Instagram, the most used social networking site, has millions of users who post their lives through images, videos, and stories. From daily updates to exploring fun Instagram Notes ideas, users constantly find new ways to express themselves.
Instagram Stories, introduced in 2016, have become widely popular with their temporary nature—24 hours. Yet, over time, there are a number of users asking if one can view old Instagram Stories and if Instagram sends someone a notification if their story was screenshotted. Let's explore these questions and shed light.
Can You See Old Instagram Stories
Instagram Stories vanish after 24 hours, and people wonder if it's possible to access them after they have passed. Simply put, Instagram does not permit normal users to access stories that are more than 24 hours old, but there are a couple of means through which you can access them in specific situations.
1. Archive Feature
The best method to view past stories on Instagram is via the Archive feature. Your stories are automatically stored by Instagram to your account's archive, but you alone can see this. Here's how you can access it:
- Open the Instagram app.
- Go to your profile page.
- Tap the three horizontal lines in the top right corner.
- Choose 'Archive' from the menu.
This will display all your previous stories, including those you shared earlier. You can view these stories whenever you want, and even download or re-share them again. If you are asking "How to see past Stories on Instagram", then the Archive feature is your savior.
2. Highlight Feature
The other method of accessing older stories is saving them as Highlights. You can save stories on Instagram to your profile permanently by placing them on Highlights.
This is especially handy if you wish to keep memories visible to everyone. To make Highlights, just tap the 'New' button in the Highlights section of your profile and select stories you'd like to showcase.
If you haven't saved your previous stories in Highlights and would like to see older stories currently, you might not be able to see them unless they're saved in the Archive.
3. Third-Party Apps
Though Instagram does not have an official feature where one can see past stories after 24 hours unless saved, a few third-party apps purport to have this feature.
Make sure to use such apps with care because they may at times make your account insecure or infringe on Instagram's terms of use.
Does Instagram Notify When You Screenshot a Story?
A frequently asked question is whether Instagram notifies users if someone screenshots their story. The answer to this is No—Instagram does not notify users when someone takes a screenshot of their story.
Whereas Instagram previously would alert a user if a screenshot of a disappearing image or video had been taken, it is no longer in use. Today, you can take a screenshot of someone's Instagram story at your leisure without them being notified. So, if you're wondering does Instagram notify when you screenshot a story, the reply is no.
There are, however, some subtleties to this:
- Direct Messages (DMs): If someone sends you a disappearing photo or video via Instagram DM and you screenshot it, the sender will be alerted. But this only holds for disappearing photos and videos sent via DMs, not normal stories.
- Close Friends' Stories: The same rules apply for stories posted to Close Friends. You can screenshot a story without notifications being sent.
Instagram's move to discontinue notifying people about screenshotting was probably aimed at enhancing user experience and enabling users to screenshot and post content without worrying about an alert notification. Be that as it may, users should never compromise others' privacy but refrain from screenshotting personal or sensitive content without asking.
How to See Past Stories on Instagram?
Since you now understand Instagram does not allow you to view stories after 24 hours except if archived, let's explore how you can view past stories again:
1. Viewing Archived Stories
As previously mentioned, the Archive feature is your best bet to view old Instagram stories. If you have not archived your stories yet, begin doing so immediately. This feature automatically saves all your stories, which you can later view. Whenever you're wondering How to see past Stories on Instagram, this is the easiest and most dependable solution.
2. Using Instagram Highlights
For stories that you wish to be visible and available forever, store them as Highlights. In this way, not only will they be available for you to read whenever you please, but those who come to visit your page will be able to read them too.
3. Asking for Old Stories from Others
If you want an Instagram Story that someone else has posted and it is no longer accessible, you can ask them to share it with you directly. If they have stored it as a Highlight, you can easily see it, or if they have archived it, they can share it with you.
How to Screenshot Instagram Stories Without Notifications
Though Instagram now does not inform users if their stories are being screenshot, it is always best to be discreet when taking a capture. Below are some pointers on how to take a screenshot without being conspicuous:
- Turn on Airplane Mode: You can activate airplane mode before taking a screenshot. This ensures that Instagram won't notice any activity and send you notifications. After you have taken your screenshot, you can turn off airplane mode and continue using Instagram as usual.
- Third-Party Screenshot Apps: There are third-party apps through which you can take screenshots of a conversation without informing the other person. But note the possible security threats posed by using these apps, particularly those that seek access to your Instagram account.
- Screen Recording: A second option is to record your screen while playing the Instagram story. When the story is recorded, you can pause or cut the video. Similar to screenshots, Instagram does not warn people that you're recording their stories.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Instagram has provided an easier way to access past stories via its Archive and Highlight features. You can access your previous stories anytime by just visiting your Archive or creating Highlights so that they will be permanent on your profile.
Regarding screenshots, Instagram also stopped notifying users when you screenshot their stories. Always, however, respect privacy when taking someone's content, as legal and ethical grounds may be involved in some cases.
If you wish to view previous Instagram stories or screenshot without anyone noticing, knowing these features will enable you to use the site better. If you are in need of viewing your past memories or capturing something significant, these tips will assist you in maximizing your Instagram experience.