How to view an Instagram story without logging in

For all your Insta-stalking needs.
By Elena Cavender  on 
How to view an Instagram story without logging in
Man pulling out all the stops to watch his ex's Instagram story anonymously. Credit: Getty Images

If you've avoided downloading Instagram for this long, but you've heard about a juicy Instagram Story you just can't miss, we've got you covered.

Instagram annoyingly makes it so you have to be logged into an account to view someone's Instagram Story, but there are some internet tools that help you work around that.

There are many websites like Instadp and InstaStories that specialize in helping users view Instagram Stories anonymously. Google search "instagram story viewer" on any browser and you will have a bunch of websites to choose from.

Mashable Image
InstaDP allows you to view Instagram Stories without logging in. Credit: screenshot:instadp

There are some catches though: you can only view the Stories of public Instagram accounts, and you can only view them within 24 hours of the time they were posted. You also can't view Stories that were posted to Close Friends.

While these websites are often loaded up with sketchy ads, they are simple to use, and work the same way. Just type the username of the account whose Story you want to view into the website's search bar and press enter. The website will display all the Stories the account currently has up. If the account doesn't have any Stories up, it will just display the profile of the account with the "Stories" tab blank.

We won't ask why you're trying to view someone's Story anonymously, but we do wish you the best of luck in your creeping. For more creeping tips and tricks, check article on the preferred methods of extreme Instagram lurkers.

Mashable Image
Elena Cavender

Elena is a tech reporter and the resident Gen Z expert at Mashable. She covers TikTok and digital trends. She recently graduated from UC Berkeley with a BA in American History. Email her at [email protected] or follow her @ecaviar_.


Recommended For You

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for March 28
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

NYT's The Mini crossword answers for March 28
Closeup view of crossword puzzle clues

Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for March 28
a phone displaying Wordle

NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for March 27
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!