Instagram has boomed in the last couple of years, thanks to its amazing features like Stories and reels that keep bringing users back. However, not many know that they can view public posts and Stories on Instagram without an account. Yes, you read it right.
This feature comes in handy, especially for those who want to check out a public figure or business or to track what’s happening with their friends. In this article, we will guide you through how to view Instagram posts and Stories without an account.
How to See Instagram Posts Without an Account Using a Web Browser
There are some prerequisites for this method to work. Firstly, you need to know the username of the Instagram profile you wish to view. If you don’t know the username or if the account is private, you won’t be able to view it using this method. That said, here’s how to do it.
Step 1: Open any browser on your phone or computer and type www.instagram.com/ followed by the person’s username. You must type the exact username including full stops and underscores.
For example: www.instagram.com/therock, wherein therock is the username.
Step 2: You will land on the profile page. Click on the ‘x’ at the bottom right to remove the banner for a better view.
Step 3: Now, find the photo or video you want to view and right click on the image and click ‘Open image in a new tab’.
This way you would be able to view the photo or video in full size.
You can play the video, read the comments, and copy the post link to share it with others.
Mind you, Instagram limits unauthorized users from viewing a profile. You can go on to view about 36 of the latest posts of any open account, after which you will see a pop-up window that says ‘Log in to continue’, which cannot be closed.
There are only two solutions to the above problem;
- Simply create an Instagram account and check posts without any limitations.
- Use third-party tools to access Instagram without an account.
If you don’t mind using third-party tools, move on to the next section. Besides, these tools will help you find the public profiles even if someone has changed their Instagram username.
View Instagram Profile Using a Third-Party Tool
For this, we will be using a free web tool called ImgInn. This allows you to view various non-private Instagram accounts anonymously with ease. Here’s how to use it.
Step 1: Open the ImgInn website in your web browser.
Step 2: In the search bar, type the username of the Instagram account you want to view and press Enter. You can also enter their name if you don’t know their exact username.
Step 3: Select the account you want to view from the list.
That’s it! You can now view the photos or videos of the account and read the description and comments.
And unlike Instagram, ImgInn doesn’t stop you after 36 latest posts. Besides, it goes one step further to let you download the photos or videos on the account.
How to See Instagram Stories Without an Account
Unlike posts on Instagram, users can see who opened/viewed their Instagram Stories. Moreover, there’s no option to check them without opening an Instagram account, either on the Android/iOS app or on a PC. However, there are third-party tools that let you do it. We have compiled a list of the best ones.
But are third-party Instagram profile viewers safe? Well, yes and no. Some Instagram third-party tools, like the ones we have listed below, use ads as their source to fund the service and do not ask for your personal details. They are pretty safe to use. Whereas, some tools that ask for your personal details before allowing you to view private profiles aren’t safe. Don’t use those tools.
1. Insta-Stories
Insta-Stories is a free and easy-to-use tool that enables you to view Instagram Stories without an account. No, you don’t need to download any apps. As a matter of fact, you can access them from your phone’s or PC’s browser. Simply follow the instructions below.
Step 1: Open your browser and click on the below link to visit the Insta-Stories website.
Step 2: In the search box, enter the username and press Enter or click on the magnifying glass on the right.
Step 3: Once you land on the profile, click on the Stories tab to view Stories.
You can scroll down to see all the Stories from the user.
The best part of Insta-Stories is that it lets you download Stories, and also save your favorite profile by pressing the heart icon.
2. Instagram Downloads
This is another free tool that not only lets you view and download Stories but also allows you to view and download Instagram profile pictures, Posts, Reels, Videos, IGTV, and Highlights. Follow the below instructions.
Step 1: Open any browser and go to the below linked website.
Step 2: Now, type the username in the search field and press Enter.
Step 3: Scroll down and click on Stories to view it.
Step 4: Much like Insta-Stories, even Instagram Downloads allows you to download the Story with a click.
The only noticeable downside of using Instagram Downloads is that you can only view 12 Posts, not more than that. We are not sure if it is a temporary glitch or permanent. If you find the same issue, use the other two tools mentioned in this guide.
Note: when you download a Story containing a video, it gets saved as a photo, which was a big letdown for me. So, if you want to download the Story video, use Dumpor (listed below).
3. Dumpor
Dumpor is yet another third-party plugin that enables you to view Posts, Reels, Videos, and Stories without logging in or creating an Instagram account. In addition to that, you can also search based on hashtags and locations, which is a pretty nifty addition. Follow along.
Step 1: Open your default browser and go to the Dumpor website.
Step 2: Type the username in the search bar.
Step 3: You will be presented with many profiles. Click on the one you’re looking for.
Step 4: Scroll down and click on Show Stories.
Step 5: Now, select the one you wish to view.
Step 6: Dumpor also allows you to download the stories. Simply click on the green download icon at the top right to download them.
What You Can and Cannot Do Without an Instagram Account
Instagram doesn’t want anyone to use its content-driven platform without having an account, which is why the company has given limited access to users without an account.
What You Can Do
Well, without an account, you barely scratch the surface of Instagram. You will be limited to only viewing the profile if you know the username of the person. Nothing more can be done without the account.
Missing Features
Below are some of the benefits of having an Instagram account.
- Follow an account.
- Follow the trend.
- Network with other Instagram Users.
- Like and comment on Posts, Videos, and IGTV.
- Share and view Stories.
- Use creative tools like Instagram Guides.
If you’re considering creating an account, don’t forget to check out these brilliant Instagram tips and tricks.
FAQs on Viewing Instagram Stories and Posts Without an Account
1. Is it possible to view everyone’s story without an account?
No, Instagram doesn’t let you view Stories without an account. However, you can view the stories of public accounts using the third-party tools mentioned above.
2. Can I see private profiles without logging in?
No, you cannot. Instagram doesn’t allow you to view private profiles without consent. And of course, you can’t gain consent without an Instagram account.
3. How do I watch Live videos on Instagram without logging in?
If you wish to watch a Live video, you have no option but to create an Instagram account.
Snooping Instagram Accounts With a Click of Button
Instagram restricts a lot of features that cannot be accessed without an account. However, to some extent, there were a few ways to bypass the restrictions which we had showcased in this article. We hope this article was helpful to you. If it was do let us know which third-party tool did you use to view the profile in the comment section below, and if you think this guide will be a help to someone, do share it with your friends and family.