Does Instagram Notify When You Screenshot a Story

Does Instagram notify when you screenshot a story? How about when someone takes a screenshot of DMs, disappearing media, reels, etc.?

These questions often cross the minds of IG users and marketers.If you are curious how Instagram prioritizes visibility and engagement beyond screenshots, understanding the Instagram following list order adds helpful context to how the platform surfaces relationships.

After all, there’s a lot you can do when you know someone took a screenshot of your IG content. You could reach out to ask if they’re interested in your product/services. Or ask if they found your content valuable and get some feedback.

Can you see how much value you can get if you can see who screenshotted your Story (or other IG content)? Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about Instagram’s screenshot notification system.

Does Instagram notify when you screenshot a story?

The short answer is no. Instagram does not notify users when someone screenshots a Story. That still holds true today.

You can freely screenshot any public Story without triggering a notification, and that behavior has not changed. At the same time, you may take a screenshot of any Story that you can access using the native Instagram app. 

The Instagram app will not send screenshot notifications in any of these cases.  It’s worth noting that Instagram tested a feature that sends notifications whenever users take a screenshot of another user’s Stories. Instagram introduced this feature back in 2018, but it was cancelled just a few months later.

Instagram has never shared an official explanation. Some users still speculate about it returning. There have been no signs or announcements. There are also no active tests related to Story screenshot alerts since then.

Some people still wonder if Instagram could revisit screenshot notifications as privacy discussions continue to evolve. That said, there is no active rollout, no confirmed plan, and no known testing related to Story screenshot alerts as of this month.

While privacy conversations do come up from time to time, there is currently no public evidence showing that Instagram is being pushed to bring back Story screenshot notifications due to broader privacy pressure or specific triggering events.

Does Instagram send notifications when you screenshot a Reel?

No. Instagram does not notify users when someone takes a screenshot of an Instagram Reel. That’s one area where Instagram Reels vs. Story behave the same way when it comes to screenshots. When content is posted publicly, you can screenshot Reels and feed posts without the original creator getting notified.

Does Instagram notify people for user profile screenshots?

Instagram doesn’t send notifications for user profile screenshots. Creators also won’t get notified if someone takes a screenshot of their individual posts. As long as the user profile is publicly available, you can capture feed posts, Reels thumbnails, the bio, as well as tagged content using screenshots.

Does Instagram notify users for DM screenshots? 

When it comes to Direct Messages (DMs), Instagram notifies senders in certain situations: 

• Sent videos: Instagram shows a screenshot indicator only when a video is sent in DMs as disappearing media using the camera tool.
• Vanish mode: Instagram will always send a screenshot notification whenever the recipient takes a screenshot of DMs in “Vanish Mode.” 
• Disappearing media: Instagram will also send a screenshot notification if the recipient took a screenshot of a disappearing photo or video.

Senders can see the screenshot indicator for sent videos by opening the associated conversation. This icon will appear next to the “Video” chat bubble of the clip that was screenshotted.

You may see a screenshot notification inside the DM conversation, but only when someone screenshots a disappearing photo or video. Instagram does not send screenshot alerts for regular messages, and it does not show these notifications in the DM list.

In Vanish Mode, Instagram shows screenshot notifications for all content shared inside the chat, including messages and visual media.

Activate Vanish mode by swiping up from the bottom of the DM page.

When in Vanish Mode, everything disappears once someone leaves the conversation or reverts to normal mode.

Screenshot notifications in Vanish Mode will appear in the DM thread as soon as the recipient takes a screenshot. The Instagram app will also send a push notification to make sure the content’s owner is duly notified.

Finally, when you send a disappearing message, Instagram will also show a screenshot indicator next to the chat bubble containing the disappearing media. Disappearing photos and videos can be sent from your camera roll or captured using the camera tool.

Outside of these situations, Instagram won’t send notifications or even show indications that screenshots are taken from a DM thread. If you want to receive screenshot notifications, you need to send videos through DMs. Vanish Mode also triggers alerts. Disappearing messages sent inside the Instagram app do the same.

Will airplane mode still recognize Instagram screenshots? 

Airplane mode does not block screenshot notifications in any reliable way. If you screenshot disappearing photos or videos in DMs or messages sent in Vanish Mode, the notification will still be sent once your device reconnects to the internet.

Instagram does not send notifications for screenshots of profiles, posts, Reels, Stories, or Highlights at all. Airplane mode does not change this behavior, and there is no delayed alert when someone goes back online.

In short, airplane mode does not prevent DM screenshot notifications in cases where Instagram already tracks them. It only delays delivery until the connection is restored.  

