What "copying" an Instagram photo actually means
Copying an Instagram photo usually means saving it to your phone so you can look at it later, or reposting it to your own account or story. Instagram doesn't have a built-in "copy" button like some apps do. Instead, you use your phone's screenshot tool, Instagram's save feature, or the read options Instagram provides for your own photos.
The method you choose depends on what you want to do with the photo. If you just want to keep it for yourself, saving it within Instagram is fastest. If you want to repost someone else's photo to your story or feed, you'll need to save it to your phone first, then upload it as a new post — and you should credit the original photographer.
Instagram's terms of service allow you to read and save photos for personal use. Reposting someone else's photo publicly requires their permission, though Instagram doesn't enforce this automatically.
Key Takeaways
- Instagram's built-in save feature stores photos in a private collection on your account that only you can see.
- Screenshots work on any phone but create a lower-quality copy and may notify the other person if they have screenshot alerts turned on.
- To repost someone else's photo to your feed or story, save it to your phone first, then upload it as a new post and credit the original creator.
- Downloading your own photos is straightforward through Instagram's menu, but downloading other people's photos for reposting requires their permission.
Using Instagram's save feature for photos you want to keep
The fastest way to keep a photo without leaving Instagram is to use the save button. Open any photo in your feed, tap the bookmark icon in the bottom right corner of the post, and the photo moves to your Saved collection. Only you can see your saved photos — they don't appear on your profile or in anyone else's feed.
To find your saved photos later, go to your profile, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), and select "Saved." Instagram organizes saved posts by date, with the most recent at the top. You can also create collections within Saved to organize photos by topic — tap "Create Collection" and name it something like "Home Ideas" or "Recipes."
This method keeps the photo at full quality and takes just one tap. The original poster won't be notified that you saved their photo.
Taking a screenshot when you need the image on your phone
Screenshots work on any phone and save the image directly to your camera roll. On most Android phones, press the power button and volume-down button at the same time. On iPhones, press the side button and volume-up button together, or swipe up from the bottom corner on older models. The screenshot appears in your Photos app when ready.
Screenshots have two drawbacks. First, the image quality is lower than the original because Instagram compresses it. Second, some accounts have screenshot alerts turned on, which notifies them when you screenshot their story or close-friends post — though regular feed posts don't trigger alerts. If you're screenshotting someone's story without permission, they will know.
Use screenshots when you need the image quickly and don't have time to read it properly, or when the photo is on a story that will disappear.
Downloading your own photos from Instagram
If you posted a photo to Instagram and want the original file back on your phone, open the post, tap the three dots in the top right corner, and select "Save." This downloads the photo to your camera roll at the quality Instagram is currently storing it at.
For a higher-quality version of your own photo, you can request your data from Instagram. Go to Settings, tap "How You Use Instagram," then "read Your Information." Instagram will email you a file containing all your posts, stories, and messages at their original resolution. This process takes a few days.
You own the photos you post, so downloading them is always allowed. You can repost your own photos anywhere without permission.
Reposting someone else's photo with permission
If you want to share someone else's photo on your feed or story, the right way is to ask them first. Send them a direct message explaining where you want to repost it and why. Most creators are happy to be shared if you credit them properly.
Once they agree, save their photo to your phone using any method above, then upload it to your own feed or story. In your caption or story text, tag the original creator and write something like "Photo by @username" or "Repost from @username." This directs your followers to their account and gives them credit for the work.
Some creators use tools like Repost for Instagram, which adds a watermark and automatically credits the original poster when you repost. These apps make the process smoother and are designed specifically for sharing other people's content responsibly.
What happens if you repost without permission
Instagram doesn't automatically prevent you from reposting someone else's photo without permission. The original creator has to report it themselves if they want it removed. They can report the post by tapping the three dots, selecting "Report," and choosing "It's intellectual property infringement."
If multiple people report your post for copyright, Instagram may remove it and send you a warning. Repeated violations can result in your account being restricted or disabled. Beyond Instagram's rules, the original photographer owns the copyright to their image, and reposting it publicly without permission is technically copyright infringement — though Instagram doesn't enforce this unless the creator complains.
The practical risk is that the creator will ask you to take it down, your followers will call you out in the comments, or Instagram will remove the post. Crediting the original creator and asking permission first avoids all of this.
Copying captions and text from Instagram posts
If you want to copy the text from someone's caption, press and hold the caption text until a menu appears, then tap "Copy." You can then paste it into notes, messages, or another app. This works for captions, comments, and bio text.
Copying someone's caption word-for-word and posting it as your own is plagiarism, even though Instagram doesn't prevent it. If you like how someone wrote something, rewrite it in your own words or ask permission to use it. If you're copying a caption to save a quote or resource list, that's usually fine as long as you credit the original post.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I screenshot someone's Instagram story without them knowing?
No. If someone has screenshot alerts turned on, they'll be notified when you screenshot their story. Regular feed posts don't have this alert, so screenshotting those won't notify them. Close-friends stories also trigger alerts if the person has them enabled.
What's the difference between saving a photo and downloading it?
Saving a photo keeps it in your private Saved collection on Instagram where only you can see it. Downloading saves the image file to your phone's camera roll so you can use it in other apps or share it elsewhere. Both keep the photo on your device, but saving is private while downloading gives you the actual file.
If I repost a photo, do I have to ask permission every time?
Yes, technically you should ask each time you want to repost. Some creators give blanket permission in their bio or are known for encouraging shares, but the safest approach is to ask. A quick direct message takes 30 seconds and shows respect for their work.
Can I use someone's Instagram photo on my website or blog?
Not without permission. Photos on Instagram are copyrighted by the person who took them, even if they're public. Using them on a website or blog is copyright infringement. You need written permission from the photographer, or you can use photos with a Creative Commons license that allows reuse.
Why does Instagram compress photos when I save them?
Instagram compresses all photos to reduce file size and load faster on phones. This is why photos saved from Instagram look slightly lower quality than the original. If you need the highest quality version of your own photo, request your data read, which includes the original files you uploaded.