Instagram is a social media platform that gives its users the freedom to upload media and share it while protecting their privacy. However, recently, many people are debating and searching: Can you see who sent your Instagram post? No, you can’t. Instagram doesn’t reveal the identity of the post sharer because of privacy concerns.
So, keep reading this blog to explore more reasons and how you can ensure a safe digital environment for kids on Instagram.
Can you see who sent your Instagram post?
Can you see who sent your Instagram post? The answer is no. Instagram actually doesn’t allow you to see which person has shared your post via DM’s. This means any person on Instagram can share your posted videos, photos, etc, privately to their friends without letting you know. You might be wondering why this is so.
Well, keep in mind that DM (Direct messaging) is basically a private section of Instagram. And it cares for the privacy of each user. That’s why you will not get a notification or alert from Instagram.
However, don’t get sad, there are many other important data points that you can see regarding your Instagram post. For instance, you can check exact counts and even identities of people. Like, who has liked, commented, and saved your post.
Besides this, if you have a business IG account, then you get more detailed analytics. For instance, alongside likes, comments, you can also see the number of people who share your post to their stories or via DMs ( not identities). Thus, even from all such data, you can better know whether your content is engaging the audience. Or if you have to work more.
What happens when someone sends your Instagram post?
If someone likes your content on Instagram, then they definitely will share it with others. This is because it’s human nature that they always want others to whom they share their happiness or sorrows. Thus, Instagram allows its users to forward others’ posts via different methods. For instance;
Via Direct messaging: The most common method for sharing IG posts is via Direct messaging. It allows you to do so privately to another person.
Via Stories: Moreover, IG users also have the option to share others’ posts directly on their stories. Thus, their followers would see this post for almost 24 hours.
You know this method would basically come in your favour as it increases the engagement ratio of your content. When your content is posted on others’ stories, your own username will also be visible inside the preview. Thus, by clicking here, the users can go to your profile or see your original post.
Copy the post link: Lastly, people on Instagram can also share your content outside of Instagram. For instance, they may copy the link of an IG post and share it on other social media platforms. Thus, if people to whom they have shared this link have an IG account and Internet availability. Then they can see your posts.
Differences between sharing public vs. private accounts
You know Instagram gives you the choice whether to create a public account ( where everyone sees your shared content). Or a private account (only your followers can see the content). Both have their own features regarding the sharing of content. Let’s dive deeper and understand!
| / | Public accounts | Private accounts |
| Direct Message (DM) shares | Anyone can send and view your post through DMs. | Only visible if the receiver is also your follower. |
| Share to Story | Followers can share your posts to their stories for wider reach. | Not allowed for private posts. |
| Copy Link | Links work for anyone on or off Instagram. | Links only work for approved followers. |
| Reach | Your content can spread beyond your followers easily. | Reach stays limited within your follower list. |
| Profile Discovery | New users can find and follow you directly from shares | Restricted to those you approve. |
| Hashtag/Explore | Posts can appear on hashtag pages and the Explore tab. | Posts will never appear on Explore or hashtag feeds. |
| Engagement Potential | Higher | lower |
| Growth | Easier to grow an audience | Slower growth |
| Control | Less Control | More control |
Why does Instagram keep this information private?
Can you see who sent your Instagram post? Are you thinking, what would Instagram get by keeping the identities of the post sharer private? Many people like you are asking the same. So, let me clarify that Instagram is a safe and secure social media platform. It cares for every user, whether creator or simply viewer.
For better understanding, look below as we have collected some logical reasoning for you!
Protecting user privacy and preventing harassment:
It is more likely that a person may share your post with another person in DM and mock you. So, if you ever get to know that your post is being mocked, then what would be your reaction? Definitely, you would try to find that person.
Thus, this confrontation leads to arguments, online harassment, and so on. Thus, to prevent all such chaos, Instagram keeps the information private regarding who shares your content.
Encouraging safe content sharing:
Furthermore, by hiding the personal details related to the sharer, Instagram actually gives the freedom to talk openly.
For instance, it’s not necessary that people only share posts to mock. They may also share posts to discuss an important issue with their friends, right? Thus, they would share their opinions without any fear of judgment.
Balancing creator insights with user rights:
Moreover, keep in mind that Instagram basically has to fulfill the needs of both creators and users (the general audience). For instance, creators want to know about their posts’ analytics, like how their content is going.
Similarly, the general audience wants privacy and safe interactions. Thus, it provides overall statistics related to post sharing. Like just numbers, hiding the personal details to keep both happy.
Protect your kids from risky online engagements and unknown senders effortlessly.
