Taking screenshots of any story, post, or message can be beneficial or harmful, depending on their intended use. Taking a screenshot of someone’s Instagram story may be considered an invasion of privacy in some cases.
In most situations, taking a screenshot of an Instagram story, post, or message will not alert the other person.
However, when it comes to specific direct messages, Instagram will immediately send a notification to the concerned person.
Also, Instagram has previously launched a feature that notifies you when someone screenshots your Story. However, after only a few months, this feature was withdrawn.
So, it is not sure when IG will re-launch this feature. Hence, it’s not a good idea to screenshot other people’s stories and hope they don’t notice.
Anyway, here in this article, we will give you all the in-depth knowledge regarding this topic. Also, check our guide on adding a link to Instagram Post.
Does Instagram notify screenshots of Stories?
If you want a short answer, then no, Instagram won’t notify the other person when you screenshot his/her Story. So, you can save your favorite Story on your Smartphone or PC (Windows or Mac) without worrying.
However, from February to June 2018, Instagram launched a feature that notifies the concerned person when you take a screenshot of a story.
Though this feature only lasted a month, we never know when this feature will become live again. Hence, it is better to update yourself from time to time regarding this topic.
As of this date, you can still screenshot any user’s Insta story without worrying about notifying them.
While you can screenshot any Insta Story, reposting them into your Instagram account is a different matter.
When using others’ content on your account, it is best to have the creator’s permission and give credit to the post.
If you are still confused, you can refer to our detailed guide on reposting a Story on Instagram.
Do remember that, just like you can screenshot another user’s Story without notifying them, they can also do the same.
So, if you are concerned about how you can tell if someone screenshots your Instagram story, then, unfortunately, you can’t.
So, it is better to make your account private and customize the privacy of your stories on Instagram to minimize the exposure of your Story to the public.
Can people see when you screenshot User Profiles, Posts, etc., on Instagram?
No, Instagram doesn’t notify the other person if you screenshot their user profile, posts, etc. This case is valid even when your screen records the posts like videos or reels.
However, we recommend you obtain permission and give credit when recording and using other people’s content on Instagram.
If you are concerned about people taking screenshots of your Profile or posts on IG, then we suggest you make your Insta account private.
If you don’t know how to make your Instagram account private, follow our guide.
When you make your account private, your followers can still take screenshots of your Profile, Story, Posts, etc.
However, the non-followers cannot see anything except your profile picture and your name on Instagram. So, it does prevent them from screenshotting your content.
In which situation will Instagram notify when taking a screenshot?
As you know, Instagram doesn’t notify about screenshots in most cases. But, there is still a case where you will get a notification if someone screenshots your direct message.
When you take a screenshot of a disappearing photo or direct video message, IG will immediately send the notification for privacy reasons.
Note: Here, a disappearing photo or video messages represent DM sent in vanish mode on Instagram. Also, Instagram won’t notify you when you screenshot a standard message.
Vanishing mode on Instagram works as a way to send a message which can only be seen for a short time. So, this notification feature is a security measure by Instagram.
If you don’t know how to turn on Vanish mode on Instagram, we will show you briefly the steps involved here.
Note: You cannot turn on the vanish mode on your Instagram by using a desktop web browser. Hence, please use your mobile phone (Android or iOS) instead of a computer or laptop.
1. First of all, open the Instagram app on your Android or iOS device (iPhone or iPad) and log into your account using your credentials.
2. Next, tap the message icon from the top right corner of your screen to access all your conversations on Instagram.
You can also swipe left on the home screen to access this page.
3. After that, tap the username of the person for whom you want to enable the vanish mode. You can also search for the username directly from the top search bar.
Note: Remember that you need to enable this mode for everyone. So, perform these steps for every person you want to talk with in vanish mode.
4. Now, hit the “i” icon or info icon from the top right corner of your chat box and toggle on the “Vanish mode.”
Now, you can send any photo or video to that person in Vanish mode. You can also choose between three different options “View once,” “Allow replay,” and “Keep in chat” every time you try to send a message.
And you can swipe up your screen on the conversation box to easily disable this feature wherever you like.
You will get a notification whenever your friend screenshots your photo or video on Vanish mode.
FAQs
No, there isn’t any application that can notify you when someone takes a screenshot of your story, post, etc., on Instagram. If you find those kinds of apps, they are either complete scams or violate the Privacy guidelines of Instagram. Also, we don’t recommend you share your private data with such sketchy apps. Such apps can steal your data or hack into your account.
Yes, you can easily disable the notification on your Instagram account. For this, tap the Profile icon from the lower right corner of your screen to access your Insta Profile. Now, hit the hamburger menu from the top right and select “Settings.” Now, choose “Notifications” from the settings page. You can now disable notifications for various categories on this page. Take your time and customize the notifications to your liking.
If you want to take a screenshot of any Instagram story, then first locate that story on your device. Now, position the story and simultaneously press the “Power” and “Volume Down” buttons on your Android device. Now, release it when you hear the captured noise.
To take screenshots using an iOS (iPhone or iPad) device, press the “Home” button and the “Power” button simultaneously. Just release the buttons after taking screenshots.
Final Thoughts
Getting a notification when someone takes a screenshot of your Instagram story can be a good as well as a bad thing. While someone may want privacy, another person may want to save his/her favorite story without alerting anyone.
You can always make your Instagram account private to limit others from breaching your privacy with screenshots.
As of now, there will be no notification when you screenshot someone’s story, but Instagram may release this feature soon.
Anyway, we will keep you updated if Insta decides in the future. In the meantime, you can check our new guide to see who unfollowed you on Instagram.
