Does Instagram Notify When You Screenshot a Story, Post, DM, or Vanish Mode? (2025 Guide)
Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms, but users often wonder about privacy concerns—especially around screenshots. If you’ve ever hesitated before screenshotting a story or a DM, you’re not alone.
In this post, we’ll answer the burning question: Does Instagram notify when you screenshot a story, post, DM, or Vanish mode? Let’s break it down by each feature.
📸 1. Does Instagram Notify When You Screenshot a Story?
No, Instagram does not notify users when someone takes a screenshot of their story. This feature was briefly tested in the past, but it was removed.
✅ Good to know: You can safely screenshot or screen-record stories without alerting the person.
🖼️ 2. Does Instagram Notify When You Screenshot a Post?
Again, no notification is sent when you screenshot a regular post on Instagram. This includes images, videos, or carousels on someone’s feed.
🔐 Privacy Tip: Public posts can be saved, shared, or screenshotted without the creator knowing.
💬 3. Does Instagram Notify When You Screenshot a DM?
This is where things get a bit tricky. For regular DMs (Direct Messages):
-
Text messages, memes, links, and shared posts – No screenshot notifications.
-
Photos or videos sent via the chat using the camera icon (one-time view) – Yes, Instagram will notify the sender if you take a screenshot.
So, unless it’s a disappearing photo or video, you’re good.
🕵️♂️ 4. Does Instagram Notify Screenshots in Vanish Mode?
Yes, Instagram notifies users when a screenshot is taken in Vanish Mode.
Vanish Mode is a feature that allows messages to disappear after being seen. If you take a screenshot while in this mode, the other person will be alerted immediately.
⚠️ Be careful: Vanish Mode is designed for private chats. Respect the privacy boundaries.
🔍 Summary Table: Screenshot Notifications on Instagram
| Feature | Screenshot Notified? |
|---|---|
| Stories | ❌ No |
| Posts | ❌ No |
| Regular DMs | ❌ No (except one-time media) |
| Vanish Mode | ✅ Yes |
| Disappearing Media | ✅ Yes |
🧠 Final Thoughts
Instagram is pretty relaxed about screenshots, except when it comes to disappearing messages and Vanish Mode. If you value privacy or are just curious, now you know when Instagram gives others a heads-up.
