Have you ever wondered if it’s possible to see deleted Instagram posts? Whether it’s your own deleted content or posts from someone else you want to view, Instagram does not make it easy to access removed content.
In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about recovering and viewing deleted Instagram posts and photos. You’ll learn how to see your own archived posts, how to view someone else’s deleted content, and methods people use to download and repost deleted Instagram photos.
How Instagram’s Archive Works for Deleting Posts
When you delete a post or story on Instagram, it is not immediately erased. Instagram stores deleted posts, photos, and videos in an archive for a period of time before permanently deleting them.
Here’s how it works:
- When you delete content, Instagram removes it from your profile and feed. Other users can no longer see it.
- The deleted content goes into your account’s archive. You have access to your archive and can restore deleted posts if needed.
- After 30 days, deleted posts are permanently erased from Instagram’s servers. At this point, it is impossible to recover them.
- Instagram also stores your archived stories for 24 hours. You can restore stories during this time.
So in summary, you have a 30-day window to access deleted posts and a 24-hour period to restore stories before they are gone forever.
Viewing Your Own Deleted Instagram Posts
If you want to see posts you have deleted from your own Instagram account, follow these steps:
- Open the Instagram app and go to your Instagram profile page.
- Tap the three line menu in the top right corner.
- Select “Settings“.
- Choose “Account” from the menu.
- Tap “Recently Deleted“.
- You will now see your archived posts for the last 30 days.
- Tap a post to restore it to your profile or tap “Delete” to permanently erase if from Instagram.
This Recently Deleted section allows you to recover anything you may have deleted by accident. You can also save any photos you want to keep before they are gone for good.
What About Deleted Instagram Stories?
To view your archived Instagram stories:
- Go to your profile and tap on your story ring icon.
- You will see a tab called “Archive” here with your stories from the last 24 hours.
So fortunately, Instagram gives you a bit of time to re-access deleted posts and stories if you change your mind. But after 30 days, posts are gone for good.
Is There Any Way to View Someone Else’s Deleted Instagram Posts?
What if there is a deleted Instagram post from someone else that you want to view? Is there any way to see posts that other people have removed from their profiles?
Unfortunately, Instagram does not provide any official tools to view other people’s deleted content. When someone removes one of their posts or stories, it is gone from their public profile for good.
However, there are a few unofficial methods people use to try and view deleted Instagram posts:
- Third-party apps – Some apps (like Glassagram) claim they can retrieve deleted posts by searching Instagram data. However, Instagram blocks these apps from accessing user content.
- Google search caching – Google and other search engines sometimes cache old versions of Instagram posts. You may be able to find a deleted post in cached search results.
- Friends who screenshotted – If someone else screenshotted or saved the post before it was deleted, they may be able to send it to you.
- Reposts and shares – If the deleted post was reposted or shared by other users, you can sometimes find and view the content that way.
But in general, if someone deletes an Instagram post or story, it is very difficult to recover or view it without their consent. Instagram’s archive system prevents deleted content from being accessed again.
Is It Possible to See Deleted Instagram Posts of Others Legally?
It’s not possible to view someone else’s deleted Instagram posts in a manner that complies with Instagram’s terms of service. Any third-party apps that claim to offer this feature likely violate Instagram’s policies, potentially putting your own account at risk.
Can You Download Someone Else’s Deleted Instagram Photos?
Some people download and re-upload deleted Instagram photos they want to share or expose. Is this allowed by Instagram’s terms of service?
The short answer is no. Instagram prohibits the unauthorized use of other people’s photos or videos. Their terms state:
“You can’t attempt to create accounts or access or collect information in unauthorized ways. This includes creating accounts or collecting information in an automated way without our express permission.”
So it is against Instagram’s rules to download and repost someone else’s deleted content without their consent. Instagram may ban accounts that repeatedly violate their terms of service in this way.
However, Instagram photo leaks and reposts still happen frequently, especially with celebrity accounts. There is little Instagram can do to fully prevent unauthorized downloading via screenshotting, file sharing sites, etc.
But ethically speaking, you should avoid spreading someone’s deleted Instagram content without their permission. And you may face legal issues or Instagram banning if caught.
Key Takeaways on Viewing Deleted Instagram Posts
Here are the key points to remember:
- You can see your own deleted posts for 30 days and stories for 24 hours in the Instagram Archive.
- After the time limit, deleted content is permanently gone from Instagram’s servers.
- There is no official way to see someone else’s deleted Instagram posts. Instagram removes access after deletion.
- Third party apps claiming to show deleted posts often don’t work or violate Instagram’s terms.
- You should not download and repost others’ deleted content without permission due to privacy and legal concerns.
So be careful what photos and messages you share on Instagram in the first place. Once it’s deleted, it’s very difficult to view or recover beyond the 24-48 hour archive period Instagram provides.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deleted Instagram Posts
Here are answers to some common questions people have about viewing deleted Instagram content:
Can I see my friends’ expired stories?
No, you cannot see someone else’s expired stories. Only the original poster can view deleted stories for 24 hours after they disappear.
What about posts I’ve deleted from my story?
Your own deleted story posts can be viewed in your Archive for up to 24 hours before being permanently deleted.
Someone reposted my deleted photo – can I get it taken down?
You can report the reposted image and Instagram may remove it. But preventing deletion and reposts of your content is difficult.
Are third party apps that show deleted posts legal?
No. Apps that display deleted content without permission violate Instagram’s terms and may face legal action. Most do not work anyway due to API restrictions.
If I delete an Instagram account, can someone recover my old posts?
When you delete an entire account, all associated posts are permanently erased within 30 days and cannot be recovered.
Can I see old posts if I don’t have an Instagram account?
No, you must have an account and follow someone to see their non-deleted posts. There’s no way to view posts anonymously.
What happens if I delete posts that I’m tagged in?
The posts will disappear from your profile but remain visible on the original poster’s account. The tag will simply show as @[deleted-user].
Hopefully this article clearly explains how Instagram’s archive and deletion process works. While you can temporarily recover your own deleted content, viewing someone else’s expired posts and stories is virtually impossible without their consent. Always think carefully before posting to Instagram if you may want to delete it later.
