What are Instagram Stories and Why Might You Want to View Them Anonymously?
Instagram Stories allow users to share posts, photos, and videos that vanish after 24 hours. Sometimes, you might want to watch these stories without the person knowing, whether for privacy reasons or curiosity. Below are four effective methods to watch Instagram Stories without being seen.
Use a Third-Party Website
A trusted way to view Instagram Stories without showing up in the viewer’s list is by using websites like Instant-Stories that let you watch anonymously. Here’s how to do it:
- Visit Instant-Stories.com.
- Enter the username of the Instagram account whose story you want to see. Make sure the account is public because you can’t access private accounts without following them.
- You’ll see their profile, highlights, and current stories without them knowing. You don’t need to log in or have an Instagram account.
This method is straightforward and keeps your viewing private because it doesn’t involve direct interaction with Instagram.
Create a “Dummy” Instagram Account
Another easy method is to set up a secondary, “fake” Instagram account. Use this account to view other people’s stories without revealing who you are. Here’s how to set it up:
- Create a new Instagram account with a general username that doesn’t give away your identity.
- Don’t add friends or add personal details to the account.
- After setting up the account, you can follow people whose stories you want to view anonymously.
This method keeps you hidden if the dummy account is not linked to your identity.
Use Airplane Mode
A simple trick to view stories without being noticed is to use your phone’s airplane mode. Here are the steps:
- Open Instagram and let the stories load on your device while connected to the internet.
- Once the stories are loaded, turn your device on airplane mode.
- Return to Instagram and watch the story. Since you are offline, the app won’t mark the story as viewed.
Make sure to close the Instagram app entirely before turning off airplane mode to ensure your view goes undetected.
Wait for the Story to Nearly Expire
Watching a story just before it disappears (nearly 24 hours after posting) can also be a good way to stay unnoticed. Most users won’t check who viewed their story after a day, which reduces the chance of your view being spotted. However, timing this can be tricky.
These methods are popular among users who want to keep their views private for personal or professional reasons. As of the latest updates, Instagram does not alert users directly of who views their profile or posted photos but does show who views stories. Using these techniques, you can keep your privacy while staying up-to-date with what’s happening.