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You don’t usually receive notifications on Instagram for screenshots. However, there is one exception.
Instagram: Notifications for screenshots
On Instagram, the type of content determines whether you or others are notified about a screenshot.
- Instagram Story: You will not receive a notification if someone takes a screenshot of a story that automatically deletes itself after 24 hours. Instagram tested this feature in the past, but it is not currently active. As the creator of the Instagram Story, you can only see who has viewed or liked your post.
- Posts: There is also no notification for regular posts (photos, videos, or carousels) when someone takes a screenshot. Users can also save posts instead – you can find this information in the statistics data for your post (for business or creator accounts).
- Reels: There are also no notifications for short videos on Instagram.
- One-time visible, disappearing photos and videos in chat: If a screenshot is taken, a hatched circle will appear as a notification in the chat history.
- Regular DMs (text messages or permanently visible media): There is no notification when screenshots are taken.
- Important: These features may change with future app updates. It’s worth checking the official Instagram help pages or announcements regularly.
How to protect your content
Since in most cases you will not know if someone is recording or reusing your content, it is advisable to actively protect your own data.
- Privacy settings:Set your Instagram to private to control who can view, comment on, or share your content. You should also regularly check the options for who can send you messages or mention you.
- Self-deleting content: For particularly sensitive information, you can use self-deleting media within direct messages. These cannot be reopened after being viewed once.
- Activate Vanish mode: Vanish mode allows messages to be automatically deleted as soon as you leave the chat. This is a good option for confidential conversations.
- Customize notification settings: In the chat settings, you can specify how you want to be notified about new messages or activities—this not only protects your privacy, but also prevents unwanted interruptions.
- Post responsibly: Before sharing, consider whether your content could be misused by others. If in doubt, it’s better not to post.
