Instagram users who value their online data privacy need to read this article. It highlights all the essential tips on Instagram screenshot notifications. You will know when to expect an Instagram screenshot notification after reading this tutorial. And, when you won’t.
Instagram is packed with visual content that invites users to interact and engage with posts, stories, and reels. Let’s be honest, we have all been there.
You may decide to post a snazzy photo of yourself for the world to see, but not to keep. The idea of having a stranger on the internet saving screenshots of your pictures and videos without you knowing can be unsettling.
But here is the thing. The situation can turn a complete 180 degrees.
Let’s say, you may decide to revisit a profile of an ex or a distant coworker. You stumbled upon a photo you deem screenshot-worthy at the time. Then, you may wonder if they will receive Instagram screenshot notifications.
In both these relatable cases, questions start to flood through your regretful mind.
“Am I getting caught snooping on someone else’s Instagram post?”
Or,
“Is someone stalking me on Instagram?”
If you have been in these shoes before, don’t worry. Here you will learn the 2 instances when Instagram will notify you when someone has taken a screenshot of your content. And, when you won’t.
But wait, there’s more.
For I am Frankie Caruso, an avid Instagram user and social media aficionado who has encountered the same situations before.
If you need answers about Instagram screenshot notifications, you are at the right place on the internet. Even better, you can be the first to land on the best page that answers all your social media questions. Subscribe to my weekly newsletter, it’s that easy.
This article will be divided into 4 parts:
- Getting to know the Instagram screenshot notification feature
- How to make sure that the Instagram screenshot notification rule protects your DM
- How to avoid the Instagram screenshot notification rule
- Frequently asked questions
Let’s get started.
Getting To Know the Instagram Screenshot Notification Feature
Let’s cut to the chase. I will be straightforward and waste no time.
Under this section, you will learn about the 2 situations when Instagram will notify users that their content is being screenshotted. If you need extra help on how to take a screenshot on Instagram, head to this page.
Plus, it would help if you know what an Instagram screenshot notification looks like.
Wait no further as all this info is coming right up.
When Does Instagram Notify You When Someone Takes a Screenshot of Your Content
1. Screenshotting a disappearing message or video
Would someone know if you take screenshots of their Instagram content? The short answer would be YES. But, this only applies in a specific context.
What is the context in question?
Ever heard of a disappearing message on Instagram? A disappearing message is a feature that allows users to send a photo or video to a group or individual, under a special condition.
You can only view the photo or video an assigned number of times, usually once.
As an Instagram user, this feature is gold. It lets users share private details with a small chance of data leak.
Since disappearing messages will disappear (surprise!) eventually, screenshotting them violates Instagram’s privacy rule.
And guess what happens if you take a screenshot of disappearing photos and videos sent through a direct message (DM)?
The original poster will get NOTIFIED.
Yes, they will receive an Instagram screenshot notification.
2. Screenshotting in Vanish Mode
Instagram Vanish Mode is a privacy tool that allows users to send temporary messages and media. Let me highlight the word temporary because this quality sets this mode apart.
What do I mean by that?
Contents that you sent through Instagram Vanish Mode disappear from the platform after you end the chat. Let me remind you, this rule applies to pictures, memes, stickers, or texts. It’s almost like the self-erasing feature on Snapchat.
But, that level of privacy and security comes at a cost.
Like disappearing messages, contents sent through Vanish Mode are meant to vanish. Taking a screenshot of those contents triggers an Instagram screenshot notification.
Frankie’s Take:
You will receive an Instagram screenshot notification when someone takes a screenshot of temporary content. This includes disappearing messages and chat content on Vanish Mode.
How Does the Instagram Screenshot Notification Look Like
If you value your social media privacy as much as I do, you should pay special attention to this section.
I am strict about what I want people to see on my private DM. And, I am even more strict about what people keep from my private DM.
Does this sound like you too?
Social media can track someone’s Instagram DM without letting them know. So, it’s good to be aware of the security features that Instagram has to offer.
One way to do that is by knowing what an Instagram screenshot notification looks like. This way, you can be on high alert should you receive one.
When someone screenshots a disappearing photo or video you sent, you would see a sign appear right next to it.
To be specific, the sign looks like a small hatched circle.
But, wait. There is also another way Instagram will alert you on this. On your messages on the main screen, you will see the note “Screenshot” under the other user’s chat identifier.
Frankie’s Take:
As of now, Instagram only alerts users when disappearing messages are being screenshotted. It may be possible that Instagram’s screenshot notification policy could change again. So it’s a good idea to double-check in the future.
How To Ensure That the Instagram Screenshot Notification Rule Protects Your DM
You need to learn the following 2 steps to ensure you receive an Instagram screenshot notification.
First, you should learn how to send a disappearing message or video.
Second, you should learn to start a DM in Vanish Mode.
Curious to know how? Keep reading and you will learn them in no time.
How To Send a Disappearing Photo or Video on Instagram
If you want to send your first disappearing photo or video on Instagram, follow the steps below:
- Log on to your Instagram account on your device and tap on the ‘messages’ icon.
- Select a chat from the existing Chats list or start a new chat.
- From here, you can take a photo or video with the Instagram camera by interacting with the circle at the bottom of the screen. Tap to take a photo or hold to record a video. You may also upload media from your device by tapping the image icon in the bottom left of the screen.
- Customize your media if you desire.
- Before sending the message, tap the icon in the bottom left of the screen to select the replay option of the media. Select View Once if you want the media to only be viewed once. Or choose Allow Replay to play the media one more time before they disappear.
- Tap Send in the bottom right.
