How to Remove Stolen Content on Instagram (Step-by-Step Guide)

If someone has stolen your content and posted it on Instagram without permission, you have the right to request its removal. Instagram follows the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) to handle copyright violations.

This means that if you own the rights to a photo, video, text, or other creative work, you can file a DMCA takedown request, and Instagram will remove the stolen content. 

This guide will show you exactly how to remove stolen content on Instagram, step by step.

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If you are a victim of fake accounts, then take a look at our guide on how to report fake accounts on Instagram.

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What Is a DMCA Takedown?

The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) is a U.S. copyright law that protects original content from being copied or shared without permission.

If someone posts your images, videos, text, or other copyrighted content on Instagram, you can file a DMCA complaint to have it taken down.

Instagram follows this law, so when you report stolen content through their Copyright Report Form, they review your claim and remove the content if it violates copyright rules.

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This is important:

• You must be the owner of the content to submit a DMCA request.
• If you are reporting on behalf of a company or client, you need proof that you are authorized to act on their behalf.
• False claims can lead to legal consequences, so only report content that you legally own.

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How to File a DMCA Takedown on Instagram

To remove stolen content from Instagram, follow these steps:

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1.) Gather Proof of Ownership

Before submitting a takedown request, you must prove that you own the content. Here’s what you need:

• ‍Links to your original content – This could be from your website, Instagram profile, or another platform. If the content was never published online, you may need additional proof (like timestamps or raw files).‍
• Links to the stolen content – Copy the URLs of the Instagram posts where your content is being used without permission.‍
• Screenshots for backup – Take screenshots of the stolen content before reporting it in case you need to provide further proof later.

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💡 Tip: If someone is using your name, photos, or brand without permission, they might be impersonating you. In that case, follow our How to Remove Fake Accounts from Instagram guide instead.

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2.) Open Instagram’s Copyright Report Form

To file a DMCA request, you must fill out Instagram’s official copyright infringement form.

Go to Instagram’s Copyright Report Form:
https://help.instagram.com/contact/552695131608132

This form allows you to report stolen content and request its removal from Instagram.

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3.) Fill Out the Copyright Report Form

The form asks for important details about the stolen content and your rights. Here’s how to fill it out correctly:

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3.1.) Your Relationship to the Content

Select whether you are the copyright owner or a representative (lawyer, agent, etc.) reporting on behalf of someone else.

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3.2.) Your Contact Information

• Provide your full name, email address, and mailing address.
• Make sure to use an email address you check regularly, as Instagram will contact you about the report.

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Important: Instagram may share your email with the person who posted the stolen content. If privacy is a concern, consider using a business email instead of a personal one.

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3.3.) Describe Your Original Content

Write a clear description of the content that was stolen. Example:

“This is a copyrighted image that I created and posted on my website [insert website URL]. It was taken without permission and uploaded to Instagram without my consent.”

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If available, provide a link to where your original content was legally published.

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3.4.) Provide the URLs of the Stolen Content

• Copy and paste the exact links (URLs) of the Instagram posts that contain your stolen content.
• If the stolen content appears in multiple posts, list all the URLs.

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Tip: To get the URL of an Instagram post, follow these steps:

1. Open the post in the Instagram app or website.
2. Click the three dots (...) in the top-right corner.
3. Select "Copy Link" and paste it into the form.

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3.5.) Legal Declaration & Electronic Signature

Check the boxes to confirm that:

• You own the rights to the content.
• You believe in good faith that the content is unauthorized.
• You accept legal responsibility for submitting this claim.

Type your full name as an electronic signature.

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Tip: Instagram takes DMCA reports seriously, so make sure all the information is accurate and honest.

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4.) Submit the Form & Wait for Instagram’s Response

1. Click "Send" to submit your report.
2. Instagram will review your claim and contact you by email.
3. If they approve your request, the stolen content will be removed from Instagram.

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How long does it take?

Instagram usually responds within a few days, but it can take up to 2 weeks depending on the case.

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What to Do If Instagram Rejects Your Request

Sometimes, Instagram denies DMCA requests due to lack of evidence or incorrect information. If your report is rejected:

• Double-check your form – Make sure all details are correct.
• Provide more proof – If needed, submit additional evidence (such as timestamps, emails, or contracts).
• Submit a new request – If your claim was denied due to a mistake, fix the issue and resubmit the report.
• Seek legal help – If Instagram refuses to remove the content and it’s harming you or your business, you may need legal assistance.

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How to Prevent Content Theft on Instagram

To avoid dealing with stolen content in the future, follow these preventative measures:

✔ Watermark your images and videos – Adding a small logo or text overlay can discourage theft.
✔ Copyright your work officially – Consider registering your content to strengthen legal protection.
✔ Set up Google Alerts – Get notified when your content is published elsewhere online.
✔ Regularly search for stolen content – Use tools like Google Reverse Image Search or TinEye to find copies of your work.

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Protect Your Content & Take Action

If someone steals your work on Instagram, don’t ignore it. By using Instagram’s DMCA takedown process, you can remove stolen content quickly and protect your creative rights.

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Quick Summary of the Steps:‍

1.) Gather evidence of the stolen content.
2.) Go to Instagram’s Copyright Report Form.
3.) Fill out the form with proof of ownership and stolen content details.
4.) Submit the form and wait for Instagram’s response.
5.) Take preventative measures to protect your content in the future.

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Need professional help? Remove.tech offers expert content removal services to handle stolen content on Instagram and other platforms. Contact us for assistance!

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Related Guides to Protect Your Online Presence:

📌 How to Remove Fake Accounts from Instagram
‍📌 How to Report Copyright Violations on Google