How to Know if Someone Is Stalking Your Instagram

What does Instagram stalking mean?

Viewing someone's profile on Instagram in an obsessive or excessive way without interacting directly is what many people are now calling Instagram stalking. This behavior goes beyond the usual, normal interest in someone's posts or stories and points more toward an attraction that is a little out of control.

If you want to see if someone is stalking you on Instagram, there are some signs you can look for, including someone repeatedly checking your profile, liking way too many of your posts, or sending you way too many DMs through fake accounts, but not engaging in any real conversation. Alarmingly, studies show that over 60% of social media users have experienced online stalking.

If you think your ex is stalking your Instagram, pay attention to the details. Are they viewing all your stories, even if you posted them several minutes ago? Are they liking your posts but not engaging with you in any other way? Look for patterns like repeated views of your stories, liking posts without commenting, or following and unfollowing your account frequently.

How to tell if someone is stalking your Instagram

Spotting the signs of stalking can be tricky, as Instagram doesn’t provide a way to see who’s visited your profile. However, certain indirect indicators can help you check if someone is stalking your Instagram. These signs can include unusual engagement patterns, such as frequent views of your stories by non-followers, repeated likes or comments from the same person, etc.

1. Increased profile views

One of the first signs that someone might be stalking your Instagram is increased profile views. While Instagram doesn’t notify you when someone views your profile, you can monitor who's viewing your stories. If a person who doesn't follow you frequently appears as a story viewer, it could indicate they're silently watching your content.

2. Frequent likes and comments from the same user

If a person regularly likes and comments on your stories or posts, it may be a sign they're paying close attention to your account. Some people are just social, but repetitive engagement without real interaction in real life, or at least in DM, can indicate an unhealthy obsession. Keep an eye on any accounts that pop up, especially those you're unfamiliar with.

3. Views on stories and highlights

A common sign of unwanted attention on Instagram is when someone who doesn't follow you often watches your stories. If a particular person is always viewing your stories or highlights but isn't interacting with your posts (likes or comments), they may be silently monitoring your profile.

4. DMs from non-followers

Unexpected DMs from strangers or people you don’t recognize can tell who is stalking your Instagram closely. Even though these messages may seem harmless, they often come from people trying to engage more deeply without leaving any obvious trace of interest. If you're getting unwanted DMs from people you don't know, you might want to consider making your account private.

5. Sudden follows and unfollows

Sudden follows and unfollows may be a sign that someone is watching your Instagram and wants to see if you have any hidden content. If your ex or someone else in your life repeatedly follows and unfollows you, it could indicate they’re tracking your posts while avoiding permanent engagement. Be cautious of such erratic behavior, as it often happens in toxic relationships where boundaries are being crossed.

Recently, a customer contacted Clario Anti Spy’s support and asked how to know if his girlfriend is monitoring his Instagram or has installed spyware on his phone using only his number or IP address. After scanning his device, we confirmed no signs of spyware or unauthorized tracking of his Instagram activity. However, if you're concerned about someone spying on you or tracking your social media, take action and install Clario Anti Spy to secure your devices and protect your privacy.

The Anti-spy setup feature helps secure your Instagram and other social media accounts by guiding you through key privacy measures. Here’s how to use the Clario’s Anti-spy setup:

1. Download Clario Anti Spy and create an account.
2. Open the app and log in.
3. Click on Anti-spy setup in the main menu.
4. Choose the Protect Social Media accounts tab and select Set up Instagram.
5. Follow the guide to complete the steps.

The Anti-spy setup can significantly reduce unwanted interactions and give you peace of mind while using Instagram.  

For further details on protecting your social media accounts from stalkers, check out our article on why your ex stalks your social media.

Can you see who stalks your Instagram?

Unfortunately, Instagram doesn’t offer a way to see if someone is stalking you on Instagram. You can only track story views, and remember that repeated visits without interaction may be a sign of stalking.

