Instagram explores internal “read-only mode” for browsing

Instagram is internally exploring a new feature called “read-only mode,” which would allow users to browse profiles without leaving a digital footprint of their activity. According to screenshots shared by reverse engineering expert Alessandro Paluzzi, the mode would prevent users from liking posts, leaving comments, sending direct messages, following accounts, or viewing Stories.

The feature appears to be linked to “Instagram Plus,” a potential paid subscription tier, suggesting that invisible browsing could become a premium benefit. This would allow users to view content without the risk of accidental interactions, such as liking an old photo.

A spokesperson for Instagram clarified that the mode is currently an “internal-only exploration” and is not being tested with external users. Consequently, the feature may never be officially released. Some concerns have been raised regarding whether such a mode could facilitate unwanted stalking by removing the visibility cues, such as Story views, that users currently rely on to see who is interacting with their content.