In this guide, we’ll be covering everything you need to know about screenshotting on Instagram.
Listen, on occasion, I have had reason to screenshot an Instagram story, post, and DM so I could send it to another friend (for scientific purposes of course).
But before doing so, a little voice popped up in my head, making me wonder whether or not the other user would receive a notification. That might be awkward.
With that being said, I wanted to provide others with what I have learned from screenshotting everything I could on Instagram.
Let’s dive in!
If you’re more of a visual learner, check out our video on this topic titled “Instagram Screenshot Notifications“:
Does Instagram Notify When You Screenshot a Story?
No, Instagram does not notify the other user when you screenshot an Instagram story.
Listen, we’ve all been there — wanting to take a screenshot of that story or post to send to our friend or significant other.
When taking that screenshot, we feel a little mischievous, and then that little voice pops up, “will they get notified if I screenshot this?”
That would be embarrassing…so you quickly Google it and then find this post.
With that being said, if someone screenshots your Instagram story, you will not be notified.
They used to a few years back, but because of privacy reasons, they got rid of this feature.
Does Instagram Notify When You Screenshot a Post?
No, Instagram does not notify the other user when you screenshot an Instagram post.
With that being said, if someone screenshots your Instagram post, you will not be notified.
Screenshot away!
Does Instagram Notify When You Screenshot a Reel?
No, Instagram does not notify the other user when you screenshot an Instagram reel.
With that being said, if someone screenshots your Instagram reel, you will not be notified.
Does Instagram Notify When You Screenshot a Direct message?
When it comes to the Instagram notification when you screenshot a direct message or DM for short, it’s a bit different.
No, Instagram does not notify you when you screenshot a textual direct message.
No, Instagram does not notify you when you screenshot an image direct message that the user sent you from their camera roll.
However,
Yes, Instagram does notify you when you screenshot a disappearing photo or video sent to you via direct message.
With that being said, what does the notification look like you may be wondering?
Instagram Screenshot Notification
As mentioned, Instagram does notify you when you screenshot a disappearing photo or video via direct message (DM), and that is the only thing Instagram does notify on (as of now).
So what does the screenshot notification look like?
When someone screenshots a disappearing photo or video you sent, a small circular aperture-looking shape will appear beside it:
The screenshots will also be notified in the conversation summary on the main messages page. There will be a little note of “Screenshot” that will display:
How to Avoid Being Detected by an Instagram Screenshot
As mentioned, the only time Instagram will notify the other user about a screenshot is when you screenshot a disappearing photo or video sent via direct message.
So let’s say you want to avoid being detected by screenshotting a disappearing image or video.
What are your options?
Before diving into these options, I just want to make a quick little note that if it is a private photo or video only meant for your eyes then for the privacy sake of the other person, take careful consideration into whether you want to share it without their consent as it could cause unwanted trouble.
So after considering it, if you want to preserve and save a disappearing photo or video without the other person being notified, there are currently 3 options.
1. Put Phone in Airplane Mode
The first option is to put your phone in airplane mode.
Airplane mode essentially blocks all cellular signals. It’s a mobile setting that switches off your phone’s connection to cellular and Wi-Fi networks. You can’t make phone calls, text friends, etc.
With that being said, if you are in airplane mode and take a screenshot since you are blocked from all cellular signals, the user will not be notified of the screenshot.
The technique for this is to open a photo by holding your finger down on it, and then quickly turning on airplane mode while the photo is still open. Once the photo is open, then turn on airplane mode and take the screenshot.
This is the riskiest of the three options and if the timing is messed up you may do it incorrectly.
These next two options have been reported as the safest options.
2. Open Instagram in Web Browser
The second option to take a screenshot without notifying Instagram is to open up Instagram in a web browser.
If you open up your Instagram account in a web browser, go to your direct messages, and use a screenshot tool (check out the Google chrome web store for good plugins) or the built-in “Trim/Snipping” tool on your computer to take a screenshot of the disappearing photo or video, Instagram will not notify them because you are on a browser.
3. Use Another Camera or Device
The third option to take a screenshot without notifying the other Instagram user is to use another camera or device.
Have another phone or camera on hand, open up your direct message and click on the disappearing photo or video, then grab your other phone or camera and take a picture or video.
The quality may not be the greatest but it will get the job done.
What to Do if Caught With an Instagram Screenshot
So let’s say you took a screenshot of a disappearing photo or video (since that is the only thing that will notify the other user) and you got caught before reading this article.
The best option is to play it cool and be nonchalant about it. Just be honest and say something along the lines of “yes, it was a great photo so I wanted to screenshot it, let me know if you want me to delete it.”
Being nonchalant and honest about it, it will avoid any awkwardness of you saying that you did not take a screenshot when it will be obvious because they will be notified.
FAQ
Can you screenshot Instagram stories without the other person knowing?
Yes, you can screenshot Instagram stories without the other person knowing.
Can you screenshot Instagram posts without the other person knowing?
Yes, you can screenshot Instagram posts without the other person knowing.
Are Instagram screenshots anonymous?
Instagram screenshots are generally anonymous, meaning that the person who took the screenshot is not identified or revealed to the person whose content was captured except for DMs.
Final Remarks
In conclusion, we hope you enjoyed this guide on screenshotting Instagram stories, posts, reels, and DMs and have learned something new.
Nate Torres is an entrepreneur, growth marketer, and photographer and writes mostly on those topics. Nate runs his own professional photography business called Nate Torres Photography. Nate enjoys learning about new digital marketing strategy and new ways to think creatively. He is also a photography speaker and author on Photofocus.