To protect your privacy, make sure your account is private, restrict the number of people who can see your posts, and be careful with third-party apps that may access your information.

What to do if you see someone stalking you on Instagram

If you suspect someone is stalking your Instagram, limit story visibility, block suspicious accounts, and report harassment to Instagram. Social media stalking can descend into digital control very swiftly. Being aware of the indicators and taking measures to ensure your safety is of utmost importance.

Here’s what you can do if you want to check if someone is stalking your Instagram:

1. Limit story visibility
2. Block or restrict suspicious accounts
3. Report suspicious behavior to Instagram
4. Consider taking a break or making your profile private

1. Limit story visibility

Instagram lets you control who can view your stories. If you notice suspicious viewers, you can hide your stories from specific accounts using Instagram’s built-in privacy settings. Here is how to do it:

1. Open Instagram settings.
2. Click on Hide story and live.
3. Under Hide story and live from, select the accounts you want to block from viewing your stories.

2. Block or restrict suspicious accounts

One direct way to protect yourself is by blocking or restricting accounts. If you think someone might be stalking you, blocking them will stop them from being able to see your posts and stories. If you're looking for a less permanent option, you can restrict their account, which limits their ability to comment or send you direct messages without alerting them:

1. Go to their profile.
2. Tap the three dots in the top right corner.
3. Select Block or Restrict.

3. Report suspicious behavior to Instagram

If the stalking behavior turns into harassment, report the account to Instagram. Instagram has a feature that allows you to report users who violate its community guidelines. To report a user over the Instagram account, do the following:  

1. Go to their profile.
2. Tap the three dots in the top right corner.
3. Select Report and follow the instructions.

4. Consider taking a break or making your profile private

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider making your profile private or taking a break from Instagram. A private account guarantees that only those you allow to follow you can view your posts. This grants your posts an additional layer of privacy.  

Here’s how to make your profile private:

1. Open the Instagram Settings.
2. Click on the Account privacy tab and toggle on Private Account.

How to stay safe from Instagram stalkers

To protect your Instagram from stalkers, use two-factor authentication, adjust privacy settings, and avoid sharing sensitive details publicly.

1. Use two-factor authentication

Activate two-factor authentication if you want an added layer of protection that ensures only you can log in, even if someone gains access to your password.

Here's how to enable 2FA for your Instagram account:

1. Open Instagram Settings.
2. Click on Accounts Center, then click Password and security.
3. Click Two-factor authentication, then select an Instagram account.
4. Choose the security method you prefer and follow the on-screen instructions.

2. Be cautious with followers and shared content

Carefully review follower requests, especially from unknown or suspicious accounts. By controlling who can follow you and what content they see, you significantly lower the chances of getting unwanted attention.

3. Avoid sharing sensitive information

When you interact with others online, be mindful of the details you reveal about yourself. Avoid posting sensitive information like your full name, address, or daily schedule. Keeping this information private makes it harder for someone to track you and reduces the risk of stalking or harassment.

4. Adjust your privacy settings

Set your account to private. Restrict who can see your posts and stories. Limiting your visibility can reduce the risk of unwanted attention.

Following these steps, you can protect your Instagram account from unwanted attention and maintain your privacy. Remember, securing your account starts with awareness and the right privacy settings.

Final thoughts

It can be tricky to determine if someone is stalking your Instagram, but certain signs can help you identify suspicious behavior. Regular views on your stories, or frequent following and unfollowing, can indicate someone is monitoring your activity closely. To protect yourself, consider adjusting your privacy settings, restricting who can view your stories, or blocking suspicious accounts. Taking these steps will help safeguard your account from unwanted attention.

Additionally, download the Clario Anti Spy app and start securing your Instagram and other social accounts now. Clario’s Anti-spy setup feature guides you through a checklist to apply essential privacy settings, reducing exposure to spyware and unwanted tracking, allowing you to stay proactive and protect your digital life.