Does Instagram's Latest Update Include Screenshot Notifications? Here's What We Know

Whether it’s creepin’ on a crush or gossiping to a friend by snapping a quick Instagram screenshot – we’ve all done it. Screen-grabbing a post, a controversial Instagram Story, or a DM is one the most universal Instagram practices (you don’t get confidential screenshot capabilities on Snapchat, after all), because screenshot notifications – besides in Instagram’s DM Vanish Mode – do not exist. However, some Instagram users have expressed otherwise on Twitter, following Instagram’s latest December 2021 app update. “Instagram is releasing a feature that shows who has screenshot your posts. Oh boy,” tweeted one user.

Rest assured that, so far, Instagram screenshot notifications still appear to be only a rumour. Instagram did briefly test Story screenshots in 2018, but the social media giant quickly nixed the feature and hasn’t brought it back since. (POPSUGAR reached out to Instagram for comment on whether or not this is still the case and will update this article as soon as we hear back.) So you can feel pretty confident that your latest screenshot was probably never sent as a notification. Phew.

To Be Extra Clear, Instagram’s December 2021 App Update Doesn’t Include Screenshot Notifications?

Unless you’re sending someone a direct message while in Vanish Mode on Instagram, screenshot notifications do not exist currently. If someone has screenshotted a message sent in Vanish Mode, then the other user is notified. Otherwise, if it’s an Instagram Story, a regular DM that’s not in Vanish Mode, or an Instagram post, the user will not receive a screenshot notification.

What Features Does Instagram’s December 2021 Update Include?

Following the December 2021 update, according to tweets from @InstagramComms, Instagram’s official communications account, the app is testing a Favorites feature, which would allow users the ability to adjust the order posts appear in their feeds, including bringing back Instagram’s chronological feed option. “We want people to have meaningful control over their experience,” Instagram wrote. “We’ve been experimenting with Favorites, a way for you to decide whose posts you want to see higher up, and we’re working on another option to see posts from people you follow in chronological order.” The app clarified that it will not make a chronological Instagram feed the only choice. Rather, it’s aiming to provide Instagram users with more options for customising their feeds. “You can expect more on this early next year!”

Other December updates to Instagram’s app include its 2021 Playback feature, which allows users to compile an Instagram Story with up to 10 of their favorite Instagram Stories posted throughout 2021. The app has also introduced a Take a Break feature, a tool aimed at reminding users to take a break from the app after they’ve been scrolling for a while.

I don’t know about you, but a chronological feed sounds good to me! As we wait for this enticing feature (which might only be rolled out to specific users for the time being), we’ll be screenshotting away. May we all hope screenshot notifications never exist.