Instagram is full of hidden features that keep users guessing. One commonly used tool is the “hide story” option, which allows users to restrict specific viewers without entirely blocking them. Why do people use it? Often, it’s to keep specific followers—like overly curious relatives—from seeing more personal posts.
This feature acts as a temporary privacy tool. But what happens when you unhide someone? Can they view the stories you posted while they were hidden? Let’s dive in and uncover the details.
Can someone see the story after you unhide them on Instagram?
When sharing stories on Instagram, many users often choose to hide specific followers. If you decide to unhide them later, they’ll regain access to any stories you post after the change. By unhiding someone, you restore their ability to view your stories, just like the rest of your followers.
Read More: How to Search Someone’s Followers List on Instagram
How do you hide and unhide a story on Instagram?
If you’re curious about Instagram’s hide and unhide story feature, we’ve got a step-by-step guide for you. Follow these instructions to manage who can see your Instagram stories.
How to Hide Your Story from Specific People:
- Open Instagram and tap the Your Story icon in the top left corner. Alternatively, select the + icon at the bottom and go to Story.
- Tap the Gear icon (top right) to access Camera settings.
- Tap the Story option at the top of the settings page.
- Under Viewing, select Hide story from and tap People.
- Find the user you want to hide your story from and tap the circle next to their name. A checkmark indicates they can no longer see your stories.
How to Unhide Your Story:
- Repeat steps 1-4 above to access your Hide story from the list.
- Locate the user you want to unhide or use the search bar at the top to find them.
- Tap the checkmark next to their name to unhide your story from them.
If you’re still unsure about letting them see your content, consider deleting specific stories before unhiding them. If deleting isn’t an option, there are other ways to manage story visibility—keep reading for more tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone see my stories immediately after I unhide them?
Yes, once you unhide someone on Instagram, they will be able to view any new stories you post after the change. However, they won’t see stories shared while they are hidden.
Will they know I previously hid my stories from them?
No, Instagram doesn’t notify users when they’re hidden or unhidden from stories. This process is private and remains undisclosed to the other person.
Can they see old stories if I unhide them?
No, unhiding only gives them access to future stories. Past stories remain hidden as they were not visible during the hidden period.
How do I unhide my story from someone?
Go to your Instagram Settings > Privacy > Story > Hide story from. Here, you can uncheck anyone from whom you previously hid your story.
Will my hidden story highlights remain invisible to them after I unhide them?
If the stories you posted, while they were hidden, are saved to highlights, those highlights will still be visible after unhiding, as they act like regular posts.
Can I re-hide my story from the same person after unhiding?
Yes, you can hide and unhide stories from specific people as often as you like. Just follow the steps to add or remove them from the “Hide story from” list.
Do they need to follow me to see my stories after I unhide them?
Yes, like all followers, they’ll need to be following you (if you have a private account) to view your stories, even after unhiding. For public accounts, anyone can see your stories when unhidden.
Are there alternative ways to prevent someone from seeing a specific story?
If you’re concerned about a specific post, consider deleting it or using close friends for selective story sharing without needing to hide or unhide users repeatedly.
Conclusion
Instagram’s hide-and-unhide story feature offers a flexible way to control who views your stories without permanently blocking or unfollowing anyone. Unhiding someone allows them to see future stories, though past hidden stories remain inaccessible.
This tool is ideal for managing privacy on a case-by-case basis, giving you the freedom to adjust your audience as needed. Remember, if you have concerns about specific content visibility, consider using Instagram’s close friends feature or temporarily deleting stories. This feature is a valuable option for maintaining both privacy and connection on social media.