How to know whether Instagram will notify others when you take a screenshot

Steven John
Updated ·4 min read
looking at phone photos holding smartphone
In most cases, Instagram does not notify screenshots, but be careful with direct messages. Maskot/Getty Images

  • Instagram screenshots only trigger notifications for disappearing photos or videos in private DM threads.

  • Instagram does not notify you of screenshots taken on stories, posts, reels, or permanent DM conversations.

  • Instagram has changed their screenshot notification procedures in the past and may change them again, so make sure to check from time to time.

  • This story is part of Insider's Guide to Instagram.

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.

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.

Important: 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.

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

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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."

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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.

Related Article Module: How to direct message someone on Instagram and chat with users privately

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

If you want to preserve a disappearing video or photo someone sent you in a direct message conversation on Instagram, there are a few sneaky ways you can prevent the other person from being notified of your screenshot:

  • 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. If the photo does not load while your phone is in airplane mode, try opening the photo, holding your finger down on it, and quickly turning on airplane mode while the photo is still open. Then, with the photo already loaded and your phone now in airplane mode, you can take a quick screenshot.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Important: 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.

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