Wondering who screenshotted your Instagram story?
Instagram has become a great way to keep in touch with friends and family, sharing photos and thoughts with ease.
But what happens when you post something sensitive, or a photo of your kids? Perhaps you post it in a story because you don’t want it to stay online longer than 24 hours.
Then you realize, someone could take a screenshot without your permission!
If you’ve ever worried who screenshot your Instagram content, read on to learn what you can do about it.
What is Instagram Story Screenshotting?
Instagram story screenshotting (or screen shooting) is when you take a snapshot of someone’s Instagram Story – also know as “story sniping.”
When this is done, the story still disappears after 24 hours like usual, but that person will have a screenshot on their device to keep.
Is It OK to Take an Instagram Story Screenshot?
Technically, there’s nothing to stop someone from screenshotting Instagram content. That’s not illegal in and of itself.
But you should be aware that all content on Instagram is the intellectual property of the person who created it. Using it elsewhere without permission may be considered copyright infringement.
The content does not need to bear a copyright symbol, be registered with any agency, or look “professional” to be subject to copyright laws.
It’s always better to ask for permission before taking a screenshot of someone’s Instagram content. If you have an intended use for it, be clear about what it is. Then save the reply to ensure that you don’t get into trouble later.
Do Users Get an Instagram Story Screenshot Notification?
Years ago, Instagram alerted the account that had a screenshot taken of their story with a starburst icon. It appeared next to the timestamp, indicating who took the screenshot.
After IGers complained, Instagram disabled the story screenshot notification feature in June 2018.
Can Other Apps Provide Screenshot Notifications?
You may have heard that you can download third-party apps that’ll let you know when your story has been screenshotted, and who did it.
I have the word of one of the top 3rd party Instagram apps, InsTrack, that this feature simply isn’t available. There’s no way for these apps to get the info on who screenshot your content.
So what do you do with your sensitive content?
How to See Who Viewed Your Instagram Story
First, you can check who viewed your story. This info is available right in the Instagram app. IG doesn’t provide this info to third-party apps.
For 48 hours after you’ve posted a story segment, you can swipe up from that pane to see who viewed it.
This includes stories in your archive and highlights – but after 48 hours have passed, you won’t be able to see who viewed it. Best to check right after the segment disappears so you don’t forget.
Now you know who’s seen your story and might have taken a screenshot.
How to Hide Your Instagram Story from People You Don’t Want to Screenshot It
Next, if you don’t want certain people taking screenshots of your Instagram Stories (or maybe even seeing them), there’s an easy way to prevent them from doing so without having to block them completely. Just hide your stories from them!
Here’s how to hide your Instagram Story from these people:
Open up the profile of the person you want to block, tap on their username at the top right, and then select “Followers.”
Next, hit that three-dot menu button in blue (at the bottom), then go into “Hide from feed,” and tap on “Hide Story.”
After you block someone from seeing your story, they won’t be able to see what’s in it or take a screenshot. However, their friends can still view the photo and video content that was shared through Stories as long as the post is public or saved with memories.
You can hide it from everyone, or just specific followers by following the simple steps above!
Tips about Screenshooting Instagram Stories
Depending on what kind of phone you have, the steps to take an Instagram screenshot may be different. It’s just like taking a screenshot of anything else on your phone, but you’re doing screenshots of Instagram Stories while in the mobile app.
Here’s the short answer of taking a screenshot of an Instagram Story:
- For older iPhones: Press and hold the home button and the lock button at the same time.
- For newer iPhones: Hold down the power and volume up buttons simultaneously.
- For Android: Press the power and volume down buttons at the same time.
After you’ve taken a screenshot of someone’s Instagram Story, the photo will be saved to your phone’s camera roll.
It’s easy to do, but the trouble you could get into might not be easy to get out of.
It’s best to screenshot someone’s IG content after asking for permission first! You can always send Instagram DMs and ask if it’s okay to take a screenshot of their post.
A few nice ways to ask permission are:
“Is it okay if I take a screenshot of your story?”
“Is it okay if I record your story?”
“Can I share your story?”
Most people will say yes, in which case you can do screenshots to your heart’s content. If you’re going to reuse their content in any way, though, be sure you’ve cleared that with them first.
If the person says no or doesn’t respond, then you should respect their wishes and not take a screenshot.
You can also ask if it’s okay to add them as a friend after screenshooting their Instagram Story. This way they know you’re interested in their content and being connected on IG.
Screenshot sparingly! Be aware that if you screenshot too many stories in a short period of time, Instagram will think your account is spamming the app and could potentially shut it down.
Lastly, be creative! Try to be unique and interesting with your own content so that people will want to screenshot yours as well.
You Can’t Know for Sure Who Screenshot Your Instagram Story 🙁
It’s a common occurrence for people to screenshot your IG stories.
Maybe they want to save the photo you posted, or just share it with their friends. Whatever the reason, if you don’t want your stories screenshot, you now know how to block specific people from doing so.
Do you have a “story” about someone screenshooting your Insta Stories? Or do you have something to add to this about screenshooting someone else’s Instagram Stories?
Let us know in the comments!
Then learn all about how to use Instagram Stories!
