You can copy Instagram comments on any device, but the method depends on whether you want your own comment or someone else's

Instagram does not have a built-in "copy comment" button. Instead, you use your device's standard copy-and-paste tools. On iPhone, you long-press the comment text until a menu appears with a Copy option. On Android, the process is the same: long-press the comment, then tap Copy from the menu that shows up. On a computer browser, you can triple-click to select the comment text, then use Ctrl+C (Windows) or Command+C (Mac) to copy it.

The steps work the same whether you are copying your own comment or someone else's. Instagram does not restrict copying comments — the limitation is only that you cannot copy comments from private accounts you do not follow, because you cannot see those comments in the first place.

Key Takeaways

  • On iPhone and Android, long-press any visible comment and select Copy from the menu that appears.
  • On a computer, triple-click the comment text to select it, then press Ctrl+C (Windows) or Command+C (Mac).
  • You can only copy comments you can see — private account comments are hidden unless you follow that account.
  • Copying a comment does not notify the person who wrote it, and Instagram does not track or log when you copy.

Copying comments on iPhone

Open the Instagram app and navigate to the post with the comment you want to copy. Scroll to find the comment in the thread. Press and hold your finger on the comment text itself — not on the username or profile picture, but on the actual words of the comment.

A menu will pop up with several options. Tap Copy. The comment text is now in your device's clipboard. You can paste it into Notes, Messages, email, or any other app by opening that app, tapping where you want the text, and selecting Paste from the menu that appears.

Copying comments on Android

Open Instagram and find the post containing the comment you need. Long-press directly on the comment text — hold your finger down for about one second until a menu appears. Do not tap the username or the like count; tap the actual comment words.

Select Copy from the menu. The text goes into your clipboard. Open any other app — Messages, Gmail, Google Keep, or your notes app — and paste by long-pressing in the text field and selecting Paste.

Copying comments on a computer

Go to Instagram.com in your browser and find the post with the comment you want. Click directly on the comment text to position your cursor there. Triple-click to select the entire comment, or click and drag to select only part of it.

Press Ctrl+C on Windows or Command+C on Mac. The text is copied to your clipboard. Paste it into an email, document, or any other text field by pressing Ctrl+V (Windows) or Command+V (Mac).

Why you might want to copy a comment

People copy comments for different reasons. You might want to save a thoughtful reply to refer back to later, or copy your own comment to post it elsewhere. You might need to document a comment for reporting purposes, or share a funny or meaningful comment with a friend. None of these actions trigger any notification or alert to Instagram or the person who wrote the comment.

If you are copying comments to report them, take a screenshot as well — screenshots create a timestamped record that Instagram can verify if you report the comment for violating community guidelines.

What happens if you cannot copy a comment

If the long-press or triple-click does not work, the comment may be from a private account you do not follow. Instagram hides comments from private accounts unless you are following them. If you see a comment but cannot interact with it, check whether the account is private by tapping the username to visit their profile.

Another reason copying might fail is if the app needs an update. Close Instagram completely and reopen it, or check your device's app store for pending updates. On a computer, try a different browser — sometimes Instagram's web version behaves differently in Chrome versus Safari or Firefox.

Copying versus screenshotting a comment

Copying text is faster and cleaner than screenshotting, especially if you only need the words. A screenshot captures the entire post, usernames, timestamps, and profile pictures, which takes up more storage and is harder to share as plain text. Copy the text when you just want the words; screenshot when you need proof of exactly how the comment appeared on a specific date.

If you screenshot a comment, the person who wrote it does not get notified. Instagram does not tell users when their comments are screenshotted, copied, or shared elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the person know if I copy their comment?

No. Instagram does not send notifications when someone copies a comment, and there is no way for the person to know you copied it. Copying is a silent action on your device only.

Can I copy comments from a private account?

Only if you follow that account. Private accounts hide their comments from people who do not follow them. If you follow the account, you can see and copy their comments the same way you would for any other account.

What if I copy a comment and then the person deletes it?

The text stays in your clipboard and in any app where you pasted it. Deleting the original comment does not erase copies you already made. If you pasted it into Notes or another app, it remains there permanently.

Can I copy multiple comments at once?

No. Instagram's copy function works on one comment at a time. You have to repeat the long-press or triple-click process for each comment you want to copy.

Does copying a comment count as engagement?

No. Only likes, replies, and shares count as engagement on Instagram. Copying a comment is invisible to Instagram's systems and does not affect the post's reach or the commenter's notifications.