Does Instagram Notify Screenshots?

Summary by Editor:
  • Instagram generally does not notify users when screenshots are taken of posts, Stories, profiles, or regular DMs.
  • Screenshotting disappearing photos/videos in DMs or messages in vanish mode triggers a notification to the sender.
  • Instagram removed the screenshot notification feature for Stories in 2018 due to privacy concerns.
  • Users can safely screenshot posts, bios, public profiles, and standard message threads without alerting others.
  • To avoid notifications for disappearing content, use workarounds like using another device to take a photo or using the web version.
  • Viewing metrics like profile visits or number of post views are limited; business accounts provide more detailed insights.
  • Only views on Stories and video watch counts are visible to regular users—not profile visits.
  • Screenshots of disappearing messages can be traced; all other screenshots are not traceable by the app.
  • While not enforced on Instagram, screenshotting someone else’s photo without permission may infringe copyright law.
  • Users should be mindful of what type of message they are screenshotting to avoid sending unintended alerts.

Instagram is a popular social media platform; it may be the most popular. As Instagram users, we can find much different content on the platform, and we can browse through this content according to our interests. Sometimes, it is possible to find such magnificent content that we want to look at repeatedly. That is why we want to take a screenshot on Instagram. So, many people who use Instagram ask the same question. Does Instagram notify screenshots?

Well, there is no simple answer to this question. Instagram shows notifications for some screenshots on certain occasions. Now let’s take a look at when Instagram notifies you when you take a screenshot.

Does Instagram Notify Screenshots of Photos and Videos?

Do you like a photo when you scroll on Instagram and would like to take a screenshot of a published post? Proceed without problems:

  • Instagram will not notify the user of the screenshots you take of photos and videos uploaded by them. Moreover, if you want to save a post, you can download it instead of taking a screenshot. For example, you want to save a photo on Instagram. You can download Instagram photos for free without notifications.
  • This “no notification” allows you to save the content published by other users, who can do the same with yours! Privacy can, therefore, be easily breached.

Does Instagram Notify Screenshots of Stories?

Instagram Stories are really interesting. It is possible to watch Stories of your friends and other Public users. You can find Stories on the Explore page as well. Sometimes we can see pretty interesting content for us and want to take a screenshot of it. For example, you may find a Story about an organization stating its location and time. You may want to take a screenshot of it, but you get worried about it because you think the Story owner can get notified by your screenshot. Luckily, there is no such thing.

  • When you take a screenshot of stories, Instagram will not send notifications.
  • Instagram used to send notifications to the stories’ owners if someone took a screenshot of their content. It was a huge deal back then, and Instagram removed this feature from the platform due to privacy issues in 2018.
  • Although Stories are their owners’ private content, taking a screenshot is also a private decision of Instagram users. 

Does Instagram Notify Screenshots of User Profile?

Let’s say you find an Instagram account and like this account’s bio or the design of the profile. You may want to save it, so you need to take a screenshot of a user profile. You can relax!

  • Instagram will not notify the user when you take a screenshot of this user’s profile.
when does instagram send screenshot notification

Does Instagram Notify Screenshots of Messages?

We want to be careful because some message types cause sending alert notifications to their owners when you take a screenshot.

  • You can take a screenshot of direct messages if they are non-disappearing content. You don’t need to worry about it because Instagram does not notify screenshots of these messages.
  • However, it is not the same when it comes to disappearing photos and videos. When viewing these contents, if you take a screenshot before they disappear, Instagram sends a notification. So, before taking a screenshot of these contents, make sure to think twice if you don’t want people to get notifications.
  • If you send messages in vanish mode, you should be careful about taking screenshots because Instagram will send notifications for all screenshots of messages in this mode.

How Can I Take a Screenshot Without Notification on Instagram?

If you want to take a screenshot of a post, story, user profile, or normal messages, Instagram will not send notifications. However, if you’re going to take a screenshot of disappearing photos and videos or messages in vanish mode, you should use some methods;

  • Take photos of the messages from other devices.
  • Record the screen.
  • Open Instagram on your computer and take a screenshot on the web.

To Conclude Instagram Screenshots

We have answered the question: does Instagram notify screenshots? Although it notifies some of the direct messages, there is no problem with taking a screenshot of the content rest. If you want to take a screenshot of any content in DMs, make sure they are not that disappearing type.

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Frequently Asked Questions About

According to the broad view of copyright law, yes. Taking screenshots of a photo is illegal copyright infringement. Copyright is pretty basic: making copies or distributing someone else’s work without permission is illegal.

No, Instagram doesn’t notify users when someone screenshots a post.

Instagram doesn’t send any alert if you take a screenshot during a video call.

Yes, unlike Instagram, Snapchat does notify users when a screenshot is taken.

Yes, but only for disappearing photos or videos in DMs Instagram notifies the sender if those are screenshotted.

No, Instagram treats screen recordings the same way as screenshots no notification is sent (except for disappearing media in DMs).

The best way is to check Instagram’s Help Center or try it with a second account. Generally, only disappearing media in DMs trigger alerts.

Yasmin Talley

Posts: 38

Yasmin, a 30-year-old writer for Famety, is a social media specialist and loves sharing her knowledge. She has been writing about social media since the day started using them. She will teach you every fine detail and answer the most common questions.

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2 Comments on Does Instagram Notify Screenshots?

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2 Comments

  1. Gail Hopkins
    Gail Hopkins

    Instagram notify screenshots only on dms? Never knew that. You just earned yourself another follower.

    • Nathan ST Hilaire
      Nathan ST Hilaire

      Earlier credits website application york unfortunately became quite however common networking

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