Can People See When You Screenshot Their Instagram Story: Myth or Truth?

Part 1: Can People See When You Screenshot Their Instagram Story?

If you’re wondering whether can people see when you screenshot their Instagram story, the answer is a definitive no. Instagram does not notify anyone if you screenshot their Story or Highlight. Nothing shows up on their end. No alerts, no icons, no special list. When someone checks who viewed their Story, they only see a normal viewer list. It remains anonymous about the people who take screenshots.

Nonetheless, this did not always happen. In 2018, Instagram experimented with screenshot notifications on Stories, which people detested. Users felt watched, and the feature made posting feel less casual. Instagram never reintroduced the test and, in response, removed it because of the backlash received.

Nevertheless, this confusion is likely caused in 2026 by the fact that Instagram does send alerts regarding some of the screenshots of direct messages. As such, you may now wonder, “Can someone see if you screenshot their Instagram DM?” The answer is yes. When you take a screenshot of a disappearing photo or video on a DM, the sender will receive a little icon indicating that it occurred.

However, with a recent update, Instagram now alerts users if they screenshot a “View Once” post. These posts also block screenshots, showing a black screen like protected content in screen recordings. A user will also receive a notification from Instagram if someone tries to screenshot their private Story.

Note: Although the given feature on Instagram is no longer present in 2018, it helps to remember that social media regulations can be modified, and it would be prudent to refresh the knowledge periodically.

[Myths Debunked] Does Instagram Notify When You Screenshot a Close Friend’s Story and More

So, coming back to our real query, “Does Instagram notify when you screenshot a Story”, there are many myths. Here we’ve debunked some popular ones:

• Myth 1: “Close Friends Stories send screenshot alerts.” Truth: The answer to “Does Instagram notify when you screenshot a Close Friend Story,” is no. Close Friends functions the same as regular Stories. Thus, there are no screenshot notifications at all.
• Myth 2: “Apps can tell who screenshotted your Story.” Truth: Fake. Such apps are not able to gather such information and are usually scams that attempt to steal your login credentials, placing your Instagram account in jeopardy.
• Myth 3: “You will be shadowbanned or reported because of taking lots of Instagram Story screenshots.”
• Truth: There’s no proof of this. Instagram does not monitor or penalize individuals who take screenshots of the Stories.

Part 2: Will People Receive a Notification If You Screenshot Their Instagram Posts?

So, what about Instagram posts? Does Instagram notify when you screenshot a post? The answer is also no. Instagram posts can be captured as a screenshot, with no one being informed of them. Although it is simpler to simply employ the Instagram sharing capability (the Save button). The app allows one to bookmark the posts and sort them into folders that can be visited later. Here’s how to save a post:

• Tap the small “bookmark” icon at the bottom right corner of the image in a post.

• A pop-up will materialize. You can tap the “plus sign” to make a new folder if you desire. So, that answers your query, “Does Instagram notify when you screenshot a post?”

Part 3: Can You Prevent Someone From Taking a Screenshot of Your Instagram Story?

You can’t prevent people from taking screenshots of your Instagram Story. But you can choose the followers who can or cannot view your Stories. Here’s how:

Step 1: Open the Instagram app. Head to your profile. Then, click your profile picture. You can also swipe right to open the Story screen. Step 2: Hit the “gear” icon at the top right. Next, select “Story settings” beneath the privacy options.

Step 3: Choose “Hide story from.” Next, pick the followers that you wish to restrict from viewing your Instagram Stories.

Step 4: Hit “Done.” This will save your choices. After this, post your “Story” as usual. This list can be altered whenever you want by following the same steps.

[Bonus Tip] Improve the Visuals For Your Instagram Stories, Logos, Posts, or Reels

In case you are operating a business on Instagram, you will have to have a beautiful logo and posts, reels, or stories with pictures that are hard to disregard. You may use free software, such as Tenorshare PixPretty, to improve the images to use on your Instagram page or other social media, marketing, and e-commerce sites. It can increase resolution and remove artifacts like blurring from images, watermarks, and backdrops.

You can also apply color adjustment, filters, presets, and shadow effects to the pictures or create your own custom filters. Moreover, PixPretty allows you to resize, compress, and convert images and extend or replace backdrops, even the most complex ones. You can choose to upload your background or pick from the given templates. Also, the tool can retouch portraits, refine hair and skin colors, facial features, and body contours, and remove blemishes.