If you want to view stories on Instagram anonymously, there’s one thing you’ll be happy to know: when you screenshot someone’s Instagram story, they won’t be notified; only you will know that you took the screenshot.
People don’t only view stories on Instagram anonymously; they often screenshot them anonymously as well. The anonymity protects their privacy, satisfies their curiosity, and allows them to save information for later use.
Table Of Contents
Is it Legal to Screenshot Instagram Stories without the Creator’s Knowledge?
Screenshots are not illegal; the onus is on the person taking the screenshot to use it responsibly and ethically. For instance, using content obtained via a screenshot you took secretly, without their permission, could amount to copyright infringement.
What is the Official 2025 Instagram Screenshot Policy?
While taking screenshots of stories has become common practice, many are still unsure whether Instagram tells when you screenshot a story.
Instagram Stories are hugely popular because users can share moments through photos or videos that disappear automatically within 24 hours. In addition to stories, the other popular platform features include:
- Reels
- Direct messages (DMs)
- Live videos
- Highlights
- Regular posts
Current Instagram Policy on Story Screenshots
As of 2025, Instagram does not notify users of screenshots for most of these features. This policy has been in place for several years.
Understanding Stories, Posts, and Disappearing Messages
Instagram Stories feature photos, videos, Boomerangs, polls, music, stickers, and more that disappear after 24 hours.
Instagram Posts are permanent content that followers see in their feeds where they can like, comment on, or share them.
Disappearing Messages (in DMs) are private photos and videos sent in a Direct Message. They disappear when viewed. Instagram notifies users when someone screenshots a disappearing message.
Instagram Screenshot Notifications over the Years
Instagram launched Stories in 2016. At that time, Instagram didn’t send story screenshot notifications. In 2018, the platform experimented with a screenshot notification feature for a while, but the initiative was cut short and the feature has not been reintroduced.
When Does Instagram Tell When You Screenshot A Story?
Instagram does send a notification when someone screenshots a disappearing photo or video sent in a DM or takes screenshots in vanishing mode. The creator will see a small starburst icon next to the message as an alert to a screenshot that was taken.
Regular Stories and Close Friends stories are different, but they are treated the same in terms of story notifications. Regular Stories are content for general sharing and can be seen by all your followers. Close Friends Stories are selective content meant exclusively for people on your Close Friends list.
For both regular and Close Friends stories there is no notification of screenshots taken.
DFviewer: The Ultimate Instagram Story Viewer
DFviewer Explained
DFviewer (digital footprints viewer) is an anonymous Instagram story viewer. The application allows users to watch Instagram stories without the creator ever finding out who viewed their stories because Instagram doesn’t send story screenshot notifications. The application masks the viewer’s identity, allowing discreet browsing. Users can view and download regular and private stories; Instagram won’t notify the user.
Key features:
Anonymous story viewing. DFviewer makes completely anonymous viewing possible. You can view public and private stories, posts, and reels, and see who liked their content and what they said about it without giving your identity away.
No login. DFviewer is a web-based tool that you can access through your browser. You don’t need to download or install any software. Simply create a free account and enter your Instagram username. The content will appear automatically on your dashboard.
No need for an Instagram account. DFviewer users don’t need an Instagram account to access the tool.
Can users see who screenshots in DFviewer?
No, DFviewer allows users to view, download, and screenshot content from someone’s Instagram account with total anonymity. People can’t see when you screenshot their Instagram story with DFviewer.
Safety, reliability, and privacy considerations
Designed for anonymous viewing, DFViewer enables discreet exploring of Instagram content. User safety and privacy is protected by the fact there’s no software to install and no personal login details are required. DFViewer prioritizes anonymity and user safety so they can browse Instagram with peace of mind.
Conclusion
There are many reasons why a person might want to browse Instagram stories in secret. Understandably, they don’t want Instagram to notify users of their clandestine visits. Online tools like DFviewer make this possible. DFViewer provides a reliable and secure option for anonymous browsing.
