Why people can't see your Story

"People can't see my Story" – The issue can be on your side or the viewer's. Common causes are privacy settings, who follows you and app version. Here's how to check.

When it happens / why it happens

• Viewer doesn't follow – Stories are only shown to followers. If someone doesn't follow – they won't see it.
• Private account – Only approved followers see. If you haven't approved – they won't see your Story.
• Viewing restrictions – "Hide story from" or "Restricted" – then some followers don't see.
• Block – If you blocked someone (or they blocked you), they won't see your Story.
• App version – Older versions sometimes don't show Stories correctly. Updating helps.

What to check – step by step

1. Make sure the Story was published – Go to your profile and see if the Story circle is active. If not – the Story wasn't uploaded or expired after 24 hours.

2. Check privacy settings – Settings > Privacy > Stories. Make sure there's no "Hide story from" or list that blocks some followers. Read How to make Stories on Instagram.

3. Private account – If the account is private, only approved followers see. If someone wants to see – they need to request to follow and you need to approve.

4. Ask the viewer to update – Sometimes the issue is on their side: old app, cache or connection. Updating the app and refreshing can help.

5. Remove restrictions – If you added someone to "Hide story from" – remove them from the list and they'll see again.

Common mistakes

• Thinking everyone sees – Only followers (and on private accounts – approved only). Stories don't get broad reach like Reels.
• Ignoring settings – The "Hide story from" list can include people without you realizing.
• Not checking if the Story actually uploaded – Make sure the Story circle is active on your profile.

Summary

Story isn't visible when the viewer doesn't follow, when the account is private and not approved, or when "Hide story from" settings block them. Check Story privacy, confirm the Story was published and ask the viewer to update the app.

Next steps

• How to make Stories on Instagram – Story basics
• How to post Stories only to Close Friends – control who sees
• Why your Story looks blurry – quality