Instagram is testing a brand new paid feature that will let users watch Stories without the account owner ever knowing. This is a big change for a platform where Story views have always been visible to the person who posted them.
According to reports, Instagram is testing a premium subscription tier that includes the ability to view Stories anonymously, meaning users can watch content without appearing in the viewer list. The feature marks a notable shift for a product that has long been built around visibility and engagement.
Currently, Story creators can see exactly who has viewed their posts, a mechanic that has shaped everything from influencer analytics to everyday social interactions.
The new premium subscription model is called Instagram Plus, and unlike Meta Verified, which is aimed specifically at creators, Instagram Plus will be aimed at everyday users. It comes packed with several extra features beyond just anonymous viewing.
Subscribers will also be able to see how many people rewatched their Story, create multiple custom audience lists instead of just “Close Friends,” keep their Stories live for up to 48 hours, boost one Story per week, send animated Super-likes, and search directly through their Story viewers list.
Early tests are being carried out in Mexico, Japan, and the Philippines, with pricing reported at just $1 to $2 a month.
However, not everyone is happy. Privacy advocates argue the feature could enable stalking and harassment by allowing bad actors to monitor someone’s Stories without detection, with domestic abuse experts warning it adds a troubling new dimension to digital surveillance.
Whether Instagram rolls this out globally remains to be seen, but it is clear that Meta is moving toward selling users the power of digital invisibility.
