Can't download an Instagram carousel: why it fails and how to do it
You try to save the videos from an Instagram carousel and the downloader only gives you one, or fails outright. It's not you: most tools don't handle posts with multiple media. Let's look at why and how to download them all.
Why most downloaders fail with carousels
- They expect a single video: they're built for one media item per link, so from a carousel they take the first and leave the rest.
- They get confused by the photos: if the carousel mixes photos and videos, some return "no video" or an error.
- They don't detect that the post has several items: they treat the
/p/URL as a simple post.
How to download all the videos correctly
PullVid detects when a post is a carousel and shows you all the videos in a grid so you can pick which ones to keep:
- Copy the post link (⋯ → Copy link).
- Paste it into the Instagram carousel downloader.
- Press Search: every video in the carousel appears.
- Choose the quality and download each video you want.
Other reasons it might fail
If it still doesn't work, check the basics: that the account is public (carousels from private accounts aren't accessible), that the link is complete and that the post hasn't been deleted. If the post was a single Reel or video, use the regular Instagram downloader. And remember that, for now, the photos in the carousel still aren't downloaded: you get the videos.
The full step-by-step guide is at how to download an Instagram carousel.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the downloader only grab one video from the carousel?
Because that tool expects a single media item per link and takes the first one. PullVid detects the carousel and shows you every video to download.
The carousel has photos and videos, what happens?
You get all the videos in the carousel; downloading the photos is on the way, and you'll see a notice about it.
Can you download carousels from private accounts?
No. Only posts from public accounts.
I get no videos at all, what do I do?
Check that the account is public, that the link is complete and that the post hasn't been deleted. If it's a single Reel and not a carousel, use the regular Instagram downloader.
Use our free tool — no sign-up required.
Go to Video Downloader
Daniel Carter
Technical writer · PullVid team
Daniel writes about video downloading, formats, and web tools at PullVid.
View profileRelated articles
How to download an Instagram carousel (all the videos) in 2026
Step-by-step guide to download every video from an Instagram post with multiple media (a carousel), in HD and choosing which ones to keep. From your phone or your PC.
Why I Can't Download an Instagram Video and How to Fix It
The real reasons a Reel or Instagram video won't download — private account, deleted content, an already-expired Story, an unavailable page — and how to fix each one.
Download Instagram Reels Without an App (2026 Guide)
Download Instagram Reels in HD without installing any app. Works from the browser on iPhone, Android, and PC. Fast and free.
Can You Download Videos From Private Instagram Accounts?
The honest answer about downloading videos from private Instagram accounts: why it isn't possible with any tool, and what Instagram content you actually can save.