How to Recover Deleted Instagram Reels: 5 Proven Methods (2025)

“I just deleted my best Reel by accident… and Instagram support said there’s no way to get it back 😭.”

That’s the top comment on this Reddit thread, where hundreds of creators vent about losing valuable Reels — travel clips, tutorials, and even brand collabs. If you’ve been there, you know how frustrating it feels.

You’re not alone — thousands of users delete their Instagram Reels every single day. But here’s the good news: deleted Reels can be recovered, even if Instagram says they’re “gone forever.”

In this complete 2025 recovery guide, you’ll learn 5 proven methods that actually work — from checking your Recently Deleted folder to using expert recovery software like Gbyte Recovery that brings back lost videos even after the 30-day window.

Let’s bring your Reels back to life.

Understanding Instagram Reels Deletion vs. Archiving

The Difference Between Deleting and Archiving Instagram Reels

When you want to clean up your Instagram Reels, you can either archive or delete them. Here’s a quick rundown of what each action really means for your content:

Archiving: Hiding Your Reels, But Not Losing Them

• What Happens: Your Reel is hidden from your profile but stays safely stored on Instagram.

• Recovery: You can always restore it from the Archive, with no data loss.

Deleting: Permanent Removal with Limited Recovery Options

• What Happens: The Reel is permanently removed from Instagram’s servers.

• Recovery: You have 30 days to recover it through the app. After that, you’ll need third-party tools, with no guarantees.

Quick Comparison: Archiving vs. Deleting

So, if you're looking to temporarily hide a Reel without the risk of losing it, archiving is the way to go. But if you accidentally delete a Reel, remember you have a small window of time to recover it—after that, recovery might be more difficult.

Can You Revive a Deleted Reel?

Yes — but timing matters.

Instagram gives you a 30-day recovery window through its Recently Deleted folder. After that, your content is wiped from Instagram’s cloud storage.

However, your Reel video might still exist in your device’s local storage, cloud backup, or cache, which is where professional tools can help.

Let’s break down all five recovery options — from easy app fixes to advanced solutions.

Instagram Reel Recovery Methods Comparison Table

Method 1 - Check Instagram's Recently Deleted Folder

If your Reel was deleted within the last 30 days, your best chance of recovering it is by checking Instagram's Recently Deleted folder. Instagram keeps deleted content in this folder for up to 30 days, allowing you to restore it before it’s permanently gone.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Follow these steps carefully to restore your deleted Instagram Reels:

Step 1: Open the Instagram app on your phone. Go to your profile by tapping your profile icon at the bottom right corner.

Step 2: Tap the menu icon (☰) in the top right corner of your profile screen.

Step 3: From the menu, tap Settings and then choose Privacy. Scroll down and tap Account Center.

Step 4: Under Account Center, select Your Information and Permissions. Tap Recently Deleted.

Step 5: Browse through the list of deleted items, find your deleted Reel, and tap Restore to bring it back.

Important Notes:

• Available for iOS and Android: You can access the Recently Deleted folder on both platforms.

• 30-day retention period: Instagram keeps deleted content for 30 days before it's permanently removed.

• After 30 days: If your Reel is older than 30 days, it will be permanently deleted from Instagram’s servers and can no longer be restored via this method.

• Screenshot opportunity: If you need a visual guide, feel free to take a screenshot of your Recently Deleted folder for future reference.

What If My Recently Deleted Folder Is Empty?

If your Recently Deleted folder is empty, there are a few reasons this might happen. Here are some possibilities:

• The content may have already been permanently deleted after 30 days.

• You may not have used the correct account or permissions to access it.

• Instagram’s system may have encountered a glitch or issue.

💡 Pro Tip: If your Recently Deleted folder is empty, don’t panic! You can move on to Method 2 to explore other recovery options.

Method 2 - Professional Recovery Software Solution (Gbyte Recovery)

If you're unable to recover your Instagram Reels using the Recently Deleted folder, don't worry — Gbyte Recovery offers a powerful solution to recover deleted Instagram Reels, even without a backup.

Best Solution to Recover Deleted Instagram Reels Without Backup

Why Gbyte Recovery Is the Best Choice:

• No backup required: Gbyte Recovery recovers deleted Instagram content directly from your device's storage, so you don’t need a backup to restore your Reels.

• Free scan and preview: See what content can be recovered before committing to purchase. No need to buy until you’re sure!

• Works beyond the 30-day window: Even if your Instagram Reels were deleted more than 30 days ago, Gbyte Recovery can help you retrieve them.

• Deep scan technology: The software performs a thorough scan of your device to recover even deeply deleted files.

• User-friendly interface: No technical expertise required — Gbyte Recovery is designed to be easy for anyone to use.