Parental concerns: how to keep kids safe on Instagram
If you are a parent and focus a little bit, then you would find that nowadays most of the teens are using Instagram. Whether they are using it for content sharing or chatting with friends. According to the Pew Research Center’s recent survey report, almost 61% of surveyed US teens say that they use Instagram on a daily basis.
However, the problem is that they may come across many potential dangers that would affect their overall growth and development. So, being a parent, you have to be aware of such risks and try to find ways to keep kids safe online.
Potential risks on Instagram for kids
Cyberbullying:
First of all, if your kid’s IG account is public, then anyone can view and comment on your kid’s shared posts. Thus, it is more likely that some people may send them mean comments on their posts. Since kids are not emotionally strong, they would take it seriously, which would affect their mental well-being.
You know, recently, on August 23, 2025, an online harassment case was reported in Bhopa, India. According to the details, a man on Instagram creates a fake account as a schoolgirl and harasses almost 5-6 girls aged 12-13.
For your information, according to a 2025 U.S national survey, almost 53.8% of teens( 13-17 years old) have experienced cyberbullying. You know this survey further revealed that cyberbullying in childhood leads kids to the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. It is a mental disorder that occurs when someone has experienced a life-threatening trauma.
Interactions with strangers:
Furthermore, another big concern of having a public Instagram account is that strangers on Instagram may DM kids and try to trap them. They may also send them harmful images, videos, etc, just to exploit their minds.
Oversharing personal details:
Apart from all, the most common problem is that kids may reveal their personal details on Instagram posts. For instance, they may post a pic in which they are standing in front of the school showing its name. Thus, the people with bad intentions get to know about them and try to track them.
After knowing about such prevailing risks of Instagram usage by kids, you have to actively monitor your kids’ digital interactions. To help you in this regard, we will suggest using a third-party parental control app like FlashGet Kids, owing to its real-time monitoring features.
It actually acts as a digital bodyguard for kids, protecting them from potential online dangers by giving parents real-time alerts. Let’s see how this app would help you keep kids safe on Instagram.
How does FlashGet Kids help?
Track kids’ Instagram usage time: The amazing thing about using the FlashGet kids app is that it helps you know how much time your kids have spent using Instagram on a daily basis. Thus, if you feel that you have spent excessive time, then you can set time limitations to ensure a healthy balance.
Set screen time rules to reduce overuse: FlashGet Kids also allows you to set time limitations on Instagram for specific hours. Like when they are studying or sleeping. The best thing is that if kids try to exceed the time limit, this app will send you an instant alert.
Block or limit risky apps: Furthermore, there are chances that someone may send kids the links of risky apps in the DMs, right? So by using FlashGet Kids, you can block the usage of inappropriate apps. And it also restricts kids from accessing newly downloaded apps. That’s amazing, isn’t it?
Screen mirroring: In addition, you can screen mirror your kids’ devices and see live what your kids are doing on Instagram.
Notifications tracker: Moreover, it also enables you to sync the notifications from kids’ devices. Thus, you can monitor the Instagram notifications received on their devices, whether it’s from DM’s or others.
Safer alternatives for parents and kids
Here, as a well-wisher, I would suggest that instead of wasting time thinking about who can send your kids posts. You have to focus on important things like what other safe measures you can take to ensure a safe digital environment for your kids, right? So, to help you in this regard, I’ve compiled some practical tips!
Encourage private accounts: First of all, keep in mind that your kids only get exposed to strangers on Instagram when they use the public account. So, your first and utmost task is to ask them to switch their accounts to private. To do this,
- Step 1. Open the Instagram app and click on the profile picture.
- Step 2. Next, tap three horizontal lines > select “Settings and Privacy” from the drop-down menu, and then select “Accounts privacy”. Here, toggle on the “Private account”. That’s all! Thus, now only your kids’ followers would be able to see what they post on Instagram. Hence, it reduces the chances of strangers’ interactions.
Regularly checking followers and message requests: next, don’t be relaxed by switching the kids’ IG account to private. The main task is to constantly monitor your kids’ followers and message requests. Thus, your kids would remain safe online.
Using FlashGet Kids for healthy boundaries: Last but not least, you can make use of FlashGet Kids parental control app to add an extra shield over your kids’ digital activities. Besides keeping kids safe from harmful risks, it would also help you to balance their lives by setting time restrictions.
Conclusion
Can you see who sent your Instagram post? In short, Instagram doesn’t allow you to view the name of the person who shares your post in DM’s. This is because Instagram promises to ensure its users’ privacy. However, you can check other engagement data like comments, likes, etc.
When it comes to kids, you have to be extra careful. Nowadays, cyberbullying risks are more prevalent on social media platforms, including Instagram. So, if you want complete peace of mind regarding kids’ digital safety, then it would be best to leverage the FlashGet Kids parental control app.
