Viewing a Private Instagram Profile: Is it Possible?

Co-authored by Nicole Levine, MFA Reviewed by Anyah Le Gilmore-Jones

Last Updated: September 7, 2024 Fact Checked

Do you want to see someone's private Instagram posts, stories, or Reels without following them first? The truth is, you can only view a private Instagram account by following that user. This wikiHow article will give you the truth about apps and websites that claim they can show you private Instagram profiles without following, and show you 3 ways you can find someone's private photos and videos elsewhere on the web.

Section 1 of 2:

Can you view a private Instagram profile without following?

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Unfortunately, there are no workarounds—you'll need to tap the Follow button on their profile and wait for the person to approve your request.^{[1]
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Research source}
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Beware of apps that claim they can get around Instagram privacy settings. While there are many websites that claim you can view private Instagram accounts by installing certain apps, none of these apps work. There's no conceivable way for any app or website to show you private Instagram posts.
- Since 2018, the Instagram API (Application Programming Interface) only allows third parties to display content from an Instagram user's own account.^{[2]
  X
  Research source} If you sign in to an "Instagram viewer" with your account, you'll only see the content that's available to your Instagram account.
- Some "private Instagram viewer" apps and websites are advertising scams that make money when you complete "verification" steps, even though these steps don't ever result in making private accounts visible. Not entirely malicious, but not at all trustworthy!
- Other "private Instagram viewer" sites and apps are flat out malware. To keep your information safe, never provide your credit card information or Instagram login credentials to an app that claims it will show you private Instagram posts or stories.

Section 2 of 2:

Community Q&A

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Question

How can you see a post of a private account without following them?

Community Answer

If they have profiles on other social media sites that aren't private, you can probably see their Instagram content reposted (or just similar content) there. Without hacking, there isn't a way to sneak into someone else's private profile.

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How do you see a private account photo?

Community Answer

Anyone can see the profile photo of a private account, even if they are not logged in, but only the private account's owner and their followers can see the private account's photos and videos.

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How can I see a private account on Instagram without logging in?

Community Answer

You can't. The only way to view a private profile is to be signed into your account.

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Warnings

If you can see their profile by searching Google, but it doesn't show up on your personal Instagram profile, it's a clear indication that the person blocked you because of something you did, either accidentally or on purpose.

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Don't try to randomly follow private accounts just for the sake of stalking.

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