Instagram serves as our virtual memoir, capturing the vibrant moments of our lives. Users frequently update their stories, sharing glimpses of daily experiences, from behind-the-scenes shots to insights on ongoing projects. However, not every moment is meant for public viewing; some are private and intended only for close friends and family.
The platform offers a “Hide Story From” feature, allowing you to select who can view your stories. If you haven’t tried this option yet, consider it—you’re missing out on valuable privacy.
In today’s blog, we’ll address a common user question: If you block someone from viewing your story on Instagram, will they be aware of it?
If You Block Someone from Seeing Your Story on Instagram, Will They Know?
Let’s clarify: Instagram does not notify users when you hide them from your story. So, to answer your question, if the app doesn’t send a notification, that person will not know directly.
But how did this confusion arise? You might be a wishful thinker, contemplating various what-if scenarios, or perhaps you’ve encountered a situation where someone viewed your story despite being blocked.
Both possibilities exist. Below, we’ll explore scenarios in which an Instagram user can still access your story even after you’ve hidden it from them.
Read More: How to Find List of Unblocked Profiles on Instagram
They use a fake account.
The prevalence of fake or spam accounts on Instagram has become a significant concern, affecting all social media platforms.
If you’ve blocked someone from viewing your story, they might still access it through a fake account. This explains why some people can see your content even after being blocked.
If your account is currently public, consider switching it to private immediately. This allows you to remove followers you’re unsure about. Private accounts typically experience fewer issues, as they only accept or send follow-up requests to people they know or recognize.
A mutual friend told them about it.
This issue affects even private accounts! If you’ve been on Instagram for a while, you will likely share at least one mutual friend with the person from whom you’ve hidden your story.
Consider this: a mutual friend might have shared details about your post with them. Only you can know the intentions behind this action. If you have solid evidence of a friend’s involvement, it might be time to confront them.
Someone reposted your story.
We often mention friends in our stories and repost them when they tag us, making Instagram stories more interactive. People react with comments, adding another layer of engagement.
Now, imagine you post about a day out with your friends but intentionally exclude a sick friend to avoid making her feel left out. One of your friends then reposts the story without hiding it from her.
What happens next? Naturally, that sick friend will see the story and find out about your gathering.
How to hide your Instagram story from someone on Instagram?
On Instagram, we often don’t track who we follow or unfollow, but we can quickly hide our stories from specific individuals when needed.
Imagine posting a story for a friend’s birthday while another mutual friend wasn’t invited. How would that make her feel? Probably terrible! Balancing the celebration without upsetting anyone can seem tricky, but it’s manageable.
The solution lies in using Instagram’s “Hide Story From” feature. This allows you to share moments without causing hurt feelings. Follow these simple steps to hide your story from someone:
Steps to Hide Your Instagram Story:
- Open Instagram on your smartphone.
- Tap on the “Your Story” option at the top left corner of your home feed.
- Tap the gear icon in the top right corner to access Camera Settings.
- Select “Story” from the three options at the top: Story, Reels, and Live.
- Click on the number following to “Hide Story From.”
- Choose the individuals you want to hide your story from by scrolling or using the search bar.
- Return to the previous screen to see the updated count, confirming you’ve successfully hidden your story from them.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I block someone from my Instagram story, will they receive a notification?
No, Instagram does not send notifications when you block someone from viewing your story. They won’t know directly.
Can someone still see my story if we share mutual friends?
Yes, if you block someone from your story, they cannot view it directly. However, a mutual friend might share your story, which could allow them to see it.
What if someone has a fake account? Can they still see my story?
If you block someone from your story, they won’t be able to see it through their main account. However, if they use a fake account, they may still be able to view it.
Can I see who has viewed my story if I’ve blocked someone?
You won’t see the blocked person in your viewer list. They will be excluded, but you can still see everyone else who viewed your story.
What happens if I unblock someone after hiding my story?
If you unblock someone, they can view your future stories again, but they won’t be able to see any stories that were posted while they were blocked.
Can I hide my story from specific followers without blocking them?
Yes, you can use the “Hide Story From” feature to select specific followers from whom you want to hide your story.
Will a blocked person know if they’re not seeing my story?
While they won’t receive a notification, they may realize they can’t see your stories if they used to view them regularly.
Is there a way to confirm if someone has been blocked from viewing my story?
No, there’s no way for someone to confirm that they’ve been blocked from seeing your story, as Instagram does not provide such notifications.
Conclusion
Blocking someone from seeing your Instagram story offers a level of privacy without direct notifications. While individuals may not know they’ve been blocked, mutual connections or alternative accounts can still pose potential visibility challenges.
Utilizing features like “Hide Story From” allows you to selectively share moments with your intended audience while maintaining boundaries. Ultimately, understanding how these tools work empowers you to curate your Instagram experience and protect your personal space.
