How to check if someone took a screenshot on instagram


Does Instagram Notify When You Screenshot?

  • Instagram screenshots only trigger notifications for disappearing photos or videos in private DM threads.
  • Notifications aren't sent for screenshots of Instagram stories, posts, or reels. 
  • Screenshot notifications have changed in the past and may again, so make sure to check from time to time.

Maybe you want to screenshot a friend's story about your birthday to save it in your camera roll, or screenshot a recipe someone posted so you can make it later.

Whether you're screenshotting (or screen recording) a story, a post, or even a reel, Instagram does not notify the other user that you have screenshotted their content.  

But, when you screenshot a disappearing photo or video sent to you via direct message, Instagram does notify the sender of the message.

Here's everything you need to know about taking screenshots or screen recordings on Instagram.

Does Instagram notify when screenshotting a story?

Though Instagram used to notify screenshots on stories, it no longer does. 

It is possible that Instagram's screenshot notification policy could change again, so it's a good idea to double-check.

Does Instagram notify when screenshotting a post?

As with stories, Instagram does not send a notification when you take a screenshot of someone's post.

When does Instagram notify that a screenshot has been taken?

Instagram will only notify you for a screenshot taken of a disappearing photo or video sent in a private DM thread. Instagram does not notify screenshots for stories, posts, reels, permanent DMs, or any other content on the app.

When someone screenshots a disappearing photo or video you sent, a small hatched circle will appear beside it.

If you screenshot a disappearing DM, this hatched circle icon will appear. Grace Eliza Goodwin/Insider

Screenshots will also be notified in the conversation summary on your main messages page, where you'll see the note "Screenshot."

You can also see if someone took a screenshot on the messages main screen. Grace Eliza Goodwin/Insider

What to know about screenshotting Instagram DMs

A disappearing photo or video is one that you take using the camera within the Instagram message window.  

The message "disappears" because the other user can only view it once, or twice if you allow replay. Instagram will notify you if someone screenshots a disappearing DM. 

Quick tip: When you send someone a photo or video from your phone's camera roll, on the other hand, this is not a disappearing message, and thus you will not be notified if someone screenshots it. 

You can also screenshot other content in a direct chat — like individual messages, conversation history, and posts sent back and forth — without the other person being notified. 

How to avoid being detected for an Instagram screenshot

While these methods will avoid the screenshot notification, you should never use or share someone's image, sensitive content, or personal information without their consent.

  • Open Instagram in a web browser: If you log onto Instagram in a web browser on your computer, and go to your direct messages, you can take a screenshot of a disappearing photo or video without the person knowing. Instagram does not notify screenshots taken in a web browser.
  • Put your phone in airplane mode: If you screenshot the disappearing photo or video while your phone is in airplane mode, the other party will not be notified of the screenshot. 
  • Use another camera or device: Of course, you can also take a picture of your screen using another device, though this may not yield the best quality.

 

Steven John

Freelance Writer

Steven John is a freelance writer living near New York City by way of 12 years in Los Angeles, four in Boston, and the first 18 near DC. When not writing or spending time with his wife and kids, he can occasionally be found climbing mountains. His writing is spread across the web, and his books can be found at www. stevenjohnbooks.com.

Read moreRead less

Can Someone Tell If You Screenshot a Story or Post in Instagram?

While Instagram Stories are meant to be temporary, users often decide they want to save a certain picture or video from someone’s Story, whether officially or unofficially. To do this, a lot of people take screenshots of the Story image(s), which goes against the whole idea of a Story.

Because of that, Instagram decided to start alerting users when screenshots were taken by putting a star-like icon next to the handle of the person that took the screenshot.

It looked like this:

However, in 2018, Instagram announced that this feature was being eliminated. As such, people can no longer tell that you have screenshotted or screen recorded their Instagram Story.

However, there are some instances where people can see when you screenshot something on Instagram.

When Does Instagram Give You Screenshot Alerts?

