INSTAGRAM GUIDE · WEB

How to copy an Instagram link on desktop web

Address bar or Share → Copy link — then paste on SMDownloader and save.

How to copy an Instagram link on desktop — step by step

Step 1 of 4

Open the post in a browser tab

Go to instagram.com in Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge and open the public reel, photo, or video on its own page. The address bar should show instagram.com/reel/, instagram.com/p/, or instagram.com/tv/ in the path — not a profile or search results page.

1 / 4
Screenshot: a public Instagram post open in a desktop browser tab with the post URL visible.
  1. Step 1: Open the post in a browser tab. Go to instagram.com in Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge and open the public reel, photo, or video on its own page. The address bar should show instagram.com/reel/, instagram.com/p/, or instagram.com/tv/ in the path — not a profile or search results page.
  2. Step 2: Copy the address bar URL. Click the browser address bar, select the full URL, and copy it with Ctrl+C (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+C (Mac). This is the fastest method — the copied link is the same URL Instagram uses for Share → Copy link.
  3. Step 3: Optional: use Share on web. Instagram web also shows a Share arrow below the post. Click it and choose Copy link — the result is the same public URL as copying from the address bar. Use whichever method is easier on your screen.
  4. Step 4: Paste into SMDownloader. Open smdownloader.com in a new tab, paste the copied Instagram URL into the download field, and click Download. Preview the photo or video, pick your preferred quality if shown, then save the file to your computer.

Example URLs

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

Related guides & tools

Same copy flow for every format. For format-specific tips or mobile app steps, see the matching guide — then the All Instagram downloaders hub for dedicated downloader pages.

Copy link on mobileCopy reel linkCopy photo linkCopy video link

Common questions

Do I need the Instagram app on desktop?

No. Open instagram.com in any modern browser, copy the post URL from the address bar or Share → Copy link, then paste on SMDownloader.

Can I copy a link from a private Instagram account?

No. The post must be public. Test in an incognito window — if Instagram asks you to log in, the URL will not work on SMDownloader.

Is the address bar URL the same as Copy link?

Yes. Both produce the same public instagram.com/reel/, /p/, or /tv/ URL when the post is visible on its own page.

What if I use the mobile app instead?

On iPhone or Android, use Share → Copy link in the Instagram app. See our mobile copy-link guide for step-by-step screenshots.

Paste Instagram linkAll Instagram guides