Instagram has added many new features to keep your private stuff private. You can now send disappearing messages in Vanish mode, share stories and posts with Close Friends only, and even send view-once photos and videos. While some of these features are great for those who prioritise their privacy, a simple screenshot can defeat the purpose.
At the same time, if someone sends you something to be viewed once or in vanish mode, and you need to keep receipts for non-creepy reasons (we hope), then you need to know if you can screenshot it and if the other person will be notified if you do.
While sometimes a screenshot can be handy, it can be a bit embarrassing if the other person is notified that you took a screenshot. However, such features are in place to protect the users.
Can You Screenshot Instagram DMs?
The short answer is yes, you can screenshot Instagram Direct Messages (DMs). If it’s a regular old conversation and keep-in-chat pictures and videos, you can screenshot them as much as you want.Â
Does Instagram Notify the Recipient When You Take Screenshots of Their DM?
In standard DMs, Instagram plays it cool and keeps your screenshotting habits under wraps. No notifications are sent, so your secret is safe. However, there’s a plot twist when it comes to disappearing photos and videos (more on that later).
Can You Screenshot Instagram Vanish Mode?
Vanish mode is Instagram’s version of disappearing messages. While Snapchat did it first, Instagram’s implementation is very different from Snapchat, Whatsapp, Signal, and other apps with disappearing messages. Vanish mode opens up a section within your chat that is read once. No way to save it or put a timer. Because it is within your chat, and you can screenshot your chat, you can screenshot vanish mode, too. But there’s a catch.
Does Instagram Notify the Recipient When You Take Screenshots in Vanish Mode?
Yes. Unlike normal chat, if you enable vanish mode, your screenshots will be logged, and the recipient will be able to see them in a small text within the thread. This can lead to some very embarrassing follow-up. So maybe avoid doing that.
Can You Screen Record in Vanish Mode?
Feeling sneaky? You might consider screen recording in Vanish Mode. Technically, yes, you can do it. But, just like with screenshots, Instagram will notify the other party that you’ve recorded the conversation. However, I tested it with iPhone and Samsung. The user was notified when the screen was being recorded on an iPhone, but not Samsung. However, things like these get patched all the time. So, proceed with caution, or better yet, just don’t.
Can You Screenshot Stories?
You can screenshot Instagram Stories without the user being notified. So, if it’s a recipe you wanna try, an outfit you love, or an inspirational quote, capture away. Instagram won’t spill the beans.
Can You Screenshot Close Friends Stories?
The same rules apply here. Even if someone shares a Story with their Close Friends list, you can screenshot it without triggering a notification. But remember, just because you can doesn’t mean you should. If someone has put you in their close friends list, that means they trust you a bit. So maybe don’t misuse that.
Can You Screenshot View Once Photos and Videos in DMs?
Here’s where things get tricky. If someone sends you a disappearing photo or video in a DM. The content that is meant to be viewed once or twice before vanishing and you try take a screenshot, Instagram will block your attempt. But during my tests, it did not notify the other user.
Can You Screen Record View Once Photos and Videos in DMs?
Thinking of outsmarting the system with a screen recording? Well the screen will record, but due to Digital Rights Management (DRM) restrictions, attempting to screen record a disappearing photo or video will result in a black screen. Again, the sender wasn’t notified when I tested it.
Testing Screen Recording on Different Devices
In the name of research, I tested screen recording in Vanish Mode on iPhone and Samsung devices. The other user was promptly notified of the screen recording on the iPhone. However, no notification was sent to the Samsung device. Before you Android users start celebrating, remember that screen recording disappearing photos or videos will still result in a black screen due to DRM restrictions, and the sender will be notified. So, it’s not worth the effort. Moreover, while my specific Samsung phone model didn’t notify me, I don’t know what happens if you try with a different model or a Pixel.
Alternatives to Screenshots and Screen Recordings
If you’re looking to save content without triggering notifications or running into black screens, consider these alternatives:
- Ask for Permission: The simplest and most respectful approach. Just ask the sender if you can save the content. They’ll likely appreciate your honesty.
- Use Another Device: Use a separate device to take a photo or record the content. This won’t trigger any notifications, but be mindful of the quality and the sender’s privacy.
- Save Posts: For public content, use Instagram’s “Save” feature to bookmark posts and Stories to view later. This way, you can keep track of content without taking screenshots.
Wrapping Up
While Instagram allows you to screenshot and screen record in many scenarios without notifying others, certain features like Vanish Mode and disappearing DMs have built-in protections to maintain privacy. Always consider the context and the sender’s intent before screenshotting content. When in doubt, ask for permission.