• High success rate: Known for its high success rate in recovering recently deleted Instagram content.

• Comprehensive recovery: Supports all types of Instagram Reels recovery, including drafts and deleted messages.

Free Trial Benefits:

• Unlimited free scanning: Explore the full recovery potential without paying.

• Preview all recoverable content: See exactly what files can be restored before making a purchase decision.

• Test success rate: Check how many of your deleted Instagram Reels can be recovered, risk-free.

• No credit card required: Enjoy a no-strings-attached trial experience.

How to Recover Deleted Reels Drafts on Instagram on iPhone with Gbyte Recovery

Step-by-step recovery process:

Step 1: Download and install Gbyte Recovery. It’s available for both Windows and Mac.

Step 2: Launch the software and choose the data type you want to scan. Select Instagram from the list of options.

Step 3: Start the free scan of your device. Gbyte Recovery will scan your device for deleted Instagram Reels, with no payment required for the scan.

Step 4: Preview the recoverable Instagram Reels. Check the file dates to confirm that the content you want to restore is available.

Step 5: After reviewing, select the Reels you want to recover and choose the location where you want to save them — either on your computer or back to your device.

Method 3 - Recover Deleted Reels Drafts on Instagram

If you’ve accidentally deleted or can’t find your Instagram Reels drafts, don't worry. There’s still a chance to recover them directly through the Instagram app, or with the help of Gbyte Recovery if all else fails.

How to Restore Instagram Reels Drafts Through the Instagram App

For iPhone Users:

1. Open the Instagram app on your iPhone.

2. Tap the "+" icon at the top or swipe right to open the camera.

3. Select "Reels" to start creating a new one.

4. At the bottom, tap "Drafts" to view any saved drafts.

5. Check if your draft is still available in the list.

6. If found, you can either publish the draft or save it again for later use.

For Android Users:

The process is similar, but there may be slight differences in the user interface. Here's a quick rundown:

• Tap the "+" icon to start a new Reel.

• You should see the "Drafts" option at the bottom, though its exact location might vary slightly.

• Select "Drafts" to view and restore your saved content.

When Drafts Don't Appear

If your Instagram drafts are missing or not showing up, there are a few things you can try:

• Check Cloud Backup (iCloud/Google Drive): Your drafts may have been backed up to the cloud if you have syncing enabled. Try checking your cloud storage for a backup of your Reels.

• Verify Instagram Cache: Sometimes, clearing Instagram’s cache can cause drafts to disappear. Ensure your app's cache hasn't been cleared by mistake.

• Reinstall Instagram App Carefully: If you’ve recently uninstalled or reinstalled Instagram, your drafts may be lost. Be cautious when reinstalling the app to avoid data loss.

• When Drafts Are Truly Lost: If your drafts are gone for good and you don’t have a backup, Method 2 (Gbyte Recovery) is your best option for trying to recover deleted Instagram content.

Method 4 - Use Instagram Data Download

If you want to retrieve your deleted Instagram Reels but don’t have a backup, you can request a data archive from Instagram. This archive includes your account's information, including metadata, which can sometimes help with recovering deleted content.

Requesting Your Instagram Data Archive

Follow these steps to download your Instagram data:

1. Open the Instagram app and go to Settings.

2. Navigate to Your Activity.

3. Select Download Your Information.

   

4. Choose your preferred format: JSON (for detailed data) or HTML (for an easier view).

5. Select the date range for the content you want to download.

6. Click Request Download.

7. Wait for the email from Instagram, which usually arrives within 48 hours.

Extracting Deleted Instagram Reels from the Data Archive

Once you have your data archive, you can try to extract your deleted Reels. Here's what you should know:

• Where to Find Video Files: While the archive will include a lot of your data, actual video files may not always be included, especially if the video was deleted.

• Metadata vs. Video Content: The archive may provide metadata (information about your deleted Reels, like timestamps), but actual video files may not always be recoverable.

• Limitations of This Method: The success of this method largely depends on the timing of when the Reels were deleted. If the videos were permanently deleted by Instagram, they won’t appear in the data archive.

• Success Rate: Moderate. This method is more useful for recovering metadata and can sometimes help identify the deleted videos, but it doesn't guarantee you'll recover the actual content.

Note: This method often recovers metadata (details about the Reels) but may not include the actual video files.

