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If you’ve ever found yourself asking “does Instagram show screenshots?” — you’re not alone. This question has been swirling around the internet ever since Instagram became one of the go-to platforms for sharing stories, photos, and even personal DMs. Whether you’re creeping on someone’s story, saving a reel for later, or trying to preserve a juicy DM, you’ve likely wondered: Will they know I took a screenshot?
In this post, we dig deep into this commonly asked question. From stories to posts, reels, and DMs, we’ll break down exactly what Instagram does—and doesn’t—notify. Let’s explore the facts, bust the myths, and give you the full picture so you can scroll, screenshot, and share with confidence.
What Happens When You Screenshot on Instagram?
Instagram has made a lot of updates over the years, and policies about screenshot notifications have changed. So let’s clarify the latest info as of 2025.
- Stories: No, Instagram does not notify users when you screenshot their stories.
- Posts and Reels: Still no notification. You’re safe here.
- Profile Pages: Nope, no alerts here either.
- DMs (Direct Messages): This is the exception. Instagram does notify users if you take a screenshot of a disappearing photo or video sent through a DM.
So, if your question is “does Instagram show screenshots of stories or posts?” — the answer is a reassuring no. But if you’re messing with disappearing media in DMs, tread carefully.
History of Screenshot Notifications on Instagram
Back in 2018, Instagram briefly tested a feature where users were notified when someone took a screenshot of their story. But that didn’t last long. Due to backlash and privacy concerns, the feature was quietly removed. Since then, Instagram has stuck to the DM notifications only.
Screenshot Policies by Feature
1. Instagram Stories
You can screenshot stories freely. Instagram will not notify the person who posted it.
2. Instagram Posts and Reels
Taking a screenshot of someone’s post or reel is completely private. There’s no tracking here.
3. Instagram DMs
Here’s where you need to be careful:
- Text messages: Screenshot all you want. No notification.
- Disappearing photos/videos (sent using the camera icon): Instagram will notify the sender.
This is similar to how Snapchat operates.
Why Instagram Doesn’t Notify for Most Screenshots
There are a few reasons Instagram probably chooses not to notify users:
- It would overwhelm users with notifications.
- Users want more freedom and flexibility.
- Meta (Instagram’s parent company) prefers to focus on content control tools rather than surveillance features.
Instagram allows users to control their audience, report content, and block users—without introducing paranoia into the platform.
Can Third-Party Apps Tell You Who Screenshots Your Content?
You may have seen apps that promise to notify you when someone takes a screenshot on Instagram. These are mostly scams. Instagram does not share that kind of data with third-party apps.
Even if they claim to work, these apps often require dangerous permissions, violate Instagram’s terms, and might even compromise your account.
Helpful Tip: Always stick to the official Instagram app. You can learn more about staying safe on Instagram from Instagram’s Safety Center.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Even if Instagram doesn’t tell someone that you took a screenshot, you should still consider the ethical side.
Is it content meant to be private? Was it shared with you directly or publicly? Just because it’s possible to screenshot something doesn’t always mean it’s the right thing to do.
Privacy matters. It’s best to ask permission or at least avoid sharing screenshots that could violate someone’s trust.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does Instagram show screenshots of reels?
No. There are no notifications for reels.
Does Instagram show screenshots of story highlights?
Nope. Even older stories stored as highlights are safe to screenshot without anyone knowing.
What about Instagram Notes?
Instagram doesn’t notify for screenshots of notes.
Can I know who viewed my Instagram story?
Yes, you can. Just swipe up on your story to see who viewed it—but this doesn’t include people who may have taken a screenshot.
Pro Tips to Stay Private While Browsing on Instagram
If you’re serious about staying anonymous on Instagram, here are a few tips:
- Use airplane mode to view and screenshot stories (but this trick is outdated and usually unnecessary now).
- Consider using a secondary account for viewing sensitive content.
- Use browser mode via Instagram.com on desktop for quick screenshots.
- Bookmark posts or save them within the app instead of taking screenshots.
You can also check out Instagram’s Help Center for official updates.
Real User Experiences
To get the full picture, we reached out to some Instagram users who shared their experiences:
“I once screenshotted a DM photo and immediately got blocked. The person definitely knew.” – @realtoyo
“I’ve screenshotted hundreds of stories for inspiration. Never had any issues.” – @lifestyle.grams
These stories back up the fact that only disappearing media in DMs is trackable.
Instagram vs. Other Platforms
How does Instagram compare with other platforms in terms of screenshot privacy?
| Platform | Screenshot Notification |
|---|---|
| Only for disappearing DMs | |
| Snapchat | Yes (for everything) |
| No | |
| No (except view-once media) | |
| TikTok | No |
This table shows Instagram is relatively liberal when it comes to screenshots.
Related Reading
For further information, check out these resources:
- Meta Privacy Center
- Instagram’s Official Blog
- Cyberbullying Prevention Tips
- How to Report Content on Instagram
- Parental Guide to Instagram
How to Stay Ahead of Privacy Changes on Instagram
Instagram constantly updates its features. Here’s how to stay informed:
- Follow the Instagram Creators account.
- Read the official blog.
- Keep your app updated.
If Instagram ever changes its screenshot policy again, you’ll know right away.
Final Thoughts: Does Instagram Show Screenshots?
So, after digging through everything, the answer to “does Instagram show screenshots?” is mostly no, with one key exception:
- Yes, Instagram notifies users only when someone screenshots disappearing media in DMs.
- No, there are no alerts for stories, reels, posts, or profile screenshots.
This gives you a lot of freedom—but with that comes responsibility. Use that freedom wisely. Whether you’re a casual user, a content creator, or a curious snooper, knowing how Instagram handles screenshots helps you stay safe, smart, and informed.