What exactly happens when you take screenshots of a private IG account?

When you take screenshots of Instagram profiles set as private accounts, the user won’t be notified. Of course, if you share your screenshots via Stories or as a post, the user might find out. For the most part, you shouldn’t share other people’s profiles without their consent to respect the privacy of the user.

Why would you want to screenshot Instagram content?

Instagram users, brands, and marketing agencies may take a screenshot on Instagram for the following reasons:

1. You want to combine multiple photos into one story or post

Taking and compiling screenshots is one of the fastest ways how to add multiple photos to Instagram Story. Just take a screenshot of the photos, create a new Story from the Instagram mobile app, and select the images. Instagram will automatically create a multi-page Story for you.

2. You want to compile posts into a Reel

Apart from Stories, you can also compile screenshotted images into an Instagram Reel. You just need the right tools and the knowledge of how to make a Reel with photos. If this is your goal, you only need to worry about screenshot notifications if you’re trying to capture:

• Videos sent via DM
• Content sent through Vanish Mode
• Disappearing content

3. You’re trying to share Instagram tips with your audience 

Instagram brands that talk about social media marketing may need screenshots from the app when sharing tutorials or tips. Let’s say you’re sharing the best questions to ask on Instagram Story. A sensible strategy is to obtain screenshots of existing Stories with questions, including those uploaded by other users. 

In this case, you don’t have to worry about screenshot notifications. However, consider notifying the users you’ll feature since you’re using their Instagram Story questions for your content.

4. You need to repurpose old content

Screenshotting and re uploading old content lets you quickly repurpose it into something new. This is common when you are gathering ideas for carousels or casual posts, such as experimenting with photo dump captions that fit a more relaxed content style.

This works especially well when you want Instagram elements visible in the image, such as the menu on screen. It also helps when engagement numbers are part of the context. Usernames can stay visible too, which adds clarity to where the content came from.

5. You want to do commentary on another user’s post

Screenshotting Instagram content allows you to re-post it along with your feedback and opinions. Let’s say you want to use another account’s post as an example. You can take a screenshot. Add annotations or text overlays.

Then upload it to your feed, Story or Reels. As a courtesy, tag the captured content’s original uploader. Also, write a description that clearly states or insinuates you’re merely sharing commentary on the original post.

6. You just want to save a copy of the IG content

You may save screenshots to your device if you simply want a copy of the Instagram content. Again, just be wary when taking screenshots from the Instagram chat. 

Avoid problems by asking for permission to screenshot content. Don’t rely on Instagram’s screenshot indicators or the “took a screenshot” notification to inform the original content’s owner.

7. You want to utilize user-generated content

Taking screenshots of user-generated content (UGC) will give you heaps of media assets for marketing. UGC is any content created and uploaded by people who are not the brand itself. Common examples include reviews and tutorials that directly or indirectly promote a product.

Use a platform with a social media listening tool like Vista Social to find UGC on social media networks. It’s also helpful in finding customer reviews on websites like Trustpilot and Yelp.

8. You want to save useful information 

Capture screenshots of Instagram content that contains useful information you want to save for later. This might be a post sharing hashtag ideas, a bio with contact details, a Story explaining a process, or a Reel that walks through specific steps. Anywhere information appears inside the app, you can capture it for reference.

If the Instagram user sent you the information via DM, it’s already implied that you can take a screenshot.

Alternatives to screenshotting on Instagram

Although screenshotting is often done for legitimate and non-harmful goals, certain users may find it “creepy” even if you take a screenshot from a direct message chat. The worst case scenario is losing followers on Instagram, especially if there’s any hint of you violating their privacy.

If you want to avoid screenshots altogether, there are a few cleaner ways to share or reuse Instagram content.

1. Share content as links instead

Use the link sticker feature for Stories to share content from other Instagram accounts instead of screenshotting.

Other than Instagram content, the link sticker lets you share content from other third-party apps and social networks. This is especially useful if you want to embed video content, such as following a step-by-step guide on how to share a YouTube video on Instagram Story instead of screenshotting clips.

This is useful when you want to curate content in a way that feels natural and helps reinforce credibility while gently directing attention back to what you have already shared.

2. Use the screen recorder

If you use an iPhone, use the built-in screen recording tool to capture Instagram content without worrying about notifications. Instagram does not alert users when regular videos are screen recorded. However, disappearing content and Vanish Mode messages still trigger notifications.

For Android users, third-party apps like AZ Screen Recorder and Mobizen Screen Recorder achieve the same effect.