Method 5 - Check Cloud Backups and Device Storage

Before you give up on your deleted Instagram Reels, it’s worth checking your device and cloud backups. Instagram might automatically back up your Reels to cloud storage, giving you a chance to restore them.

iPhone Users: iCloud Photo Library

1. Open the Photos app on your iPhone.

2. Go to the Recently Deleted album (this folder stores deleted photos and videos for 30-60 days).

   

3. Search for video files that match your deleted Reel.

4. If you find it, tap to restore the video to your device.

5. Once restored, you can re-upload the video to Instagram.

Android Users: Google Photos Backup

1. Open Google Photos on your Android device.

2. Go to the Trash or Bin folder.

3. Filter the results by video content to narrow down your search.

4. Look for the original Reel videos you want to restore.

5. If found, restore the video, and re-upload it to Instagram.

Local Device Storage Check

If your Reels aren’t in your cloud backups, they may still be on your device. Here's where to check:

• Instagram Cache Folders (Android): Instagram often stores cached content on your phone. Use a file manager to search for any cached Instagram videos.

• DCIM Folders: This is where your phone stores original recordings. Look for any videos matching your Instagram Reels.

• Third-Party Gallery Apps: If you use third-party gallery apps, check them for any stored Instagram videos.

• File Manager Search Tips: Use your device's file manager to search for video files in common directories like DCIM, Downloads, or Instagram.

How to Prevent Losing Instagram Reels in the Future

To avoid losing your Instagram Reels in the future, follow these simple tips:

1. Archive Your Reels

Instead of deleting, archive your Reels to hide them from your profile but keep them safe. Just tap the three dots on the Reel and select Archive.

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Add an extra layer of security by enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) for your Instagram account, preventing unauthorized access.

3. Regularly Back Up Your Data

Download your Instagram data (including Reels) regularly via Settings > Security > Download Data, so you have a backup if anything goes wrong.

4. Use Third-Party Backup Apps

Consider using third-party apps to back up your Reels and posts for added security.

5. Monitor Your Device Storage

Ensure your device has enough storage to prevent Instagram from automatically removing content due to low space.

FAQs About Recovering Deleted Instagram Reels

Can I recover accidentally deleted Instagram Reels after 30 days?

Yes — you still have a chance. Even after Instagram removes Reels from its servers, the original files often stay hidden in your phone’s storage. Gbyte Recovery can scan that deep storage and bring them back, no backup needed. The sooner you act, the better your chances — especially within 90 days of deletion.

Does Instagram permanently delete Reels right away?

Not immediately. When you delete a Reel, it moves to the Recently Deleted folder and stays there for 30 days. You can restore it anytime during that window. Once the 30 days pass, Instagram wipes it completely — but Gbyte Recovery can still recover it if the data hasn’t been overwritten on your device.

How can I recover deleted Reel drafts on iPhone without backup?

You can use Gbyte Recovery for iOS to scan your iPhone directly. It looks through your Instagram cache and deleted data to find lost drafts — no iCloud backup required. Just avoid using your phone too much afterward to prevent new data from overwriting your drafts.

What’s the difference between deleting and archiving Instagram Reels?

Deleting removes your Reel entirely after 30 days, while archiving simply hides it. Archived Reels stay safe on Instagram’s servers and can be restored anytime with all their engagement intact. If you’re unsure about deleting, hit “Archive” — it’s the safer choice.

How long do Instagram Reels drafts stay saved?

There’s no set time limit — drafts can stay saved indefinitely. But they’re stored locally on your phone, which means they can disappear after app updates, cache clearing, or reinstallation. To stay safe, always save your draft to your camera roll or use Gbyte Recovery if it vanishes.

Can Gbyte Recovery find deleted Instagram Reels without backup?

Yes! Gbyte Recovery doesn’t rely on iCloud or Google Photos. It scans your device’s internal storage to locate deleted Reels that haven’t been overwritten. You can even preview what’s recoverable before deciding to restore.

Why is my Recently Deleted folder empty or missing?

It usually means more than 30 days have passed, or your app isn’t updated. Sometimes, Instagram also removes content for policy reasons. If you’re sure you deleted something recently, try updating the app or checking from another device. If it’s still gone, Gbyte Recovery can help you dig it out from your phone’s storage.

Will recovered Reels keep their likes and views?

Only if you restore them from Recently Deleted or Archive. Once you recover a Reel through a recovery tool or backup, you’ll get the video file only — engagement data like likes, comments, and views won’t return. Re-uploading it will start those stats fresh.

Can I recover a deleted Reel from someone else’s account?

No, unfortunately not. Instagram protects user data, so you can’t access deleted content from another account. You’ll need to ask the original poster if they still have a copy.

What if none of the recovery methods work?

If all else fails, double-check everything — the Recently Deleted folder, your drafts, backups, and Gbyte Recovery’s deep scan. You can also look for shared versions in your Facebook posts, DMs, or Stories. If the data’s been overwritten, though, it’s likely gone for good — but acting fast gives you the best chance.