We’ve all been there: you come across an awesome post on Instagram — whether it’s a meme, a gorgeous picture, or a fantastic story — and you want to save it. Maybe you’re not ready to hit “like” or don’t want to bookmark it just yet, so your instinct is to take a screenshot. But then, the dreaded thought creeps in: Will Instagram notify the other person that you took a screenshot?
You’ve probably heard rumors, and maybe you’ve even wondered if Instagram keeps track of your screenshots in some way. Let’s put those worries to rest and clear up the confusion once and for all: No, Instagram won’t snitch if you screenshot someone’s post or story (for now, at least).
Here’s everything you need to know about screenshots on Instagram, including when they’re safe and when you might get a little notification.
1. Instagram Screenshots: The Truth About Stories and Posts
First, let’s break it down into two categories: regular posts and Instagram Stories.
Regular Instagram Posts
For photos, videos, and carousel posts that show up in your feed or on someone’s profile, you’re completely in the clear. Instagram will not notify anyone if you take a screenshot of their post, whether it’s a picture, a video, or any content that is visible in their profile grid.
- Can you screenshot without worry? Absolutely. Instagram won’t say a word to the person whose post you screenshot.
- Does the person get a notification? Nope. They won’t know you’ve taken a screenshot.
Instagram Stories
The situation with Instagram Stories is a bit more nuanced. When someone shares a story, and you take a screenshot of it, Instagram used to notify them that a screenshot was taken. This was the case up until 2018, when Instagram changed their policy.
- Do you get notified when someone screenshots your story? Not anymore.
- Can you screenshot Stories? Yes, you can. If you screenshot a story now, the person who posted it won’t know.
Important note: The only way someone can be notified about your screenshot activity in Stories is if you screenshot a direct message (DM) in the form of a disappearing message or a photo sent directly within a conversation.
2. Instagram’s Direct Message Screenshots: The Exception to the Rule
While regular posts and stories won’t alert anyone about screenshots, Instagram Direct Messages (DMs) are a different story.
If you take a screenshot of a disappearing photo or video sent in a direct message (like a photo that’s set to vanish after being viewed), Instagram will notify the sender.
- Does Instagram notify someone if you screenshot their DM? Yes, but only for disappearing content.
- What about regular DMs? For regular text chats or shared posts in direct messages, no notification is sent.
So, if you’re receiving a self-destructing photo or video in a private DM and you take a screenshot, the sender will be alerted. However, if you’re simply screenshotting a regular chat or a shared post from the feed, Instagram keeps it quiet.
3. Why Did Instagram Remove Screenshot Notifications for Stories?
You might be wondering why Instagram stopped notifying users about story screenshots. The decision likely had to do with user experience. Screenshots are an essential part of how we interact with social media, and notifications about something as simple as a screenshot can create unnecessary drama. Many users were frustrated by the feature, and Instagram responded by removing it.
Another reason is probably related to privacy concerns. Stories are temporary by design, and many users screenshot stories for safe-keeping. If Instagram continued notifying users about these actions, it could discourage people from feeling comfortable sharing content.
4. Will Instagram Ever Notify You About Screenshots Again?
While there’s no indication that Instagram plans to reintroduce screenshot notifications for stories or posts anytime soon, it’s always possible. Social media platforms are constantly evolving, and what we know today could change tomorrow.
However, at this point, it seems safe to take screenshots of posts and stories without fearing any repercussions. The only time Instagram might notify someone is if you’re screenshotting a disappearing DM photo or video.
If you’re ever unsure about your actions, it’s always worth checking the terms and conditions for Instagram’s latest updates.
5. Tips for Respectful Screenshotting on Instagram
While Instagram won’t notify anyone about regular screenshots, it’s important to remember that ethics still matter. Here are some things to keep in mind when taking screenshots:
- Respect privacy: If someone’s story is personal or meant to be viewed by a small group, consider whether it’s appropriate to screenshot it.
- Ask for permission: If you plan to use someone’s content outside of Instagram (e.g., repost it), it’s always best to ask for permission and credit them.
- Avoid sharing private DMs: If you screenshot a DM conversation, be mindful of the other person’s privacy. Avoid sharing private or intimate conversations without consent.
Taking screenshots is a fun way to capture moments online, but make sure to use them responsibly.
Screenshot Away, But Be Thoughtful
In the world of Instagram, screenshots are a safe bet when it comes to posts and stories. You can freely capture the content you love without worrying about notifications going off and alerting the other person. However, keep in mind that disappearing photos and videos in DMs still come with the potential for a notification.
The key takeaway? Screenshot to your heart’s content, but be respectful of the people behind the posts — and always consider privacy and consent when sharing.