3. Save Instagram content

Use the “Save” feature for Instagram content to help you find them later. Save content by opening them on Instagram and tapping the bookmark icon in the bottom-right corner.

Take note that saving Instagram photos don’t download them to your device. Rather, they only get added to your collection, which can be accessed through your profile page.

4. Use the Remix feature

To easily share your thoughts on existing Instagram content, use the Instagram remix feature. 

Instagram Remix lets you react to or add context to supported public Reels directly inside Instagram, without needing to save or screenshot the content. Availability depends on the content format and whether the original creator has Remix enabled for their account.  This works on Reels, public photos, as well as public videos. 

Remix is Instagram’s version of TikTok’s “Duet,” which enables users to participate in challenges and be discoverable to the trend-loving community.

5. Downloading and reposting your content 

Download Instagram content from a profile you manage if you want to repurpose it. Remember, screenshotting requires you to manually crop the image to remove the Instagram user interface. But if you download the image properly, the app only downloads the actual image automatically. 

You can also download Instagram videos as long as you have access to the owner’s profile. You can also import downloaded images and videos into slideshows or blog posts. They work just as well when shared on social media networks such as TikTok or YouTube Shorts.

How to avoid getting your posts screenshotted

Prevent other users from screenshotting your content by switching to a private account. To do this, go to your Instagram profile and tap the burger menu icon in the upper-right corner.

From there, tap ‘Settings’ and go to ‘Privacy.’

On the “Privacy” page, tap the ‘Private account’ toggle to switch to a private account. 

A private account prevents strangers from seeing and screenshotting your Instagram content. However, it drastically diminishes your content’s marketing potential. If you want to go even further than a private account, you can temporarily deactivate Instagram and return when you feel comfortable sharing again.

You can also prevent other users from remixing your content by disabling the feature for specific content types.

From the “Privacy” page, tap ‘Sharing and reuse.’ Use the toggles to disable remixing for Reels, feed videos, and photos.

Curate and reuse IG content with Vista Social

Capturing Instagram content is commonly used in social media marketing as part of everyday workflows. You can use it to maximize the value of your content while experimenting with different posting times and driving stronger user engagement. 

Make the most out of Instagram screenshots using Vista Social. It is an all-in-one social media management tool designed to help you work faster and smarter.  It features optimal posting time suggestions and hashtag recommendations. The platform also provides user engagement analytics with cross-scheduling support across 14 social networks while covering reputation management platforms as well. 

Below are some of Vista Social’s advanced features:

• Vista Page: This feature lets you add a link in bio while also creating landing pages or microsites for your clients.
• AI assistant: Vista Social helps you create content in mere seconds with its AI writing assistant. Instead of spending several minutes creating captions for your Instagram Stories or posts, you can get the AI assistant to create content for you.
• Highly customizable, automated reports: Create customized reports automatically.

Get started with a free Vista Social account today.

Instagram screenshot notification: Frequently Asked Questions

Check out the questions and answers below to learn more about what happens when someone screenshots on Instagram.

1. Does airplane mode screenshot still work?

No, Instagram will still send a notification if you screenshot a DM the moment you go back online. Android users may try force quitting, while iPhone users can try uninstalling or reinstalling the app before disabling airplane mode, but it’s not a guaranteed workaround. 

2. How do you screenshot on Instagram DM without them knowing on iPhone?

Instagram direct messages do not send screenshot notifications as long as you are not capturing a video, a disappearing message, anything sent in Vanish mode. In those cases, the sender may see a notification or a screenshot indicator showing that a screenshot was taken.

3. Can I see if someone screen-recorded my Instagram Story?

No, there’s no way to tell if someone uses a screen recorder to save your Instagram Story. If you want to prevent strangers from saving a copy of your IG Stories, switch to a private account. There are third-party apps that claim to notify you of someone taking screenshots of your Instagram profile content.

Be wary of these apps as they might either be outdated or, worse, a total scam. As Bill Nelson said, “If we don’t act now to safeguard our privacy, we could all become victims of identity theft.” For security and privacy reasons, Instagram limits third-party app functions. Simply put, no app can successfully tell you if someone is screenshotting your posts.

If, for some reason, you find apps promising to alert you who’s taking screenshots of your content, be very cautious about installing them. If the app is a total scam, you risk infecting your device with viruses. It can also put your important files at risk and compromise your Instagram account.

Also, if you’ve already installed third-party apps like the ones mentioned above, remember to check whether they’re legit or not. Just to be safe, make sure to change your IG password.