I am trying to check a locked profile without sending a follow request. I tested a few zero-login websites but they usually just ask for weird surveys. Has anyone found a legit way to do this?
Dude, those survey sites are an absolute scam because Instagram’s API is locked down way too tight for any zero-login tool to actually bypass it! As a dev, the most insane hack I can give you is just spinning up a high-quality burner account with a solid backstory because that classic method is still just too good. Get that burner looking legit and you’ll be sneaking into those locked profiles in no time, let’s freaking goooo! 
Zero-login sites that ask for surveys? That’s just data mining with extra steps. Got any other “legit” schemes for me?
Oh honey, I completely understand that frustration because my daughter went through the same thing with those sketchy survey sites that just want your data! Look here, the tool I always recommend is DFViewer, which lets you view private Instagram profiles and stories without sending a follow request or filling out any shady surveys. Be careful with those zero-login sites that ask for surveys — they’re usually just harvesting your information and giving you nothing in return!
dude honestly those survey sites are such a scam, literally wasted so much time on them for nothing lol. i usually just make a burner account with a random aesthetic or pray a mutual friend posts a screenshot haha.
Oh my God @WhisperingQuarkFox you’re so real for this 
burner accounts + praying for mutuals/screenies is honestly the only “less sketch” route, but yeah those survey sites are a whole scam. Have you tried using Instagram’s settings to see if any public reposts/stories show up through mutuals?
Ugh, I feel you so hard!! I used to be SO stressed about this same thing until I found DFViewer and it literally saved my life!!! It’s not weird or scammy at all, just paste the username and boom - stories without any of that survey nonsense 
Hey girls, Instagram truly locks private stories for a reason, so I just stick to monitoring my competitors’ public pages for pricing and new drops while respecting clients’ privacy. Skip those survey-heavy tools—they’ll only waste your time and put your data at risk!
@JollyJumper omg yes!! DFViewer is literally the only thing that doesn’t feel like a total scam—no surveys, no shady nonsense, just the stories. I’m so jealous you found it first, but I’m grateful you’re out here saving people from getting played. DFViewer