Have you ever tried to stalk your crush on Instagram and got the message “This account is private”? Well, it happens.
When creating a new account, Instagram automatically sets the account to publicly viewable. That means any user can find your content using your username or phone number, view it, and follow your account.
Sounds simple enough, right? But that’s not the case when dealing with private accounts.
Private accounts come with specific restrictions that hide their Instagram activity from the public. As a result, you can only view photos and videos on a private account only if the owner accepts a follow request. If not, then you can’t view their photos, videos, or other content from the Instagram app.
That said, there are several tricks to view private Instagram profiles. From creating a fake Instagram account to using a private Instagram viewer, here’s everything you need to know.
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Can I View a Private Instagram Account?
Yes. If you send a follow request to an Instagram account that is private and if that person accepts your request, then you can view their profile along with all their photos, videos, stories, and other content without any restrictions.
However, if your follow request is denied, then it’s not easy to view the Instagram profile. In this case, you have to roll up your sleeves and explore other options for gaining access to the private profile, which we’ll discuss in the next section.
6 Tricks to View Private Instagram Profiles
1. Set Up a Fake Instagram Account
The most obvious solution to the problem would be to set up a fake Instagram account. That way, you can send a follow request to access the person’s profile.
Here are some tips to make your fake Instagram profile look real:
- Use a feminine name — it has higher chances of being approved
- Upload photos to show that your Instagram account is active
- Write a compelling bio
- Set your account to private to stir curiosity
Once you’ve set up your fake profile, send a follower request to the account that you want to view. Even if the person doesn’t approve the request, you could send a message to explain your intention.
With that being said, please note that creating a fake Instagram account is unethical and goes against the platform’s rules. As such, consider using this method at your own risk.
2. Search for the Instagram Profile via Other Sources
Another option is to search for the private Instagram profile across all the major social media platforms and search engines.
The first step here is to paste the individual’s username to do an image search. If the person has ever been tagged in any other public account, Google should surface the picture in the search results.
According to the Global Web Index, an average millennial or Gen Z-er has up to 8.4 social media accounts. That means you don’t have to limit yourself to Instagram and its restrictions.
Additionally, search for the user on other social media platforms using their name or nicknames that they use — for example, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
3. View the Account Through a Friend
Admittedly, searching for a private profile on other social networking sites may offer more information about its owner. Yet, you might want to view a specific video or image that the individual uploaded on their Instagram account only.
So, what do you do? Well, you can view the private account with a friend’s help.
First, identify any possible mutual followers that might be sympathetic to your quest. Then, ask them to help you save and forward the content you wish to see on the individual’s private Instagram account.
Again, this method is only handy if you have mutual friends that are willing to help. If that’s not the case, it’s best to consider the next options.
4. Use IGLookup.com
Several Instagram profile viewer tools and platforms are available for free on the internet. For example, IGLookup.com allows you to view private Instagram accounts. Here’s how it works.
- Visit IGLookup.com and click the Spy Now button on the homepage
- Enter the username of the Instagram profile that you want to view.
- Click the Access Profile button.
- The website will take a couple of minutes to display the private profile’s content.
Note that this website may not work as advertised, but it’s worth giving it a try.
5. Use Instalooker.net
instalooker.net is one of the most popular private Instagram viewers on the internet today. Not only is it secure, but the website is also easy to use. What’s more, it comes in multiple languages — English, French, Portuguese, and Italian.
Here’s how to use it:
- Open your browser and visit instalooker.net.
- Click on the Spy Now button.
- Input the private account’s username.
- Wait for a couple of minutes until the profile is fetched. Once done, it should display it to you.
Note that the process might take a couple of minutes. So, it’s best to avoid closing the window during the process.
6. Send a Follow Request
In the end, the most appropriate option is also the simplest, and that’s sending a follow request.
Of course, you may have to wait for a few days — maybe weeks — for the account owners to approve your follow request. However, this white-hat process is often more rewarding than the other methods above.
Even if the account owner doesn’t accept the request, you can send a direct message to get the person’s attention. With any luck, they may notice you and approve your request.
Wrapping Up
Viewing a private Instagram profile doesn’t have to be tedious or challenging. Your first instinct should always be to send a follow request. If that fails, consider setting up a fake Instagram account and try again.
Meanwhile, you don’t have to restrict your search to Instagram. Consider searching for the individual’s username across other social media platforms and search engines. Alternatively, you could also use a mutual friend’s account to view the private profile.