Quick Links

  • When Does Instagram Give You Screenshot Alerts?
  • How Screenshots Used to Work On Instagram Stories
  • How to Avoid Screenshot Detection
    • Avoid Screenshot Detection Using Airplane Mode
    • Avoid Screenshot Detection Using A Web Browser
    • Tools to Help Save Stories
    • Avoid Screenshot Detection Using Another Camera
    • Avoid Screenshot Detection Using Third-Party Apps
  • Frequently Asked Questions
    • My notification is saying there was a screenshot. Could this be a glitch?
    • Will Instagram notify me if someone takes a screenshot of a DM?
  • Final Thoughts

Even though Instagram removed the ability for people to tell when you screenshot their Stories, Instagram does notify users when you screenshot disappearing photos. If there’s something you really want to share with another person, but you’d like to know if they capture the content, this is an alternative.

Instagram’s Disappearing photos are photos that people send through direct messages on Instagram and they’re only viewable for a limited time. They disappear once the recipient has viewed them. You can only set photos to disappear if you take them within direct messages by pressing the camera button. You can’t send a temporary photo from your camera roll.

There are two ways that Instagram notifies someone that you have screenshotted their photo. Neither is an actual notification; no one will receive a popup notification on their phone when you screenshot their Instagram post. These are simply little indicators that you have taken a screenshot.

The first is more subtle. After you screenshot a temporary photo on Instagram, a little starburst shape will appear next to the photo, like so:

There’s no way to get rid of this little icon, so if you screenshot someone’s photo, be prepared to live with this icon forever.

The second way is less subtle, though there is a way to bypass it. When you screenshot someone’s disappearing photo on Instagram, they will see this message in their list of direct messages:

Someone may not know what the starburst symbol represents, but it’s safe to assume that everyone will immediately know what this bit of text means.

If you want to screenshot someone’s photo without them seeing this little message, you can get rid of it by sending them another message immediately after you take the screenshot. The word Screenshot that you see above will be replaced by Sent you a message. They will still be able to see the starburst icon, but it’s a step in the right direction.

How Screenshots Used to Work On Instagram Stories

When the screenshot notification feature was in place, Instagram would use software to detect the activation of the screenshot feature on a smartphone. The notification was triggered by one of three things:

  • Taking a screenshot of an Instagram post or story
  • Recording a screen while checking out someone’s Instagram
  • Recording a screen while looking at a story that includes a video

Instagram didn’t actually send a message or notification to users whose Stories were screenshotted or recorded. Rather, the star icon would appear next to users who had taken a screenshot of a post or Story in the “Seen By” list for that posting.

If this system sounds kind of familiar, that’s because it’s a straight copy of the way that Snapchat (an app that DOES notify users of a screenshot) handles their notification.

While you can’t currently see when someone screenshots your story, Instagram could bring back this feature at any time. As a result, we are preserving the record of how to bypass this functionality in this article.

How to Avoid Screenshot Detection

Even though Instagram won’t currently show you screenshot notifications with most functions of the app, it’s still a good idea how to prevent them for the day they do make a comeback. There are several methods you can use to avoid screenshot detection on Instagram.

If Instagram ever decides to reintroduce the screenshot detection feature, you can use any of the solutions outlined below to bypass it.

Avoid Screenshot Detection Using Airplane Mode

One way to avoid the notification badge is to set your smartphone to airplane mode and take a screenshot while your device is offline.

The downside of doing this is that you will only see one or two posts because your phone is offline. If you take screenshots of Instagram stories often, this one may not work well for you as it would be pretty annoying to do this repeatedly.

Follow the instructions below to set your device to airplane mode:

Android:

  1. Swipe down from the top of the screen using two fingers.
  2. Locate the airplane mode icon.
  3. Tap it to activate airplane mode.
  4. Take a screenshot of your desired photo

iPhone:

  1. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen on iPhone 8 and older (Touch ID) or down from the top right of your screen on iPhone X and newer (Face ID).
  2. Locate the airplane mode icon.
  3. Tap it to activate airplane mode.
  4. Take a screenshot of your desired photo

When you’re ready to continue browsing, repeat the instructions above to deactivate airplane mode.

Avoid Screenshot Detection Using A Web Browser

Alternatively, you can check out Instagram via your browser and take a screenshot that way.  Instagram does not currently have a way to track screenshots taken from your browser window if you use a laptop or PC.

