No, Instagram does not notify you when screenshotting posts, stories, reels or someone’s profile.
The only exceptions are:
- When you take a screenshot of a photo or video sent through Direct Messages (DMs).
- When you try to take a screenshot while using Vanish Mode, ephemeral messages feature that prompt self-destruct.
Everything else – posts, stories, reels and profile pages can still be screenshotted or recorded privately without alerting the person who posted it.
How things have changed with Instagram – it has piled on layers of privacy and safety tools, but the question of what happens to a photo once it’s snapped remains one of its most enduring myths.
So, does Instagram notify when you screenshot their story or post? Profile?
Short answer: Mostly no – other than disappearing messages.
Fact-checker, each scenario and when (and why) Instagram sends screenshot alerts in 2025.
Does Instagram Notify You of Screenshots on Posts or Reels?
Instagram’s Help Center and reputable published sources including Android Authority (2025) indicate you can screenshot or record:
- Regular feed posts
- Reels
- Explore page content
- Profile grids
These actions remain completely private. The owner of the content will not get an alert or indicator from Instagram’s servers.
Pro Tip:
Instead, save the post in Instagram, either using its built-in Save or Collections feature.
- Tap the bookmark icon located below a post.
- Find it later in Menu › Saved – neatly sorted and private.
Can Someone See If You Screenshot Their Instagram Story?
Eversince there has been no prompt to screenshot/zap for story.
You can:
- Screenshot stories freely
- Screen-record story videos without alerts
- Even recording Status on the unseen profiles
Please note: Instagram frequently tries new privacy settings as a test, so make sure to update your app and refer to the Help Center for potential new experiments.
Does Instagram Send A Notification When You Screenshot DMs?
Yes – but just for disappearing media.
When someone sends you a disappearing photo or video – that is, they took it using Instagram’s camera and then sent it as View Once or Allow Replay – the sender will be notified if you take a screenshot of it.
However:
- Normal DMs (text, feed links text, images from gallery so on) do not notify anything.
- These can be snatched without the other knowing.
Pro Tip:
If someone shares a “View Once” or “Vanish” message with you, it’s private. These are intended to vanish – saving or sharing them violates digital etiquette and, in some places, the law.
What About Vanish Mode?
Both parties see a banner that says “Vanish Mode is on.”
When you capture a screenshot in Vanish Mode:
- Instagram immediately warns the other user.
- The notification is displayed as a message in the chat thread.
Tip: Don’t screenshot anything in Vanish Mode if you want to keep your trust mutually – these are meant to self-destruct.
Does Instagram Notify Screenshot on a Profile or Bio?
The answer is NO.
You can screenshot:
- A user’s profile page
- Their bio, highlights or followers list
without generating any alerts.
If privacy is a concern for you, think of:
- How to Switch to a Private Account: Only people you approve can see your posts.
- Checking your follower list often to keep unwanted viewers at bay.
Don’t Be Fooled by Fake Third-Party Apps That Claim to Detect Screenshots
Warning:
Instagram also severely limits the kind of third-party app access to your account, so members of Facebook and Instagram’s third party fact checking program could not use an outside app to tell who is a screenshot from their stories, for example.
Do not download any:
- “See who screenshotted your story”
- “Track profile visitors”
- “Screenshot alert”
Most are scams or phishing services that may:
- Steal your login credentials
- Install malware
- Violate Instagram’s Terms of Service
If you’ve used such apps:
- Uninstall immediately
- Change your Instagram password
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
- Run a mobile antivirus scan
How to Protect Your Privacy and Stay Safe Online in 2025
Enable Private Mode: You can set privacy for who views your photos.
Scrub Your Followers: Eliminate sketchy or unfamiliar accounts.
Don’t Share Sensitive Info: There are some details you have to share, such as your address, finance and medical circumstances and the race of the client involved. ESPECIALLY not in DMs or disappearing media access!
Keep Your App Updated: Privacy tools change and the updated ones will keep you secure.
Don’t Fall for Screenshot Trackers: They don’t work, and are risky.
FAQ Section
Q1: How can I disable Instagram notifications?
Can I just get some peace and quiet? Go to Profile › Menu › Notifications, then turn off categories like likes, comments or messages.
Q2: How to screenshot on Instagram?
Android: Power button + Volume Down (You have other Android options here)
iPhone: Side + Volume Up (or Home + Power on older models)
Q3: Do you get notified if I unsend on Instagram?
No, unsending deletes the message for both of you with no warning.
Q4: Can you adjust Instagram notification sounds?
There are no in-app sound modifications on Instagram.
iPhone: Settings › Sounds & Haptics › Default Alerts
Android: Settings › Sound & Vibration › Notification Sounds
Q5: Does Instagram notify when you record a reel or video?
NoFIILM Recording of reels, stories and posts NoFIILM does not store private reel / stories or post as it is not checked by server.
