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Does Instagram notify when you screenshot someone’s story?

Some social platforms send alerts when you screenshot content. Is the same true for Instagram?

instagram logo with blurred phone background
Image: KnowTechie

Quick Answer: No. You can screenshot Instagram posts and Reels without worrying about the other user being notified. When you screenshot a disappearing photo or video in DMs, Instagram will notify them.

If you’ve ever taken a screenshot of an Instagram Story, you’ve undoubtedly felt a little paranoid about the other person finding out.

There might be a genuine reason why you screenshot a story in the first place. Perhaps someone uploaded a funny meme, and you wanted to pass it on to someone else.

Or maybe someone added a sentimental photo to their story, and you wanted to treasure it as a memory. 

On the other hand, you may be curious as to whether people are screenshotting your stories, photos, and messages.

So, does Instagram notify users when someone screenshots a story or anything else? Read on to find out.

Short on time? Jump ahead

Can people see if you screenshot their Instagram Story

Short answer: No 

When screenshotting or screen recording someone’s Instagram story, Instagram won’t send a notification to that person.

You can also screenshot Instagram posts and Reels without worrying about the other user being notified. 

instagram reels on iphone
Image: KnowTechie

So, this is good news if you want to screenshot a story on Instagram without the person knowing.

But it’s bad news if you upload something to your story and want to know when someone takes a screenshot.

READ MORE: What is Vanish Mode on Instagram?

This hasn’t always been the case, though.

Instagram briefly tested a feature in 2018 that would notify users when someone screenshotted their story, but the social media giant abandoned it not long after and hasn’t brought it back since.

Does Instagram ever send notifications for screenshots?

Short answer: Yes, when you screenshot a disappearing photo or video in DMs

Although you’re safe to screenshot stories, posts, and Reels without Instagram notifying the user, the same can’t be said for disappearing photos and videos sent as direct messages.

READ MORE: Who’s the most followed person on Instagram?

If someone sends you a photo or clip that can only be viewed for a short time and you decide to screenshot it, they will see a star symbol next to the item in the message thread.

Additionally, when they go into their direct messages inbox, there’ll be text saying “screenshot taken” underneath your name. 

READ MORE: Can you see who views your Instagram Stories?

However, you can screenshot someone’s direct message without them getting a notification. They’ll only know that you’ve read the message as it will say “seen.”

Don’t be a creep when screenshotting on Instagram

There are plenty of reasons to screenshot an Instagram Story or Reel. There could be a movie recommendation you want to remember or a recipe you want to check out.

But don’t screenshot things that could be private or posted by mistake.

When it comes to screenshotting DMs on Instagram, we’ve also covered everything you need to know about that topic.

Again, the rules are the same. Don’t be a creep. It’s literally that simple.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

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Nicholas is a freelance technology journalist from the Welsh valleys. He's written for outlets like the Financial Times, Forbes, The Daily Telegraph, The Independent, The Next Web, Engadget and Computer Weekly. When Nicholas isn't writing, he's probably listening to Mariah Carey or watching videos of sausage dogs on TikTok.

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