Downloaded an Instagram video? Great. But what can you actually do with it? Here is a simple guide to copyright and fair use on Instagram.
Who Owns Instagram Content?
The person who created it. Simple as that. When someone takes a photo or records a video, they own it. Posting on Instagram does not change ownership.
Instagram gets a license to display content. But the creator keeps the copyright.
What Can You Do?
Personal Use: Yes
Downloading for personal viewing is fine. Save a recipe video. Keep a funny meme. Watch content offline. This is normal use.
Backing Up Your Own Content: Yes
Made a post you want to save? Use FastDL to download your own content. Smart creators backup everything.
Sharing with Credit: Usually OK
Reposting with proper credit is common. Tag the original creator. Link to their profile. Ask permission first if possible.
What You Should Not Do
Claim Content as Yours
Do not repost without credit. Do not claim you made something you did not make. This is not just wrong. It is copyright infringement.
Sell Someone Else's Work
Never sell content you did not create. This includes prints, merchandise, or edited versions. You need explicit permission for commercial use.
Remove Watermarks
Watermarks exist for a reason. Removing them shows intent to misuse content. Keep watermarks intact.
Fair Use Explained
Fair use allows limited use of copyrighted content for:
- • Commentary: Reviewing or critiquing content
- • Education: Teaching and learning purposes
- • News: Reporting on current events
- • Parody: Creating humor through imitation
Fair use is complex. When in doubt, ask permission or speak with a lawyer.
Best Practices
- • Always credit original creators
- • Ask permission for commercial use
- • Respect private accounts (do not share their content)
- • Link back to original posts when sharing
- • Delete content if asked by the creator
DMCA and Takedowns
Creators can file DMCA takedown requests for stolen content. Platforms must comply. Repeated violations can result in account termination.
If you see your content used without permission, contact the platform. Most have easy reporting tools.
Remember
Download responsibly. Respect creators. Use content ethically. When unsure, just ask permission. Most creators appreciate being asked.