Does Kik notify the other user when you take a screenshot? Can someone take a screenshot of a video and save it? Does the app allow you to take screenshots? These are very popular questions in the TechJunkie mailbox and I will answer them all today.
Kik is an extremely popular chat app, partly because it’s so easy to use and partly because it allows for an element of anonymity. With millions of downloads and active users, it’s only slightly behind WhatsApp in terms of popularity and isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
Because of this anonymous element, Kik is often used for adult purposes. Sex chat, nude photos, striptease videos and things you wouldn’t want your mom to see. It’s okay between consenting to adults, but what if someone takes a screenshot you made? Will the app notify you?
Does Kik notify the other user when you take a screenshot?
Answer is no. Kik doesn’t have a notification system to notify you about screenshots or the like. It will need some kind of recorder built into the client application that can detect the screenshot combination and it doesn’t have it. Snapchat is the only app I know of with this feature. Kik, Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and any other you can think of do not track user activity this way.
Can someone take a screenshot of a video and save it?
If you video call for any reason, not just ‘adult’ reasons, it’s possible to take a screenshot or save the video. The person will need a screen recording app to use the Kik desktop or, if available, their phone’s built-in screen recorder, but it’s possible.
Moreover, you will not know anything about him.
Does the app allow you to take screenshots?
The app doesn’t have a screenshot feature, but all phones have it. A simple hard key combination on both Android and iPhone. This happens inside the phone’s operating system, so Kik has no control over it and has no knowledge that it’s happening. This is one of the disadvantages of the application.
If you are using Kik for PC or Mac using an emulator, you can do the same with your computer operating system. Both Windows and Mac have screen recording built in and don’t let Kik know what’s going on.
Use Kik with confidence
There are many reasons why you might not want someone to take screenshots of conversations or pictures. Only a few are adult in nature. Investigative journalists use Kik a lot, as do some bloggers and those who provide information about repressive regimes, whistleblowers and informants. The anonymous nature of Kik is well suited to people who really don’t want their identity known.
So how can you safely use all the features of Kik?
Create a Kik ‘personality’
Creating a separate personality for Kik is a great way to keep your true identity safe. Create a fake name, fake address, fake email and on top of that go to town. Create a bio of your new identity to make it more authentic. Then use Kik any time you use it with people other than those who already know you.
By detaching from your true identity to some extent, you can freely use Kik without worrying about screenshots of what’s being said against you.
Frame your shots
If you want to share photos or selfies on Kik, do so, but be mindful of the frame you take. Take a test picture and evaluate before sharing. If you have posters or recognizable pictures behind you, move them around or hang a sheet on the wall. If there’s a clock, map, or anything in the frame that could reveal your true identity, move it or cover it up.
Same for any tattoo or distinctive mark. If you’re going to show the skin, make sure it’s not identifiable. Put on makeup to cover up tattoos, use a filter to change the obvious hair color, and consider using a baseball cap or mask to hide your identity.
Frame the video
Use the same rules for the video. Have a specific place where you video chat or video performance. Cover the area with a sheet or blanket, remove anything identifiable from the frame, and make sure you always go to that place when recording.
Use the same principles for tattoos and distinctive features. It may be obvious that you’re covering up a tattoo or something, but even the slightest doubt about your identity can be enough to save you.
watch what you say
Finally, try to keep your true identity to yourself. Always use your true personality, but don’t tell the person more about yourself until you’re ready for it.
Protecting yourself on Kik is like on any social network. Keep your identity to yourself until you’re ready to share it. Then make a decision about what you share and when. Take control and you must keep it safe.