INSTAGRAM GUIDE · MOBILE

How to copy an Instagram link on mobile

Four steps — Share, Copy link, paste on SMDownloader, save to your device.

How to copy an Instagram link on iPhone or Android — step by step

Step 1 of 4

Open the public post

In the Instagram app on iPhone or Android, open a reel, photo, or video from a public account. The post must be visible without logging in — private profiles, close-friends stories, and locked content cannot be copied for download.

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Screenshot: a public Instagram post open in the mobile app, ready for Share.
  1. Step 1: Open the public post. In the Instagram app on iPhone or Android, open a reel, photo, or video from a public account. The post must be visible without logging in — private profiles, close-friends stories, and locked content cannot be copied for download.
  2. Step 2: Tap Share. Tap the paper-plane Share icon under the post or reel. On reels, the Share control sits on the right sidebar while the clip plays. This opens Instagram’s share sheet where Copy link appears.
  3. Step 3: Copy link. Choose Copy link in the share menu. Instagram copies a public URL to your clipboard — instagram.com/reel/… for reels, instagram.com/p/… for feed photos and videos, or a stories URL for public story highlights. All work on SMDownloader when the post is public.
  4. Step 4: Paste on SMDownloader. Switch to Safari or Chrome, open smdownloader.com, paste the copied URL into the field at the top, and tap Download. Preview the photo or video, pick your preferred quality if shown, then save to your camera roll or Downloads folder.

Example URLs

https://www.instagram.com/reel/SHORTCODE/https://www.instagram.com/p/SHORTCODE/

Related guides & tools

Same Share flow for every format. For format-specific tips, see the matching copy-link guide — then the All Instagram downloaders hub if you want a dedicated downloader page.

Common questions

Does Share → Copy link work the same on iPhone and Android?

Yes. Instagram uses the same Share sheet on both platforms. Tap the paper-plane icon, then Copy link — the copied URL format is identical.

Can I copy a link from a private Instagram account?

No. The post must be public. If you need to log in to view it, Share → Copy link will not produce a URL SMDownloader can fetch.

What URL formats does Copy link produce?

Reels use instagram.com/reel/SHORTCODE/, feed posts use instagram.com/p/SHORTCODE/, and public stories may use a stories URL. Paste the full link — not a profile name or search page.

Can I use desktop instead of the mobile app?

Yes. Open the post on instagram.com in your browser, copy the address bar URL or use Share → Copy link, then paste on SMDownloader. See our web copy-link guide for desktop steps.