Does Instagram Notify When You Screenshot a Story in 2025
Short Answer
No. As of 2025, Instagram does not notify users when you screenshot their Story. You can view, screenshot, or even screen record a Story without the account owner being alerted.
The only exception applies to disappearing photos or videos sent through Direct Messages using Vanish Mode or “View Once.” Those do trigger a notification.
Now let’s break it down clearly so there’s no confusion.
Can People See If You Screenshot Their Instagram Story in 2025?
No, they cannot.
When someone posts a Story, they can see:
- Who viewed it
- How many people watched it
- Basic engagement like replies or reactions
They cannot see:
- Who screenshotted it
- Who screen recorded it
- Who saved it using another device
This applies whether the account is public or private.
What Instagram Does Not Notify in 2025
Here’s exactly where screenshots are safe from notifications.
1. Regular Stories
You can screenshot or screen record a Story without triggering any alert.
2. Close Friends Stories
Even if you’re on someone’s Close Friends list, they won’t know if you capture the content.
3. Highlights
Stories saved to Highlights work the same way. Screenshotting them does not send notifications.
4. Feed Posts
You can screenshot photos, carousels, or captions from someone’s profile without them knowing.
5. Reels
Screen recording or screenshotting Reels does not notify the creator.
6. Profile Pages
Viewing or capturing someone’s profile layout does not trigger any alert.
The Only Exception: Disappearing Messages in DMs
This is where things change.
If someone sends you:
- A “View Once” photo
- An “Allow Replay” photo
- A disappearing photo or video in Vanish Mode
Instagram will notify the sender if you screenshot or screen record it.
You’ll see a small indicator inside the chat thread showing that the content was captured. This feature is intentional and protects temporary content meant to disappear.
Important clarification:
- Screenshotting regular text messages in DMs does not send alerts.
- Screenshotting permanent photos shared in chat does not send alerts.
Only disappearing media triggers a notification.
What About Screen Recording?
People often assume screen recording works differently. It doesn’t.
For Stories, Highlights, Reels, posts, and profiles:
- No notification is sent.
For disappearing DM content:
- Yes, screen recording triggers a notification just like a screenshot would.
So if you’re recording a Story, the person will not know.
Did Instagram Ever Notify Story Screenshots?
Yes, briefly.
Back in 2018, Instagram tested a feature that showed a small icon next to users who screenshotted a Story. It didn’t last long.
After user backlash and privacy concerns, the platform removed it. Since then, Story screenshot notifications have not returned.
As of 2025, there is no indication that Instagram plans to bring it back.
Can You Prevent Someone From Screenshotting Your Story?
No, there’s no built-in feature that blocks screenshots.
Even if your account is private, followers can still capture your content. Once something appears on someone’s screen, it can technically be saved.
That’s why it’s important to treat all shared content as potentially permanent.
Practical Privacy Tips for Instagram in 2025
If you’re concerned about screenshots, here are smarter ways to protect yourself.
Switch to a Private Account
This gives you control over who can follow you and view your Stories.
Use Close Friends for Sensitive Content
Share personal updates with a smaller, trusted group instead of your full audience.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Go to: Settings → Accounts Center → Password and Security.
This protects your account from unauthorized access.
Review Your Followers Regularly
Remove accounts you don’t recognize or trust.
Avoid Oversharing Personal Information
Avoid posting:
- Real-time location details
- Travel plans while you’re away
- Financial or identifying information
If it would cause problems being saved, don’t post it.
Do Third-Party Apps Detect Story Screenshots?
No.
Any app that claims it can tell you who screenshotted your Story is misleading. Instagram’s system does not provide that data to outside apps.
In many cases, those apps are simply trying to collect user information or generate downloads.
How Instagram Compares to Other Platforms
Snapchat
Snapchat notifies users when someone screenshots Stories or chats.
Facebook does not notify users when someone screenshots a Story.
WhatsApp does not notify users of Status screenshots.
TikTok
TikTok generally does not notify users of video screenshots.
Instagram currently aligns more with Facebook and WhatsApp than Snapchat in this area.
FAQ: Instagram Screenshot Notifications in 2025
Can people see if I screenshot their Instagram Story in 2025?
No. Instagram does not notify users of Story screenshots.
Can I see who screenshotted my Story?
No. You can only see who viewed your Story, not who saved it.
Does Instagram notify screen recording of a Story?
No. Screen recordings are treated the same as screenshots for Stories.
Does Instagram notify screenshots of Highlights?
No. Highlights can be screenshotted without alerts.
Does Instagram notify Close Friends Story screenshots?
No. The same rules apply to Close Friends content.
How do I know if someone screenshotted my disappearing DM?
Instagram shows an in-chat indicator next to the message.
Does Instagram notify screenshots of regular DMs?
No. Only disappearing photos or videos trigger alerts.
Does Instagram notify screenshots in 2026?
As of early 2026, no new notification system has been introduced.
Final Verdict
Instagram does not notify users when you screenshot a Story in 2025.
You can see who views your Story, but not who captures it. The only time Instagram sends a screenshot alert is when someone saves disappearing photos or videos in Direct Messages.
If privacy matters to you, focus less on detection and more on smart sharing. Once something is online, it can be saved. The safest strategy is to post with that in mind.