While you probably don’t use Instagram on your browser very often, this is a quick and easy way to work around the screenshot notification feature.

Tools to Help Save Stories

If you don’t mind using Instagram on desktop, the IG Stories for Instagram extension for Chrome is a great way to easily view and download Instagram stories from your browser.

Just follow these steps to get started:

  1. First, download the IG Stories for Instagram extension for your browser.
  2. From the Instagram desktop website, run the extension. An interface will be presented around your queued stories, permitting you to view them live or download them.

That’s all there is to it. This extension makes it super easy to archive any stories you want right from your desktop.

Avoid Screenshot Detection Using Another Camera

If all else fails, you can try this surefire, low-tech way of taking a screenshot of an Instagram story.

Grab another camera and take a picture of your screen. As long as it isn’t your phone activating the screenshot, the notification won’t be sent. It may be low quality, but if you really want to capture that screen without notification, this option works.

Avoid Screenshot Detection Using Third-Party Apps

Finally, if you are desperate to take screenshots of your latest crush’s Instagram, you can try a third-party app. These apps let you look at Instagram stories, screenshot, and save anonymously.

Some apps take the URL for the image or video and use that to save a post. From there, you can view your saved stories in overview mode, and re-post if you want. Other apps do all of that and allow you to re-post as one of the save steps. The ease of use may vary between apps, and the free ones may be peppered with ads.

It’s not illegal to use these apps, but their use may violate Instagram’s Terms of Service. If you really need that screenshot though, you should not expect any repercussions for using these apps.

Frequently Asked Questions

My notification is saying there was a screenshot.

Could this be a glitch?

Some users have reported that Instagram sent them a screenshot alert but the recipient denies having taken a snapshot of the content. Although these glitches are incredibly rare, they are possible. Unfortunately, there’s no way to know for sure.

If you’re concerned about someone taking a screenshot of the content you’re sending, it’s best to simply not send it.

Will Instagram notify me if someone takes a screenshot of a DM?

We actually have an entire article that outlines everything related to taking screenshots of DMs here.

Essentially, if you’re trying to sneak a screenshot of a DM you might get away with it. The screenshot notification only appears when you’ve captured an image or video message. So, if you want to screenshot a funny joke someone sent you, have at it. But if you want to capture an image or video, beware that the sender will receive a notification.

Final Thoughts

While Instagram used to notify you when someone took a screenshot of your story, that’s not the case anymore. But that doesn’t mean Instagram won’t bring back this feature in the future. To date, this feature has not come back nor has Instagram made any statements that it will be back in the near future.

So, just in case it does come back, be sure to keep these tips for bypassing the screenshot notification feature in mind.

If you use Instagram a lot (or want to), then you should definitely check out our library of helpful Instagram articles and tutorials.

Does Instagram notify you when you take a screenshot of a story? Users will not be notified. In fact, you must remember that if you take a screenshot of DMs, then a notification will be sent.

Instagram is one of the world's most popular and widely used social media platforms for sharing photos and videos. Instagram is a great service that provides a lot of opportunities. You can stay in touch with people who are far away from you, you can also find a lot of interesting information here and see a wide variety of photographs to admire.

Sometimes you want to take a screenshot so that you can view a post in the media at any time, but instead Instagram gives you the option to save it there. Of course, in case you want to be able to view photo without connecting to the Internet, you can save it to your gallery.

So, in the article below you will find information about screenshots on Instagram.

Will the user be notified if you take a screenshot of the message

No, they will not be notified.

There was a update released by Instagram in 2018 that gave users the ability to see who took a screenshot of their story, but the platform canceled it. It should be borne in mind that if such a function was, then it is already known how to make it again, and the service may return this update in the future.

Also important, the platform will not send any messages if you take a screenshot of a user's profile, their follower list, or other screens - including photos.

Also, the user will not be notified if you screen record a video message.

How to save posts on Instagram

Instagram provides its users with the ability to save a post directly in the service so that they can view it any time you are connected to the Internet. So, all you have to do to bookmark a post will be in the section below:

  1. First of all, find the post you want save . There, at the bottom right of the message, you will see the bookmark icon , click on it.
  2. Your message will then be saved. You can also store it in collection . To do this, you need to click on an already existing collection or create a new one.
  3. If you want to view your saved messages, click on your profile picture in the bottom bar and click on three horizontal bars (menu icon) in the upper right corner. There you should find and click on "Saved".

