Instagram Stories are a popular way to share temporary photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours. Many users take screenshots of stories to save posts, share content, or keep a record of something interesting. But does Instagram notify the person when someone screenshots their Story?
The short answer is no—Instagram does not send a notification when you screenshot someone’s Story. However, there are exceptions when Instagram does alert users about screenshots. Let’s break it down.
Does Instagram Notify Users When You Screenshot Their Story?
Instagram does not notify users if someone takes a screenshot of their Story. You can save a Story without the other person knowing, and they will not receive any alerts.
In 2018, Instagram briefly tested a screenshot notification feature for Stories. During this test, users could see a small star icon next to the names of people who had taken a screenshot. However, this feature was removed after a few months, and Instagram has never brought it back.
Currently, you can screenshot any Instagram Story, post, or Reel without worrying about notifications.
When Does Instagram Send Screenshot Notifications?
While regular Stories do not trigger screenshot alerts, there are situations where Instagram does notify users about screenshots.
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Disappearing Photos and Videos in Direct Messages (DMs) – If you send a disappearing photo or video (viewed once or replayed) via Instagram DM, and the recipient takes a screenshot, Instagram will notify the sender.
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Instagram Vanish Mode – If both users have Vanish Mode enabled in DMs, and someone takes a screenshot of the chat, Instagram sends a notification.
For regular posts, Reels, Stories, profile pictures, and non-disappearing messages, there are no screenshot alerts.
Privacy Concerns: Should You Worry About Screenshots?
Many users are concerned about privacy when sharing personal content on Instagram Stories. While Instagram doesn’t notify users about screenshots, that doesn’t mean your content is completely safe. Screenshots can be shared without permission, which raises privacy concerns, especially for those sharing sensitive or private content.
To protect your Instagram Stories, consider using:
- Close Friends feature to limit who sees your stories.
- Private accounts to restrict Story visibility.
- Disabling message replies to prevent unwanted interactions.
If privacy is a major concern, think twice before posting sensitive content that could be saved or shared without your knowledge.
How to Save Instagram Stories Without Screenshots
If you want to save an Instagram Story without taking a screenshot, there are other ways to do it.
- Use Screen Recording – Instead of a screenshot, you can use your phone’s built-in screen recording feature to save an entire Story.
- Take a Picture with Another Device – Using a second phone or camera ensures no digital record of a screenshot exists.
- Check Instagram’s Save Feature – If it’s your own Story, you can save it directly from Instagram’s archive.
- Third-Party Tools – Some websites and apps allow Story downloads, but these may violate Instagram’s policies, so use them cautiously.
While Instagram does not currently notify users about screenshots, it’s still good practice to respect privacy and avoid saving content without consent.
Common Myths About Instagram Screenshot Notifications
There are many misconceptions about how Instagram handles screenshots. Let’s clear them up.
- Myth: Instagram notifies users when someone screenshots a Story.
Fact: Instagram does not send Story screenshot notifications. - Myth: Screenshotting a post, Reel, or profile picture will trigger a notification.
Fact: No notifications are sent for screenshots of posts, Reels, or profile photos. - Myth: Instagram permanently removed screenshot notifications.
Fact: Instagram only tested Story screenshot notifications in 2018 but never implemented them permanently.
How to Keep Your Instagram Stories Private
If you’re concerned about someone screenshotting your Story, you can take extra privacy steps to control who sees your content.
- Make Your Account Private – This ensures that only approved followers can see your Stories.
- Use the Close Friends List – Share private content only with selected people.
- Restrict or Block Users – If you suspect someone is saving your Stories without permission, you can restrict or block them to prevent future interactions.
While these measures don’t prevent screenshots, they can limit exposure to unwanted viewers.
Conclusion: Can People See If You Screenshot Their Instagram Story?
Instagram does not notify users if you take a screenshot of their Story. However, screenshot alerts do exist for disappearing photos/videos in DMs and Vanish Mode chats.
If you’re concerned about privacy, consider using Instagram’s security settings to control who can see and interact with your Stories. And if you do take a screenshot, be mindful of how you use and share that content.
Do you think Instagram should notify users about Story screenshots? Share your thoughts in the comments!