diff --git a/instaloader/instaloader.py b/instaloader/instaloader.py
index 062c983..7543df1 100644
--- a/instaloader/instaloader.py
+++ b/instaloader/instaloader.py
@@ -722,7 +722,7 @@ class Instaloader:
         # Download the image(s) / video thumbnail and videos within sidecars if desired
         downloaded = True
         if post.typename == 'GraphSidecar':
-            if self.download_pictures or self.download_videos:
+            if (self.download_pictures or self.download_videos) and post.mediacount > 0:
                 if not _all_already_downloaded(
                         filename_template, enumerate(
                             (post.get_is_videos()[i]