Does Instagram notify users of screenshots of DM messages

Of course you will get a notification if someone takes a screenshot of your DMs chat. But keep in mind that you will only receive a notification if the user has taken a screenshot of a disappearing photo or video.

Not every photo or video you send is disappearing . If you took a photo using the camera that is right in the chat, then you took a photo that will disappear. You will only be able to see it for a while, after the recipient views the message, it will soon disappear.

If someone sends you a photo from their camera , they will not be notified if you take a screenshot of the message. If you take a screenshot of other content that you share via DMs, with the exception of disappearing content, the person will not be notified that you have taken it.

How you will be notified when someone takes a screenshot of your DMs

A popup will appear at the top of your face when someone takes a screenshot of a photo. The notification will include the username of the person who took the screenshot.

A small icon will also appear next to the photo that was taken in the chat. For example, after a screenshot of a disappearing photo is taken, a small star icon will appear next to it.

Discuss

Similar articles

More for you

Does Instagram notify the user when they take a screenshot of a story?

“Does Instagram notify the user when you take a screenshot?”

This question is often asked by Instagram users who want to take a screenshot or capture a video to get evidence. (For example, a photo from a party where a friend made funny faces and then posted a selfie in Stories, but only for those on the "Best Friends" list.)0006

Publication feed

As for the publication feed, you can safely take screenshots without fear that the user will receive a notification. However, publications already provide the "save" or "bookmark" option in the lower right corner of the post.

Saved posts go to the All Posts folder. Another option is the "Save to Collection" function: to do this, tap the bookmark on the post and create a new collection where you will save publications. And most importantly, users do not receive notifications if you save the publication.

The business profile shows how many times a post has been saved, but it doesn't show who saved it. But in Instagram stories there is no save option at all.

In Instagram stories, posts are deleted 24 hours after publication. To save a story, add it to Highlights. A maximum of 100 photos or videos can be saved in this section.

Privacy on Instagram is top notch.

Instagram stories

For Instagram stories, the user who posted the story will not be notified if a screenshot or video capture is taken.

If you wanted to know who took the screenshot of the story, you're out of luck - this information is not available. You can only see who viewed the history and navigation (that is, whether the user scrolled or lingered), and subscriptions among viewers. You can see this by clicking "Seen:" in the lower left corner of the story.

In February 2018, Life Wire wrote: "Instagram is testing a feature that allows you to see who took a screenshot of a post." But already in June, testing was curtailed.

This does not mean that Instagram has abandoned the idea itself - perhaps the feature will be added later - but for now, you can take screenshots without fear of being "caught".

Life Wire alert:

"Third-party apps sending out Instagram screenshot notifications are associated with a scam attempt."

“Don't install apps that claim to let you see who took a screenshot of an Instagram post. This will not only harm your Instagram, but will lead to viruses on your smartphone, tablet or PC.”

For security reasons, Instagram puts forward strict requirements for third-party applications, whether it be a scheduling application or a photo editor.

What about a screenshot of a story shared with you in a Direct message?

You won't get caught if it's a screenshot of a friend's story, but when it comes to stories in Direct messages, your hands are tied. To be clear, taking a screenshot or capturing a video is generally possible, but the sender will know about it.

Instagram notifies the user if someone has taken a screenshot/capture of "deleted" photos/videos. What is a "deleted" history? This is an image or video that you took with your camera in Your Story and sent it in Direct messages to one or more people.

There are two ways to find out that someone has taken a screenshot of a "deleted" history.

1.

You will receive a notification

When someone takes a screenshot of a "deleted" story, you will receive a notification: "username" took a screenshot of the photo you submitted". The notification will be no different from the usual.

2.

View in the Direct message itself

A shutter icon will appear in the lower right corner of your story, just above the "Seen:" caption if the story was screenshotted. There is no way to be "uncaught". If you come across a site that claims that you can take screenshots of "deleted" stories without being noticed, then this is either a lie or a fraudulent site, it is better not to trust such sites and avoid them.


Learn more