Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms in the world with billions of users. Due to the fact that it’s been around for more than a decade, there’s a good chance that you can find someone on the platform.
That said, if you’re frequently searching for users, you may be wondering if they can see that activity. So, can people see if you search them on Instagram? The short answer is no, but of course, the long answer is more complicated than that.
Read on to learn more.
What Is Instagram?
Instagram is a social media platform that’s been around for a long time; it was founded in 2010. In fact, it was one of the first social media platforms to take off after MySpace and Facebook, so billions of people have an account. Back in the day, Instagram was popular because it allowed people to upload photos, leave comments, and like comments.
Today, Instagram is more than just a photo-sharing platform. Short videos, business pages, and much more are available. Plus, people have started to use the platform beyond personal use as it’s a great marketing platform and a fantastic place to display hobbies. What’s more, people are even using the platform to make money by creating content.
Do You Need an Account to Search for People on Instagram?
Yes, you need an account to search for people on Instagram. While you can run a Google search and find someone’s account or even use free people search sites, you won’t be able to view the account without signing up.
The good news is that you don’t have to disclose your name to the public when you create an account, so you can remain anonymous. Still, you’ll have to provide Meta, the parent company of Instagram, with information about your identity or they may not allow you to create an account.
Can People See If You Search Them on Instagram?
No, people can’t see if you search them on Instagram. The only time that someone is notified about your activity on Instagram is if you interact with their profile. For this reason, you don’t have to worry about people knowing what you searched for in the search bar.
Still, you’ll want to be careful because requesting to follow them or viewing something as simple as a story can alert them to your activity.
What Can People See if You Search Them on Instagram?
While people can’t see if you search for them on Instagram, that doesn’t mean they’re not notified when you interact with their profile. For example, if you follow their account or request to follow their account, the user will receive a notification.
Other times people may receive a notification include:
- When you like a post.
- When you share their post with someone else via direct message; it’s not a notification that you did it but it will show that the post was shared.
- When you comment on a post.
- When you like a comment on a post.
- If you like someone’s story.
- When you view someone’s story; not a notification but if they look they can see that you viewed it.
- When you request to follow someone.
- When you send someone a direct message.
There may also be some other notifications based on the type of account you have, but these are the most common notifications that someone will see. Therefore, people can’t see if you search for them, but most profile interactions will result in a notification.
So, Can People See If You Search Them on Instagram?
At the end of the day, people can’t see if you search for them on Instagram. This means that you can look up as many profiles as you like without them knowing that you entered their information into the search bar. That said, if you interact with their profile in any way there’s a good chance that they’ll be notified.
For this reason, if you want to learn about someone on Instagram while remaining anonymous, you’re better off using free people search sites. These sites will help you learn more about Instagram users without revealing your identity or notifying them.