Does Instagram Notify When You Screenshot A Story?

Here’s the scoop: Instagram Stories have become one of the platform’s most popular features, letting users share fleeting moments that disappear in 24 hours. But here’s the million-dollar question: does Instagram notify someone when you take a screenshot of their Story?

Let’s dive deep into the mechanics, myths, and facts about Instagram’s screenshot policies. Plus, we’ll share some actionable tips on privacy, etiquette, and how you can leverage Instagram Stories for your personal or business brand.

What Happens When You Screenshot a Story?

The short answer is no, Instagram doesn’t notify users when you take a screenshot of their Story. Unlike some other features on the app—like disappearing photos and videos sent in DMs—Instagram doesn’t track screenshots of Stories.

This policy has led to a lot of confusion, especially since Instagram has experimented with screenshot notifications in the past. Let’s break it down.

A Quick History of Instagram’s Screenshot Notifications

2018 Experimentation

In 2018, Instagram tested a feature that notified users when someone took a screenshot of their Story. During the test phase, users would receive a small star-shaped icon next to the name of someone who screenshotted their Story. Needless to say, it caused a bit of a panic across the platform.

However, the feature didn’t roll out permanently. Instagram scrapped the idea due to privacy concerns and negative user feedback.

Current Policy

As of 2025, Instagram does not notify users when you screenshot their Stories. However, this only applies to public and private Stories. Instagram does notify users when someone screenshots disappearing photos or videos sent through Direct Messages (DMs).

Screenshot Notifications: What You Need to Know

Here’s a quick breakdown of when Instagram sends screenshot notifications:

FeatureScreenshot NotificationStoriesNoPostsNoReelsNoDisappearing DMs (Photos/Videos)Yes

Why Doesn’t Instagram Notify Story Screenshots?

Instagram likely avoids notifying users of Story screenshots for a few reasons:

1. User Experience: Adding screenshot notifications could make users feel overly monitored and reduce overall engagement on the platform.
2. Privacy Expectations: Stories are designed to be temporary but not necessarily private. If users want more control, they can limit who views their Stories using privacy settings.
3. Market Competition: Unlike platforms like Snapchat, which popularized screenshot notifications, Instagram focuses on keeping its ecosystem open and engaging rather than restrictive.

How to Screenshot Stories Without Getting Caught in DMs

If you’re looking to screenshot a disappearing photo or video in a DM without triggering a notification, here are a few tips (use responsibly!):

Use Airplane Mode:

1. Open the DM containing the disappearing photo or video.
2. Turn on Airplane Mode to disconnect from the internet.
3. Take your screenshot and close the app before turning Airplane Mode off.

Screen Recording:

1. Use your device’s built-in screen recording feature to capture the content.
2. Trim the recording later to get the specific image or video you need.

Third-Party Apps:

1. Some third-party tools claim to help you bypass screenshot notifications, but these often come with security risks. Use them cautiously, or avoid them altogether.

Instagram Story Etiquette: Dos and Don’ts

Taking a screenshot of someone’s Story might not notify them, but that doesn’t mean it’s always the right thing to do. Here are a few tips for navigating the unspoken rules of Instagram Story etiquette:

Dos

1. Ask for Permission: If you want to save a Story with sensitive or personal content, ask the user before taking a screenshot.
2. Credit the Creator: Planning to repost or share a screenshot? Tag or credit the original creator to acknowledge their work.
3. Respect Privacy: If someone shares a personal moment on their Story, think twice before saving or sharing it.

Don’ts

1. Avoid Misuse: Don’t take screenshots to spread gossip, leak sensitive information, or embarrass someone.
2. Skip Sneaky Methods: If you have to go to great lengths to screenshot something without being caught, consider whether it’s worth it.

How to Protect Your Stories from Screenshots

While Instagram doesn’t notify users of Story screenshots, there are ways to safeguard your content:

1. Use Close Friends

The “Close Friends” feature allows you to share Stories with a select group of people. This limits who can see—and potentially screenshot—your content.

2. Restrict Accounts

You can restrict certain users from viewing your Stories without them knowing. Go to your profile settings and customize your Story privacy.

3. Add Watermarks

For businesses or creators worried about unauthorized use, adding a watermark to your Stories can discourage others from repurposing your content.

Leveraging Instagram Stories for Your Brand

Instagram Stories aren’t just for personal updates—they’re a goldmine for marketers. With over 500 million daily active users, Stories are a powerful way to engage your audience. Here’s how to make the most of them:

1. Use Polls and Stickers

Interactive stickers like polls, quizzes, and sliders boost engagement and make your Stories more fun. For example:

1. Polls: “What’s your favorite product?”
2. Quizzes: “How much do you know about [Your Brand]?”

2. Add Text to Stories

Text overlays help convey your message even when viewers watch without sound. Tools like Listnr AI’s Text-to-Video Maker can generate Instagram Stories with captions, voiceovers, and animations—all without needing advanced editing skills.

3. Showcase User-Generated Content

Reposting content from your followers creates social proof and builds a sense of community around your brand.

Instagram Usage Statistics

Before we wrap up, let’s look at some eye-opening Instagram stats that highlight why Stories are crucial for your marketing strategy:

1. 500 million users interact with Instagram Stories daily.
2. Stories have a completion rate of 80% when they’re engaging and under 15 seconds.
3. Over 58% of users say they’ve become more interested in a brand or product after seeing it in Stories.

FAQ: Does Instagram Notify Screenshots?

1. Does Instagram notify when you screenshot a Story?

No, Instagram does not notify users when you screenshot their Stories.

2. Does Instagram notify screenshots of disappearing photos or videos in DMs?

Yes, Instagram sends a notification when you screenshot disappearing photos or videos sent in Direct Messages.

3. How can I protect my Instagram Stories from screenshots?

Use features like “Close Friends,” restrict accounts, or add watermarks to your Stories.

4. Can I screenshot Instagram posts without being detected?

Yes, Instagram doesn’t notify users when you screenshot regular posts.

The Bottom Line

Instagram doesn’t notify users when you screenshot their Stories, but that doesn’t mean you should throw etiquette out the window. Respect privacy, ask for permission when needed, and use Instagram Stories thoughtfully—whether for personal use or to grow your brand.

Ready to level up your Instagram game? Try tools like Listnr AI to create stunning, captioned Stories with zero editing skills required.