How to View a Private Snapchat Story without Being Added

Snapchat is built for privacy. It's one of the few social media platforms where posts disappear and users have full control over who sees their content. 

That's why private Snapchat stories exist—they're stories shared only with a selected group of people. If you're not on that list, you're out of luck.

But what if you're trying to see someone's private story and can't? Maybe you used to see their stories, but now they've disappeared. Maybe you think a friend has a private story that you're not part of. Or maybe you're a parent wanting to check on your child's Snapchat activity.

If you're wondering how to view a private Snapchat story, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

Part 1: Can I See Someone's Private Snapchat Story?

No, Snapchat lets users choose who can see their stories. A private Snapchat story is only visible to a specific group of friends. Even if you're following someone, you won't see their private stories unless they've personally added you.

If you suddenly can't see someone's story, there's a good chance they've removed you from their private list—or they never added you in the first place.

Part 2: How to View a Private Snapchat Story?

There's no magic trick to see someone's private Snapchat story if they haven't added you. But here's what you can try:

1. Ask Them to Add You

If it's someone you know, just ask them. Seriously, the easiest way to get access to a private story is to be upfront about it.

2. Check If They Removed You

Go to your Snapchat friends list. If they're still there, they may have just changed their privacy settings. If they're gone, they probably removed or blocked you.

3. Create a Second Snapchat Account

Some people create a second account and send a friend request to see if they'll be added to the private story. This might work if they accept random requests, but most people only add close friends to private stories.

4. Use a Snapchat Monitoring App

If you have a legitimate reason to monitor someone's Snapchat activity—like being a parent checking on your child—apps like KidsGuard for Snapchat can give you access to private stories, messages, and snaps without being their friends.

KidsGuard for Snapchat is a Snapchat monitoring tool designed for parents and employers who need to track Snapchat activity. Unlike sketchy online "Snapchat story viewers," this actually works.

What KidsGuard for Snapchat Can Do:

• View Private Stories – Even if you weren't added.
• Track Snapchat Messages – Even deleted ones.
• See Snaps & Media Files – View everything shared on the account.
• Stealth Mode – Works in the background without being detected.
• 3-Day Free Trial – 3 days free for trying all the premium features.

How KidsGuard for Snapchat Works:

Step 1. Create an account

Click "Try It Free" to choose a plan based on your needs. After that, the account and password will be sent to your email. Then you can log into the official KidsGuard for Snapchat website with the account.

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Step 2. Install the app

Follow the setup guide to install this app on the target device. You'll need to visit snap.clevguard.store with the target device's browser to install and configure it.

After you tap "Verify Setup," this target Snapchat account will be bound to your ClevGuard account, and this app will be invisible on the target device, which allows you to monitor someone's Snapchat without being detected.

Step 3. Monitor Snapchat activity

On your device, you can log into your ClevGuard account and enter the Member Center by clicking your profile picture. Go to My Benefits > My Product, find KidsGuard for Snapchat, and click Start Monitoring.

Go to Snap & Stories, here, you can check someone's Snapchat activities, including private stories.

It's not a hack—it's a tool designed for responsible Snapchat monitoring, especially for parents.

Part 3: Why Can't I See Someone's Public Story on Snapchat?

If you found that you can't see someone's public story, here's why you might be missing out on someone's stories

1. You Weren't Added to Their Private Story List

The most obvious reason — they just didn't add you. Private stories are invite-only, and if you're not on the list, you won't see them.

2. They Removed You from Their Private Story

Maybe you were able to see their stories before, but now they're gone. They could have removed you from their private list. This happens more often than you'd think—people update their settings all the time.

3. Their Story Settings Are Set to Friends Only

If their account isn't public, only mutual friends can see their stories. If you haven't added them (or they haven't added you back), you're not getting in.

4. They Unfriended or Blocked You

If you suddenly stopped seeing all of someone's content, they might have removed or blocked you. Check your friend list—if they're not there, that's your answer.

5. They Just Stopped Posting

If you haven't seen their stories in a while, it's possible they just haven't been posting. Not everything is personal.

Part 4: How to Create a Private Story on Snapchat?

Now you know how to view a private Snapchat story and why you can't see someone's public story on Snapchat. Want to make your own private story? Here's how:

Step 1: Open Snapchat & Go to Your Profile

Tap your Bitmoji in the top left corner.

Step 2: Create a New Private Story

Under "My Stories", tap "+ New Story" and select New Private Story.

Step 3: Choose Who Can See It

Select the friends who will have access. Only they will see these stories.

Step 4: Post as Usual

Take a snap and post—it will only be visible to the people you picked.

FAQs About Private Snapchat Stories

No. Unless the user adds you, you won't see it. The only way to access private stories is through direct permission or a monitoring app like KidsGuard for Snapchat.

No. Snapchat doesn't send notifications for failed viewing attempts. However, if you are added, they'll see you on the viewers list.

Nope. Private stories are exactly that—private. If you're not invited, you won't see them.

Look for a purple lock icon next to their story—that means it's private, and you're on their list. If you don't see it, you're not included.

Conclusion: The Bottom Line on Snapchat Privacy

Snapchat is built for privacy. The concept of private stories is part of that. If you're not on someone's list, there's no built-in way to access their content. If you think someone removed you, asking them directly is always the best approach.

For those who wonder how to view a private Snapchat story without being added, you can use a Snapchat monitoring tool – KidsGuard for Snapchat - a legitimate parental control tool that allows private story viewing, message tracking, and snap recovery.

At the end of the day, Snapchat's private stories are meant to be just that—private. Still, if you're on the hunt for credible ways to keep tabs on what's happening on Snap, this guide is a great place to start.

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