This guide is written for teens and young adults (13–35 years old) who love posting Stories. We use very simple words (Grade 4 level) so anyone can understand fast. You will learn the truth about screenshot alerts in 2025 and how to keep your Stories safer.
The Big Answer: Does Instagram Tell You When Someone Screenshots Your Story?
How to know if someone screenshots your Instagram story in 2025?
Simple answer: You cannot know. Instagram does not send any notification when someone takes a screenshot of your normal Story. No little camera icon. No name on the list. Nothing.
This rule is the same for everyone in the world in November 2025.
When Does Instagram Actually Send a Screenshot Alert?
Instagram only warns you in two very special cases:
- Disappearing photos or videos in DMs You send a picture in chat that disappears after the person sees it once. If they screenshot it, you get a clear message that says “Screenshot taken.”
- Vanishing mode in chats When the chat says “Vanishing mode is on,” screenshots are reported1.
For normal Stories, Highlights, Reels in Stories, or Close Friends Stories — no alert at all.
Why Instagram Does Not Tell You About Story Screenshots
Instagram wants people to feel free and have fun. If everyone got scared that their name would show up when they screenshot, many would stop using Stories. Fewer Stories = less fun = less time on the app. Instagram makes money when you stay longer, so they keep normal Story screenshots secret2.
Easy Table: Screenshot Alerts in 2025
| What You Post | Does Instagram Tell You? | Easy Note |
| Normal Story | No | Completely secret |
| Close Friends Story (green ring) | No | Still secret |
| Story Highlight | No | Same rule |
| Reel posted as Story | No | Safe to screenshot |
| Disappearing photo in DM | Yes | You will see the alert |
| Normal message in DM | No | No alert |
How People Try to Find Out (And Why Most Ways Fail)
Some teens try clever tricks, but most do not work in 2025:
- Airplane mode trick → Used to work years ago. Does not work now.
- Half-swipe to peek → Lets you see a Story without your name showing, but does not show screenshots.
- Fake apps that promise to show screenshotters → These apps steal your password and can get your account banned fast. Never use them!
The only real way people find out is when the person who screenshotted does something silly, like reposting your exact photo later.
Best Ways to Protect Your Instagram Stories from Screenshots
You cannot stop screenshots 100%, but you can make it much harder and stay safer online:
- Use Close Friends only for private stuff – Only trusted people see the green-ring Stories.
- Make your account private – Strangers cannot see or screenshot anything. Learn more about protecting your phone number and online privacy.
- Do not show your full face or location if you are worried about strangers.
- Add big text that says “Please do not repost” – Good people will listen.
- Check your viewer list often – Block anyone who looks suspicious3.
- Send super-private photos as disappearing DMs – This is the only way to get a real alert.
- Stay safe from scams – Many fake “screenshot detector” apps are actually scams that steal your info. Read how to spot phone and online scams.
Common Questions Teens Ask About Instagram Screenshots
Many students search the same things on Google. Here are the top myths and the real answers:
| Myth You Might Hear | Real Answer in 2025 |
| “Close Friends Stories have secret alerts” | No – still no alert |
| “Highlights are different” | No – same rule as normal Stories |
| “Instagram changed the rules in 2025” | No big change for normal Stories |
| “I can see screenshots on another phone” | Impossible without breaking rules |
What Happens If Someone Reposts Your Screenshot?
If someone steals your Story and posts it as their own:
- You can report it to Instagram for copyright.
- You can ask them nicely to take it down (sometimes works).
- You can block them forever.
Quick Tips for Parents Who Read This
If you are a mom or dad checking for your teen:
- Instagram does not tell anyone about normal Story screenshots.
- Teach your child to use Close Friends and private accounts.
- Remind them: once something is on the internet, it can be saved forever. The same rule works for unknown calls – always check strange phone numbers before sharing personal info.
Most Asked FAQs About Instagram Story Screenshots (2025)
Does Instagram notify when someone screenshots a story in 2025?
No. Instagram never tells you when someone screenshots a normal Story or Highlight. Only disappearing DM photos give alerts.
Can someone see if I screenshot their Instagram Story?
No. When you screenshot a normal Story, the owner gets zero notification. Your name stays hidden for screenshots.
How to stop people from screenshotting my Instagram Story?
You cannot stop it completely, but use Close Friends, make your account private, and avoid sharing very personal photos.
Does Instagram tell you who screenshots Close Friends Stories?
No. Close Friends Stories have the exact same rules – no screenshot notifications at all.
Final Words: Stay Smart and Have Fun
How to know if someone screenshots your Instagram story? The honest truth is: you usually can’t know, and that’s okay. Instagram keeps normal Story screenshots private so everyone feels free to watch and enjoy.
The best protection is choosing who you let see your Stories and thinking before you post. That gives you real control — not waiting for an alert that will never come.
Question for you: Have you ever caught someone using your Story without asking? Share your story below — you might help someone else!
References (Checked November 2025)
- Medium easy guide (updated 2025): https://medium.com/@shaynerosemagabi/how-to-know-if-someone-screenshots-your-instagram-story-47c845b64292 ↩︎
- Reddit r/Instagram (2024-2025 thread): https://www.reddit.com/r/Instagram/comments/1icufj1/do_i_get_notified_if_someone_takes_pics_of_my/ ↩︎
- Quora answers (2024-2025): https://www.quora.com/Can-I-see-whether-someone-screenshotted-my-Instagram-story-or-direct-message ↩︎