Instagram’s view once feature for direct messages allows users to send photos and videos that disappear after being viewed one time by the recipient. This creates a more private and ephemeral sharing experience. However, some users may want to take screenshots of view once messages before they disappear. So can you actually take a screenshot of an Instagram view once message?
The Short Answer
Yes, it is possible to take a screenshot of an Instagram view once message before it disappears. The view once feature does not prevent screenshots. However, Instagram does notify the sender if you take a screenshot of their view once message. So you can take a screenshot, but the sender will know you did it.
How View Once Works on Instagram
When you send a photo or video as a view once message on Instagram Direct, it will display full screen to the recipient. Once they close the message or it has been opened for a few seconds, the message disappears and is no longer accessible in the conversation thread.
The idea behind view once is to create a more intimate and private sharing experience. It allows you to share moments that you wouldn’t want to persist. For example, you could send a silly selfie to a friend without worrying about them looking at it again later.
Notifier if Screenshot Taken
If the recipient takes a screenshot of your view once message, Instagram will notify you. This is an important anti-abuse measure. The notification appears in the direct message thread, alerting you that the recipient took a screenshot of your disappearing photo or video.
The screenshot notification gives you an indication if someone violated your trust by capturing your view once message. However, Instagram doesn’t prevent users from taking screenshots in the first place. There is no technical restriction.
Yes, You Can Take a Screenshot of View Once Messages
Because Instagram does not implement any actual screenshot blocking, you are able to take a screenshot of a view once message. Here are the steps to capture a screenshot on iOS and Android devices:
iPhone and iPad Screenshot
To take a screenshot on iPhone models with a Home button:
- Open the view once message you want to capture.
- Press the Home button and Power button simultaneously.
- The screenshot will be captured and you will see a preview thumbnail in the bottom left corner.
- Open your Photos app to view and save the screenshot.
For iPhone models without a Home button:
- Open the view once message.
- Press the Side button and Volume Up button at the same time.
- The screenshot will save and you will see a preview.
- Go into your Photos app to access the screenshot.
On iPad models with a Home button:
- Open the view once message you want to screenshot.
- Press the Home button and Top button simultaneously.
- The screenshot will be captured.
- Open your Photos app to view and save the screenshot.
For iPad models without a Home button:
- View the disappearing message you want to capture.
- Press the Top button and either Volume button at the same time.
- This will take and save the screenshot.
- Go to your Photos app to view the screenshot.
Android Screenshot
Taking a screenshot on Android devices is simple:
- Open the Instagram view once message.
- Press the Power button and Volume down button simultaneously.
- The screenshot will save automatically.
- Open your Gallery app to access the screenshot.
On some Android phones, you may be able to swipe down with three fingers on the screen to trigger a screenshot. The specific method can vary across devices, so consult your phone’s manufacturer guide if needed.
Screen Recording Instead of Screenshot
Rather than taking a still image screenshot, you could also record your phone’s screen while viewing the Instagram view once message. This will capture a video that you can replay instead of just a static image.
On iPhone, you can start a screen recording by opening the Control Center and tapping the screen record icon. On Android, open your Quick Settings and tap the screen record tile. Different Android models may have slightly varied ways of starting a screen recording.
Once you start recording your screen, open up the view once message on Instagram. Your recording will capture the photo or video even as the message disappears. You will then have a video recording that you can watch back and replay rather than just a screenshot.
Ethics of Taking Screenshots
While it is technically possible to take screenshots of Instagram’s view once messages, doing so could be seen as unethical in some cases. The purpose of the view once feature is to share ephemeral, private moments that disappear. By taking screenshots, you violate the expectations of the sender.
Here are some ethical considerations when deciding whether or not to capture a screenshot of someone’s disappearing Instagram message:
- Does taking the screenshot go against the sender’s intentions and wishes?
- Could taking the screenshot break trust or damage your relationship with the sender?
- Is the message intimate or risqué in nature, making a screenshot inappropriate?
- Does the content in the message warrant longer term keeping, or is it trivial?
- Would you feel comfortable if the sender took screenshots of your private view once messages?
Think carefully before deciding to take screenshots. In many cases, respecting the ephemeral and personal nature of the messages is the right thing to do.
Summary of Key Points
- Instagram’s view once messages for direct disappear after being opened once.
- However, Instagram does not block recipients from taking screenshots of view once messages before they vanish.
- You can take screenshots by pressing your device’s Home/Power or Side/Volume buttons.
- Screen recording lets you capture video of the disappearing message instead of just a still image.
- Instagram will notify the sender if you take a screenshot of their view once message.
- Consider the ethical implications before capturing screenshots of private, ephemeral messages.
Conclusion
Instagram’s view once feature certainly intends for messages to be viewed only once before disappearing forever. However, the platform stops short of actually preventing recipients from capturing screenshots. With iPhone and Android’s built-in screenshot functionality, you can take a screenshot of an Instagram view once messages before it vanishes.
This ability to take screenshots could, however, be seen as unethical in some contexts. Be thoughtful about respecting the sender’s wishes before deciding to save their intended ephemeral message. While you can take a screenshot, it isn’t always the right thing to do.