How to View Someone’s Instagram Story Anonymously in 2024?
Sometimes, you want to see someone’s Instagram Story without them knowing. It could be an ex, a crush, someone you’re curious about, or even a business competitor you want to monitor discreetly. Viewing their Instagram Story without alerting them can feel like a challenge. The issue is that Instagram immediately notifies the person once you’ve viewed their Story. But don’t worry, you’re not alone in wondering how to view someone’s Instagram story anonymously. The good news? There are a few methods you can try.
Can You View Someone’s Instagram Stories Anonymously?
The quick answer is no. Instagram doesn’t have a feature for this. When you view someone’s Story, they’re notified even if you aren’t friends or following them. However, there are workarounds for viewing someone’s Instagram story anonymously so you can watch without appearing on their viewer list. Let’s explore the most effective methods.
Instagram’s user base is only growing, with projections showing that the number of Instagram users is expected to double between 2019 and 2028, thanks to a steady annual growth rate of 8.4%. Privacy is a significant concern for many users who engage with the platform regularly.
- Go Offline
- Create a Secondary Instagram Account
- Peek at the Story
- Use Third-Party Tools
1. Go Offline – Airplane Mode Trick
With Instagram’s user base skyrocketing to 2 billion active users, it’s no surprise that people are looking for ways to protect their privacy while interacting with the platform. Since millions of users engage with Instagram Stories daily, knowing how to view past stories on Instagram or view them anonymously has become a typical curiosity. One of the simplest and most effective tricks for anonymously viewing Instagram Stories is using Airplane Mode. Here’s how it works:
- Step 1: Open Instagram and wait for the app to load all the latest Stories.
- Step 2: Turn on Airplane Mode, disconnecting your internet.
- Step 3: Now, you can watch the preloaded Stories anonymously.
- Step 4: Close Instagram before turning Airplane Mode off to stay hidden!
This method is handy for viewing Instagram stories anonymously, but it is limited if the account has posted multiple Stories.
2. Create a Secondary Instagram Account
Another popular option for those curious about how to view someone’s Instagram story anonymously is by creating a secondary account, also known as a “Finsta.” With this fake account, you can follow the person and watch their Stories without revealing your true identity.
Here’s a quick guide:
- Step 1: Open your Instagram profile and go to Settings.
- Step 2: Scroll down and click on Add Account.
- Step 3: Create a new account with different login information.
- Step 4: Use a different name and profile picture to stay anonymous.
Once you’ve done this, you can switch between accounts easily, making it a convenient solution for how to view an Instagram story anonymously.
3. Peek at the Story – Swipe-But-Don’t-Click
For a quick and sneaky way to anonymously view Instagram stories, use this technique:
- Tap on a Story next to the one you want to see.
- Half-swipe to the Story you’re interested in without fully opening it.
This gives you a sneak peek without registering as a viewer, perfect for quick glances when you don’t need to watch the full Story.
4. Use Third-Party Websites or Apps
If you don’t want to mess with Airplane Mode or create another account, there are third-party tools that can help you watch Instagram Stories anonymously. These apps or websites allow you to view public Stories without logging into Instagram.
Currently, 35.21% of the 5.68 billion mobile users worldwide access Instagram monthly, showing how widespread the platform’s usage is. With such a massive audience, it’s no surprise that third-party tools designed to offer anonymous browsing have become increasingly popular. These tools provide users with a way to maintain their privacy while still keeping up with Instagram activity.
Now, here’s a breakdown of the apps:
Instagram Story Viewer Apps Comparison
| App | Price | Features | Pros | Cons |
| InstaStoriesViewer | Free | View Stories anonymously, Download Stories, No login required | Completely free, No login required, User-friendly | Limited features, can’t view private accounts |
| Dumpor | Free | View and download Stories. No login required. Search by hashtags/locations | Easy navigation, Download feature, Hashtag and location searches | Basic design, slower loading times for multiple Stories |
| StoriesDown | Free | View Stories anonymously, Download in high resolution, No login required | High-quality downloads, Simple to use, No login needed | Lacks advanced features like profile analytics |
| Ghost Gram | Free | View and download Stories anonymously, Web-based, Works on multiple devices | No app needed, Simple interface, One-click downloads | Doesn’t support Instagram live viewing |
| Qoob Stories | Free with premium ($7/month) | View and download Stories, Automate downloads, Works for public and private accounts | Automates downloads, Clean interface, Works for private accounts | Limited features in free version, premium needed for extra perks |
| BlindStory | Free with premium ($1.49/week) | View and download Stories, HD quality downloads, Automatic Story downloads | HD downloads, Auto-download favorite users’ Stories, iOS and Android friendly | Ads in free version, subscription required for unlimited use |
| Anon IG Viewer | Free | View and download Stories, No login required, Simple search function | Completely free, Easy search, No login needed | No option to interact with content (like or comment) |
| InStalker | Free with in-app purchases | View Stories, Track profile stats, High-quality downloads, Track followers | Track profile interactions, View Stories & downloads, Can track unfollowers | Requires login, limited features without in-app purchases |
These tools are especially helpful if you’re trying to figure out how to view Instagram stories anonymously for public accounts, but they won’t work on private accounts unless you follow them.
The Screenshot Dilemma
Many users worry that Instagram notifies someone when they screenshot a Story. The good news? Instagram does not notify users if you screenshot their Stories, posts, or Reels. However, if you screenshot a disappearing photo or video in Direct Message, Instagram will send an alert. So, you’re safe as long as you don’t screenshot content in DMs.
Final Verdict
While Instagram doesn’t provide a built-in way to view Stories anonymously, the methods outlined above, like using Airplane Mode, secondary accounts, or third-party apps, offer effective workarounds. However, none of these are without their limitations. There’s always a trade-off, whether it’s the inability to access private accounts, the need for premium subscriptions, or the potential risks involved with third-party tools. Considering both privacy and functionality, weighing these options carefully is crucial. Ultimately, using these methods responsibly and with a clear purpose is key to avoiding any privacy or security risks.
