contact the creator directly and ask for the audio file.
- If you want to use someone else's music in your own content, Instagram's music library and licensed platforms like Epidemic Sound are safer than downloading from other posts.
Using Instagram's own music library
Instagram provides a royalty-free music library you can use in your own posts without downloading anything. Open the camera, record or upload a video, tap the music icon, and browse thousands of tracks organized by mood, genre, and length. The audio is already licensed for use on Instagram, so you can post it without worry.
If you want to use a track you found in someone else's Reel, you can tap the audio name at the bottom of their post. This takes you to the audio page, where you can add it to your own Reel using the same licensed library. You never need to download it — Instagram handles the licensing automatically.
Extracting audio with third-party tools
Several tools can pull audio out of Instagram videos and Reels. yt-dlp is a command-line tool that works on Windows, Mac, and Linux and can download both video and audio from Instagram links. FFmpeg is another command-line option that extracts audio from downloaded video files. For users who prefer a graphical interface, online tools like Instaloader or dedicated Instagram downloaders exist, though many require you to paste the post URL and wait for processing.
These tools work technically, but legality depends entirely on the content. Downloading a Reel that contains a copyrighted song is the same as downloading the song itself — it violates copyright law, even though the tool makes it easy. The tool does not determine what is legal; the copyright status of the audio does.
Downloading audio on different devices
On iPhone, you cannot easily run command-line tools like yt-dlp without a computer or a jailbreak. Your options are limited to online downloaders (paste the link, download the file) or screen recording the video and extracting audio afterward using a separate app. Screen recording captures everything on your screen, including audio, and saves it as a video file you can then convert to audio using GarageBand or a free tool like Audacity.
On Android, you have more flexibility. Apps like NewPipe let you download Instagram videos directly to your phone, and you can extract the audio using an audio converter app afterward. On Windows or Mac, yt-dlp or FFmpeg are faster and more reliable than online tools because they do not depend on a third-party website staying online.
Regardless of device, the process is the same: get the video file, extract the audio, and check whether you have the right to keep it.
When you have permission to download
If the creator has given you explicit permission, download freely. This might be a friend who made a song and posted it on Instagram, or a musician who told you to grab the audio from their Reel. Get that permission in writing — a direct message works — so you have proof if questions come up later.
You also have the right to download audio you created yourself. If you posted a song, podcast, or voiceover to Instagram, it is your work, and you can download it from your own posts using any of the tools above. This is useful if you want a backup copy or if you want to use the audio elsewhere.
Legal alternatives if you cannot download
If the audio you want is a copyrighted song, do not download it from Instagram. Instead, use a licensed music service. Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music all let you save songs for offline listening within their apps. If you want to use music in your own content, Epidemic Sound and Artlist are subscription services that provide thousands of tracks licensed for creators.
If you want audio from a podcast or audiobook, go to the source. Most podcasts are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or the creator's own website. Audiobooks are on Audible, Apple Books, or your local library's app. These routes give you legal, high-quality audio and support the creator.
What happens if you download copyrighted audio
Instagram does not actively hunt down users who download copyrighted audio for personal use. The real risk comes if you re-upload it. If you download a song from someone's Reel and post it to your own account, Instagram's copyright detection system will flag it, and the original copyright holder can request that your post be taken down. Repeated violations can result in your account being suspended or deleted.
If you download audio and distribute it more widely — share it on another platform, sell it, or include it in a project you monetize — the copyright holder can pursue legal action. This is rare for casual personal use, but it is possible, and the potential damages are real.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download audio from a Reel if the creator did not make the music?
No. If the Reel contains a copyrighted song or someone else's audio, downloading it is copyright infringement, even if the Reel is public. The creator's permission to use the Reel does not extend to you downloading the audio from it. Contact the original copyright holder or use a licensed alternative instead.
Is it illegal to download Instagram audio for personal use only?
Downloading copyrighted audio is illegal regardless of whether you keep it private. The law does not have a "personal use" exception for copyright. That said, enforcement for private downloads is uncommon. The real legal risk appears when you re-upload, share, or monetize the audio.
What is the difference between yt-dlp and an online downloader?
yt-dlp is a program you install on your computer; it is faster, more reliable, and does not depend on a website staying online. Online downloaders work in your browser but are slower and sometimes disappear or get blocked. Both do the same job technically, but yt-dlp is more stable for regular use.
Can I use audio from Instagram in my own YouTube video?
Only if you have the right to use it. If it is from Instagram's royalty-free library, yes — that audio is licensed for use across platforms. If it is a copyrighted song or someone else's original work, no. YouTube's Content ID system will detect it and either mute the audio, block the video, or give the copyright holder the revenue from your video.
How do I know if audio is copyrighted?
If you did not create it and the creator did not explicitly give you permission, assume it is copyrighted. If it is a recognizable song, it almost certainly is. If you are unsure, search the audio title or artist name online. If it appears on Spotify, Apple Music, or other streaming services, it is copyrighted and protected.