How To Enter Vanish Mode on Instagram
When I first learned about the Vanish Mode feature release, I was ecstatic to try it!
If you want to send a private photo or video in Instagram temporary chat threads, the Vanish Mode is your best bet. Plus, if someone decides to take a screenshot of those private content, Instagram will have your back.
Instagram will notify you if a screenshot of a disappearing message is taken. Here are the steps to help you start your first Vanish Mode thread on Instagram:
- Open your Instagram app on your device and select the chat icon.
- Choose to continue chatting in an existing message or initiate a new message thread with another user of your choice.
- From the bottom of the chat screen, swipe up and release your finger. Voila! You are now in Vanish Mode.
Once Vanish Mode is activated, your Instagram display will fall under a ‘dark mode. You will also see a ‘Shush’ emoji on your screen. Your chat buddy will also receive a notification that reminds them that they are in Vanish Mode.
If you want to end the Vanish Mode session, open the chat box. Then swipe up from the bottom of the screen and release your finger.
The Vanish Mode is then deactivated.
Frankie’s Take:
You can send a disappearing photo or video as a group or personal message. But Vanish Mode only works in a chat with one other person.
How To Avoid the Instagram Screenshot Notification Rule
I will be honest with my readers. I was wondering if I should include the content of this section in this post. If I don’t, this blog post wouldn’t be rightfully titled “Everything You Need To Know About Instagram Notification.”
You may wonder, why was I hesitant?
Well, it’s because the Vanish Mode protects the privacy of Instagram users. I have 3 tips that let someone screenshot a disappearing image or video without the owner’s knowledge. But, I believe that my readers can benefit from knowing that their private photos are at risk even with the security from Vanish Mode.
So, please remember to post any private information on Instagram responsibly.
And promise to not use or share someone’s image or sensitive information without consent.
I, Frankie Caruso, care for my readers. I trust that you will use the following information with your best judgment.
1. Open Instagram in a web browser
If you log onto Instagram in a web browser on a computer, you will have the option to take a screenshot of a disappearing photo or video without the person knowing.
Go to your direct messages and use the screenshot tool on your computer to take a screenshot of the disappearing message. You can do so using the screenshot tool from your computer or a web browser plugin.
Instagram does not notify screenshots taken in a web browser.
2. Use a different camera
I feel that this option is the most intuitive of the 3.
Of course, you can always use a different camera or device to take a picture of the screen displaying the disappearing message. Just open the direct message and snap away!
If you have taken a picture of an electronic screen before, you know the quality is questionable.
But, hey! If you are desperate, it gets the job done.
3. Enter airplane phone on your device
When you screenshot a disappearing message while your phone is in airplane mode, the other party won’t be notified.
“Are you for real, Frankie?!”
Yes, I am.
Airplane mode blocks cellular signals. This stops your chat buddy from getting an Instagram screenshot notification. The catch is, you have to be quick to turn the airplane mode on while the disappearing photo or video is still open.
Frankie’s Take:
You may be worried about strangers taking screenshots of your profile or your photos on Instagram.It might help to make your profile private.
Frequently Asked Question
1. Does Instagram notify you when you screenshot a DM?
The answer to this is both yes and no. As I have informed you, taking a screenshot of a DM in Vanish Mode is a surefire way to trigger the Instagram screenshot notification.
But if you are taking a screenshot of a regular Instagram chat, the other user will not be notified.
2. Does Instagram notify you when you screenshot a story?
Previously, Instagram did activate the feature to notify users when someone takes a screenshot of their story. But, the feature was dropped shortly after.
So, as of now, you will not receive an Instagram screenshot notification if someone screenshot your Story.
3. Does Instagram notify you when you screenshot a post?
Instagram does not notify users when you screenshot their posts. Posts are contents that appear on your home feed or the Explore tab.
But, there is a better way to save posts for later viewing.
Instead of taking a screenshot of the photos and videos you like, why not bookmark them instead?
There is a special button that looks like a ‘bookmark’ sign at the bottom right corner of each post. You can tap the Bookmark button to flag your favorite photo or clips without downloading them from your local gallery.
To view the bookmarked post, go to your profile tab and tap on the three-bar icon in the top-right. Then touch the Saved item.
4. Does Instagram notify you when you screenshot a reel?
No, Instagram currently doesn’t notify when users screenshot a reel. So, screenshot to your heart’s content!
5. Does Instagram notify you when you screen record?
Instagram doesn’t notify when users screen record videos of posts and stories either. This rule even applies to private messages on Instagram.
Frankie’s Take:
As a quick review, Instagram does not notify screenshots for stories, posts, reels, or permanent DMs.
Final Thoughts
We are reaching the end of this tutorial on all the important things that you need to know about Instagram screenshot notifications.
I hope you find this tutorial helpful.
To recap, we have explored the occasions where Instagram will notify users when a screenshot is taken of their content. After reading this guide, you will also know what to expect when you receive an Instagram screenshot notification. There are tips to increase awareness on how people can find a loophole to take a screenshot of your disappearing video and picture.
Three key take points from this tutorial are:
- Instagram will notify users when someone takes screenshots of their disappearing photos and videos. Or, their messages in Vanish Mode.
- Instagram does not notify screenshots for stories, posts, reels, or regular DMs.
- Instagram users opt for the Vanish Mode for privacy and security. Use social media responsibly. Please respect other users’ wishes to keep disappearing videos and messages private.
There you go, folks! I hope I can help clear up some questions for you. If you have any questions on this topic, leave me a comment below. I look forward to reading them!
Don’t forget to share this article across your favorite social media platforms!
Love,
Frankie Caruso
