One of the latest ways people use to share moments online is through Instagram Stories. People like watching them so much, whether it’s with a vacation update, funny meme or behind the scenes content. However, if you need to check out an Instagram Story without them finding out, then it’s time to check out the various ways to do so. Maybe you wish to be forgotten, or just wonder without showing it. The good news is that it can be done anonymously.
In this tutorial, you will see the best methods of watching Instagram Stories without being detected. So whether you want to use third party tools, or simply want to do some simple trick, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s dive in!
Why View Instagram Stories Anonymously?
Before we get into the how-to, let’s talk about why someone would want to see Instagram stories without being seen.
- Curiosity: Sometimes you just want to see what they are up to without being seen.
- Research: If you run a business or manage a brand, competitors or influencers may interest you.
- Avoid Awkwardness: Or you may have accidentally clicked into an old friend’s profile and do not want them to think that you are stalking them.
- Keeping Up Secretly: Perhaps you need to keep tabs on somebody without them being aware of it, like an ex or someone you have lost touch with.
Whether for personal or business reasons, you can safely and effectively view Instagram Stories anonymously. Let’s explore them!
Steps to View Instagram Stories Anonymously
Step 1: Use Airplane Mode Trick
Although there are many creative and complicated ways, you can watch Instagram stories without getting caught, using Airplane Mode is one of the easiest.
How It Works:
- Firstly, open Instagram and go to the person’s profile whose Story you wish to view.
- Then wait for the Stories to load (this happens by staying on the home feed, just waiting a few seconds).
- Activate Airplane Mode (this will cut you off the internet).
- Return to Instagram and view the Story.
- Before turning Airplane Mode off, close the app completely.
Instagram preloads Stories when you open the app, hence this method works. As you disconnect the video will not be captured. But this method is not always reliable as many times, the Stories may not load properly.
Step 2: Use a Third-Party IG Story Viewer
Third party Instagram Story Viewer tools are the best option, if you want a more reliable way to watch Stories secretly. Most of these websites or apps allow you to view Stories without ever logging into your Instagram account. Some even let you download Instagram Stories so you can revisit later.
Popular Instagram Story Viewers:
- StoriesIG – It’s a free website for you which allows you to enter username and see Stories without logging in.
- InstaStories – View all of your friends’ Stories anonymously and save them.
- Anon IG Viewer – If you want to view Instagram stories without an account.
This tool too helps you save Stories on your device and can be used for the same purpose.
How to Use These Tools:
- Go to any of the websites listed above.
- Type out the Instagram username of the person you want to view.
- You can click on their profile to check what Stories they have in active state.
- The built in video downloader feature also allows download of the Story if you need.
The best part? The great thing about these tools is that they’re able to work without any need to login into your Instagram account, so that person will never ever know you’ve seen their Stories!
Step 3: Create a Second Instagram Account
Another way is to create a fake or secondary Instagram account if you do not trust third party tools as well. Although this method takes a bit of effort, it is very effective.
Steps to Do This:
- Log out from using your current Instagram account.
- Use a new email or phone number to sign up.
- Randomly pick a username and profile picture.
- If their profile is public, then make sure you follow the person you want to watch or wait.
- They won’t know that it is you when you view their Stories.
The best part of this method is that it is 100% safe because Instagram won’t link your fake account with your real one. Yet, if the person has a private account, you will have to follow them.
Step 4: Use Instagram’s Preview Feature
One little known trick that can help do away with the click is watching Stories through Instagram’s preview feature.
How to Do It:
- On your home feed, go to open Instagram.
- To find the person’s Story, start from the top.
- Tap on the Story right before theirs.
- It opens the story, but just gently swipes to the next one without fully opening it.
This enables you to look at the Story without opening it. Don’t swipe too far or Instagram will record your view.
Step 5: Block Them After Viewing
The thing is, this method requires a lot of work, but it will get you to watch a Story without a trace if you really need to.
How to Do It:
- Watch the Story as normal.
- Firstly, go to their profile and block right away before they check their Story views.
- It should take about 24 hours (until the end of the Story expiration).
- Unblock them.
When you block a person, your name will be removed from the viewer’s list. But it’s risky if they realize that you have blocked and unblocked them.
Is It Safe to Use Instagram Story Viewers?
While most Instagram Story viewer tools are safe as long as they don’t need you to input your login information. Never give your Instagram password to any third party websites! Use websites that do not require your name when searching.
Final Thoughts
But you can always watch Instagram Stories anonymously using some of the many ways, including using Airplane Mode and third party Instagram story viewers. Each one has its role; each has pros and cons, so use the one that suits your needs.
If you are seeking a quick and easy solution, the best option for you will be third party viewers. That being said, there is no need to get processor intensive; people like to take a manual approach here and tricks, like Airplane Mode or the swipe preview are equally useful.
Now you can test all the tips above and start exploring Instagram Stories without a trace! Happy viewing!
