Does Instagram Notify When You Screenshot a Story (No, BUT…!)

Last updated on January 31st, 2023 at 11:10 am

If you’re wondering if Instagram notifies when you screenshot a story or post, then you’re not alone.

I was in a social media marketing gathering recently when the same question was asked and I decided to take a look into it and share my thoughts.

Does Instagram Notify When You Screenshot a Story

We all know that Instagram is a powerful social media platform, and many businesses have been using it to their advantage.

But what if you could get a notification whenever someone takes a screenshot of your posts?

So, in this guide, I will cover everything you need to know about taking a screenshot of Instagram stories and posts.

Let’s get started.

Contents show

Does Instagram Notify When You Screenshot a Story?

If you’re worried about someone getting upset at you for screenshotting their story, don’t worry.

There’s no way to tell if someone else has screenshot a story. That’s why we have the “Share” button on Instagram. It’s your choice if you want to share a story with someone else.

You’re probably wondering how to remove those embarrassing screenshots from Instagram.

It’s simple, just make sure that you don’t upload anything embarrassing in the first place. Also, if you don’t want anyone to see that you were on Instagram at all, just turn off the app completely.

Alternatively, you can create a closed friends group on Instagram and share your story with only the persons that you have added.

Does Instagram Notify When You Screenshot a Post?

Unfortnatley, Instagram does not notify user of screenshot activities on their post.

This means that if you want to save a screenshot of a post that you’re tagged in, you’ll need to do it on your phone and save it to your gallery or share it with friends.

But if you’re worried about others screenshotting your IG post, make sure not to share sensitive information.

Does Instagram Notify When You Screenshot a Reel?

Yes, it is true that if someone takes a screenshot of your Instagram reel, you will not be notified.

This is because Instagram allows users to delete their reels and their content at any time.

If someone deletes their reel, it means that they no longer want anyone to view it, so there’s nothing you can do about it.

Also, if someone screenshots your IG reel, you will not get notified.

As a rule of thumb, make sure that you’re not sharing any sensitive information on your Instagram reels and anyone can screenshot it even before your delete it.

Does Instagram Notify When You Screenshot a Direct Message?

Just like taking screenshots of stories, posts, and reels, Instagram does not notify when you screenshot a direct message chat.

However, if you screenshot a disappearing chat on Instagram, the other person gets notified.

This notification is sent to the other party notifying them that you took a screenshot of the chat.

Let’s explore in detail how the Instagram screen notification works.

Instagram Screenshot Notification

Instagram notifies others when you take a screenshot of a disappearing message.

The notification feature allows users to receive notifications when someone takes a screenshot of their direct message conversation.

So how does this really works?

If someone takes a screenshot of a disappearing message on DM, a small circular aperture-looking icon will be displayed next to it.

This is a way of Instagram notifying you that a screenshot was taken.

Also, in the conversation summary, the screenshots will also be displayed with a little note of “Screenshot.”

How to Take Screenshots on Instagram Without Them Knowing

Now you know that Instagram notifies others when you screenshot a disappearing message.

That’s not the endpoint. You can still take a screenshot of a disappearing message without them knowing.

How do you get this done?

Let’s take a look at some of the ways to take screenshots on Instagram without them knowing.

Turn on Airplane Mode

Turning on Airplane mode is quite easy and simple to carry out. This action will prevent your device from sending signals to Instagram.

When your airplane mode is on, you can take a screenshot of the Instagram disappearing message without Instagram notifying the other party.

Once done, you can turn off the airplane mode and continue your conversation.

Depending on your device type, the way to have the airplane mode activated differs. Make sure to follow the user’s guide.

Use a Different Phone to Record or Screenshot

Perhaps you have a spare smartphone, then you can use it to take a picture of the conversation.

You only have to open the Instagram direct message conversation on your device and use the camera of the other phone to take a photo.

Also, you can record the screen as well based on your preference.

Though this might not appear as a high-tech solution, it is one of the easiest ways to screenshot on Instagram without the sender knowing.

Screenshot with QuickTime on Mac

If you’re a Mac user, this method will be applicable. To take a screenshot of the disappearing message, simply follow the steps below:

Connect your iPhone to your Mac and open the QuickTime player.

Next, navigate to File, then tap on New Movie Recording and tab on the Record button.
Tap on the arrow that appears and select iPhone as the camera input. You will see your iPhone device appear on your Mac. Then you can record the conversation.

Also, you can use the Mac shortcut key, Command-Shift-4 to take screenshots individually.

Does Instagram Notify When You Screenshot a Story FAQs

Can you tell if someone screenshots your Instagram Chat?

The answer is no. Instagram does not notify you when a screenshot of your DM conversation is taken except if you have a disappearing message turned on.

Does Instagram send notifications for user profile screenshots?

Perhaps you want to screenshot a user’s Instagram profile or bio in order to save contact details or website address, Instagram will not notify the user.

So you’re free to screenshot IG profile without worrying about the user knowing.

How to avoid your posts from being screenshotted on Instagram?

The only way to prevent your post from being screenshotted is by having your account in private mode. With this, only your followers can see what you post.

You can also create “close friends” to share your Instagram stories. In that case, only those you have added to the close

Should I install 3rd-party apps that claim to notify me of Instagram screenshots?

It is not recommended to use third-party apps and services with your Instagram account. Instagram frowns against this and can lead to the closure of your account.