Instagram internally exploring a 'read-only' browsing mode for Plus subscribers
Instagram is internally developing a feature that would let Plus subscribers browse profiles without leaving any trace — no likes, comments, messages or story views. The company says it's purely an internal exploration, not being tested externally.
App researcher Alessandro Paluzzi shared screenshots on X revealing that Instagram is internally working on a feature described as a "read-only mode."
How it would work
According to the leaked images, the mode would let a user browse a profile without the ability to like, comment, message, follow, or view stories. In effect, someone could look through content without leaving any record of what they viewed. The screenshots suggest the feature is being conceived as a perk tied to the paid Instagram Plus subscription.
Company response
An Instagram spokesperson told Engadget that the read-only mode is "an internal only exploration, not testing externally at all," indicating the feature is far from any public rollout — and may never launch, as companies regularly experiment with concepts that never reach users.
The statement did not address whether Instagram has internally considered that reduced visibility of this kind could enable stalking or other misuse. It remains unclear whether such safety concerns would be resolved before any external testing or eventual release.
