Instagram is a captivating mix of public and private. While most accounts on the platform freely share their lives, others choose to maintain a curated space for a select audience. And we get that.
While social media can be a great place to pass the time and connect with the world, it can also be harmful to mental health.
But what if you want to see the photos and stories within a private Instagram account? It can still be done, and we’ll show you how.
The Straightforward Approach: Sending a Friend Request
This is the most honest and legitimate way to view a private account. You simply have to send a friend request to the account owner. This option hinges on the account owner accepting your request. Here’s how to do it:
- Search for the Username: Locate the username of the private account you wish to view. You can use Instagram’s search functionality to do this.
Simply tap on the magnifying glass icon at the bottom of the home screen to get to the Explore page. Type the account’s username in the search bar at the top, and voila! You’ve found it.
- Send the Request: Once you find the profile, you’ll see a giant padlock icon and a note that says “This account is private” in the space where the profile feed should be. Click the “Follow” button, automatically transforming into “Requested” instead of following.
- Wait: After this, you just have to wait. Instagram won’t notify you when the account owner accepts your request. You either have to check back later or wait until their posts appear on your feed.
Alternatives Beyond the Follower Request
There are a few reasons why a direct request would seem daunting or unwanted, but many of them revolve around a need to view the posts of a private account anonymously.
Let’s get one thing straight: Instagram doesn’t let you view the posts of a private account without the owner accepting your follow request. That’s the entire point of a private account.
However, there are a few ways it can be done:
View From a Different Account
This is the easiest way to keep your anonymity while viewing the posts of a private account without violating Instagram’s rules.
You can find a friend following the user and ask to view through their account. Or better yet, create a new account, ensuring that nothing links it to your main account, then send the follow request.
Instagram allows up to 5 accounts to be created using the same email and app. You don’t have to get a new email or separate app.
Try a Third-party App
Many apps and websites boast the ability to view the posts of a private account without following them. Some of these are fake, but others do. You can try those out.
However, be cautious. All these apps are security risks, and some even come with malware. Just stay safe.
Conclusion
These are all great options for viewing the posts of a private account, but we recommend that you send the follow request. It’s safer for you and respects the user’s privacy, allowing them to curate who sees their content. Try out these methods and see which works best for you.
