Many people wonder if Instagram tells others when you screenshot their posts or videos. You might see claims on TikTok or hear from friends that Instagram alerts users if you take screenshots. This article clarifies what happens, so you can feel confident about your privacy while using Instagram.
What Happens When You Screenshot an Instagram Post or Reel?
Instagram does not notify users if they screenshot a feed post or Reel. You can take a screenshot of a travel photo, a motivational quote, or a cooking Reel without worrying that the other person will get a notification.
For example, if your friend shares a funny Reel, you can screenshot it to save the idea or share it later, and they won’t know you took a screenshot. The same applies to posts in your feed, such as photos or videos shared by creators, brands, or friends. This makes it easy to save outfit ideas or recipes you find while scrolling without alerting the person who posted them.
Does Instagram Notify When You Screenshot Stories?
No, Instagram does not currently notify users if they screenshot their Stories. This includes both photo and video Stories.
In the past, Instagram tested a feature that would alert users when someone took a screenshot of their Story; however, it was later removed. Now, you can screenshot a Story to save a travel tip, a meme, or an event announcement without the poster knowing. This makes Stories feel open for sharing ideas, but it’s still respectful to avoid screenshotting personal or sensitive Stories without permission.
What About Disappearing Photos and Videos in DMs?
Instagram does notify users if you screenshot disappearing photos and videos sent in Direct Messages.
If you send a photo that’s set to “View Once” or “Allow Replay” in a DM, and the other person takes a screenshot, you will see a small star-like icon next to the message to indicate a screenshot was taken. This helps protect your privacy when you share sensitive images.
Vanish Mode in DMs also sends a notification if someone screenshots while Vanish Mode is active. If you’re using Vanish Mode for private chats and the other person takes a screenshot, Instagram will notify you.
Example: You send a selfie using the “View Once” option to a friend, and they take a screenshot of it. Instagram alerts you in the chat so you are aware they saved your photo.
Comparison with Snapchat: Do They Work the Same?
Snapchat notifies users when someone takes a screenshot of any photo, chat, or Story, clearly indicating when content is saved. Instagram does not inform about screenshots on posts, Reels, or Stories, only on disappearing photos and videos in DMs.
Quick comparison:
- Snapchat: Notifies on all screenshots.
- Instagram: Notifies only when photos/videos disappear in DMs.
- Instagram: No alerts for posts, Reels, or Stories.
This means Snapchat offers higher visibility on who saves your content, while Instagram only partially alerts users.
Tips for Privacy on Instagram
It’s essential to be mindful of your privacy when using Instagram.
Here are some practical tips:
- Use Close Friends for Stories you want to share with a limited group.
- Avoid sharing sensitive content in DMs if you don’t want it saved.
- Check your followers and remove people you don’t trust.
- Keep your account private if you wish to have control over who sees your posts.
- Use Instagram’s Save feature to save posts privately instead of taking screenshots.
These steps help you manage your privacy while using Instagram for fun, networking, or sharing your life with friends.
Legal and Ethical Considerations of Taking Screenshots
It’s legal to take screenshots of Instagram posts or Reels for personal use, but it’s best to avoid sharing them without the creator’s permission, especially if you plan to repost elsewhere. Sharing screenshots of someone’s private or sensitive content can lead to issues and hurt trust.
When in doubt, ask the person before sharing their content. Respecting others’ privacy helps keep Instagram a positive place.
Final Thoughts
Instagram does not notify users when you screenshot posts, Reels, or Stories, but it does send notifications for disappearing photos and videos in DMs. Knowing this can help you feel confident while using the app, while also respecting others’ privacy when sharing or saving content.
Do you think Instagram should notify users when they take screenshots, like Snapchat does? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s talk about privacy on social media together.
