We’ve all felt it—you post something on your Snapchat story, and then it hits you: Did someone screenshot that? If you’re wondering who it was, or even if Snapchat tells you, you’re not alone. This article will walk you through how to see who screenshotted your public Snapchat story. We’ll also share what it really means, what you can do about it, and how to protect your privacy.
Let’s keep it simple, real, and easy to follow.
Can You See Who Screenshotted Your Public Snapchat Story?
Yes, but only in some cases.
Snapchat tells you if someone takes a screenshot of your story. But there’s a limit: it only shows the names of people who are on your friend list. If someone who’s not your friend screenshots it, you won’t know who it was.
This is important to remember if you post things on your public story.
What’s the Difference Between Public and Private Stories?
Before we dive deeper, let’s make sure we’re on the same page.
Private Stories
- You choose which friends can see them.
- You can see who viewed and who screenshotted.
- Good for close friends or trusted people.
Public Stories
- Shared with all your friends—or even with strangers, if your profile is open.
- You can see who viewed and who screenshotted, but only if they’re your friends.
So if someone random watches or screenshots your story, you’ll never know who it was.
How to Check If Someone Screenshotted Your Story
It’s easy to check. Here’s a step-by-step guide.
Steps:
- Open the Snapchat app.
- Tap your Bitmoji or profile icon in the top-left corner.
- Under “My Story” or “Public Profile,” tap to open the story you posted.
- Swipe up on the snap (or tap the 👁️ eye icon) to see the list of viewers.
- Look for a green arrow icon (🔁) next to someone’s name.
That green arrow means they took a screenshot of that snap.
What If You Don’t See Any Screenshot Icons?
That likely means one of two things:
- No one took a screenshot.
- Or, someone who’s not your friend did it—and Snapchat doesn’t show their name.
This is why it’s a good idea to know who’s on your friends list.
Does Snapchat Send Notifications for Screenshots?
Sort of—but not in the way you might think.
You won’t get a pop-up or alert when someone screenshots your public story. Instead, Snapchat lets you check manually. So, if you want to know, you have to go look.
Here’s what you get:
- A green screenshot icon next to the user’s name.
- Only if the person is on your friend list.
That’s it. Snapchat won’t tell you anything more than that.
Can You Use Apps to Find Out More?
You might see apps online that claim to show everyone who screenshots your stories, even strangers.
Don’t trust them.
These apps can:
- Steal your Snapchat login info
- Get your account locked or banned
- Show fake results
Snapchat doesn’t allow third-party apps to access screenshot data. So any app that says it can do this is risky.
Best advice? Stick with what Snapchat gives you.
How to Protect Yourself from Unwanted Screenshots
You can’t stop people from taking screenshots, but you can take steps to stay safer.
1. Change Who Can See Your Story
Here’s how:
- Open Snapchat and tap your profile.
- Tap the gear icon (⚙️) to open Settings.
- Scroll to “View My Story”.
- Choose “Friends Only” or “Custom”.
- Pick the people you want to include or exclude.
2. Be Smart About What You Post
Even if you have a public story, you don’t have to post everything. Ask yourself:
- Would I be okay if someone saved this forever?
- What if someone shared this with others?
- Is this something I might regret later?
If you’re unsure, it’s probably better to post it privately or not at all.
3. Use “My Eyes Only”
Snapchat has a special feature called “My Eyes Only” for private snaps you don’t want anyone to see.
- It’s password protected.
- Only you can view what’s in it.
- Great for personal photos or videos.
To use it, save a snap to Memories and then move it to “My Eyes Only.”
Why Do People Screenshot Snapchat Stories?
Let’s be real—people screenshot for lots of reasons.
1. They Liked It
Maybe your post was funny, cool, or inspiring. Screenshots are a way of saving something they enjoyed.
2. They’re Curious
Sometimes people screenshot because they want to look at it again later. This can happen if you post a selfie, a quote, or something personal.
3. They Want Proof
Maybe you posted something dramatic or controversial. Screenshots help people “save the receipts.”
4. They’re Being Nosy
Let’s face it—some people just like to snoop. It’s not cool, but it happens.
What Happens After Someone Screenshots Your Story?
Once a screenshot is taken:
- You can’t delete it.
- They can keep it forever.
- They can share it with others.
Snapchat doesn’t let you control what they do with it afterward. That’s why it’s super important to post carefully, especially if your story is public.
Snapchat Is Fun—But Privacy Still Matters
Snapchat started as a private messaging app. But now it’s more like a social media platform. With public stories, subscriptions, and spotlight features, your snaps can reach more people than ever.
That’s why privacy tools are more important than ever, too.
Take a few minutes to check your settings. Be aware of who can view your story. And if something feels too personal to share, maybe it’s best saved for close friends only.
Conclusion
So, can you see who screenshotted your public Snapchat story?
Yes, but only if the person is your friend on Snapchat. If not, Snapchat won’t show their name.
You can still take control of your story privacy by adjusting your settings, watching what you post, and using Snapchat’s built-in tools like “My Eyes Only.”