Snapchat has become one of the most popular social media platforms, especially among younger users. One of Snapchat’s key features is Stories, which allow users to post photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours. While Stories posted to a user’s main profile are visible to their friends, Snapchat also allows users to create hidden Stories that are not linked to their public profile and can only be viewed by people they choose. Here are some tips on how to find and view hidden Snapchat Stories.
What are Hidden Stories on Snapchat?
Hidden Stories, also called private Stories or ghost Stories, are Stories that don’t appear on a user’s public profile or Snapchat Map location. They can only be viewed by Snapchat friends that the user manually adds to the hidden Story. This allows Snapchatters to post more personal content that they may not want everyone on their friends list to see, while still being able to share it with their closest friends.
For example, someone may have a main Story that they share publicly with all their friends. But they might also have a hidden Story just for their best friends to view or for a specific event or group like a vacation or wedding party. Hidden Stories function just like regular Snapchat Stories, but with limited visibility set by the creator.
Benefits of Hidden Stories
- More privacy and control over who can view your content
- Share a more intimate Story with close friends
- Use separate Stories for different groups and occasions
- Prevent unwanted people from seeing certain content
How to Find Hidden Stories
Since hidden Stories don’t appear in search results or someone’s public profile, you need to know where to look to find them. Here are some tips for discovering hidden Snapchat Stories.
Look for Snapchat Map indicators
On the Snapchat Map, you may see map icons that reveal a hidden Story for that location. For example, if you see a wedding chapel icon, it likely means someone you know has a hidden Story from a wedding there. Tapping on the icon will let you request access to view the hidden Story.
Pay attention to Chat conversations
Sometimes Snapchatters mention they have a hidden Story in chat messages. If a friend says they have a new hidden Story or asks if you want access, that’s your cue to ask them to view it.
Check notifications
When someone adds you to view their hidden Story, you’ll get a notification letting you know. Keep an eye out for notifications that say something like “Someone added you to their private Story” and then go view it.
Look for hints in captions
If you see a friend post a Snap or Story with a caption hinting at a hidden Story, like “only my close friends get to see the wedding pics,” comment and ask them to add you!
How to View Hidden Stories on Snapchat
Once you’ve discovered that a friend has a hidden Story you want to see, here are the steps to view it:
- Open your Snapchat app and go to your friend’s profile that has the hidden Story.
- Tap on their username at the top of the profile screen.
- This will open a menu – tap “View Story.”
- On the next screen, tap on the Story you want to view. It will say “Private” or “Custom” below the name.
- If it’s a private Story, you will need to either request access or have already been approved to view. For custom Stories, you just need to subscribe.
- Start viewing the Story just like any other! You can tap forward or backward to navigate through Snaps.
Once you’ve been added to view a hidden Story, you can access it again anytime until it disappears after 24 hours or the creator removes you. So if you see something that says “Private Story” or “Custom Story” on a friend’s profile, that’s your sign there’s exclusive content to uncover!
Other Ways Friends Can Share Hidden Stories
In addition to the main hidden Story format, there are a couple other ways friends can share Stories while limiting visibility:
Group Stories
Group Stories allow Snapchatters to contribute Snaps to a Story shared between multiple friends. The Story will only be visible to contributors. It’s a great way to capture memories of an event or trip with close friends.
Close Friends Stories
With Close Friends Stories, users can easily share a Story with just their best friends list instead of everyone. Only the friends added to the Close Friends list will be able to view these Stories.
Snapchat Discover Stories
Some Snapchat Discover channels feature “invite-only” Stories that users can only view when invited by a friend. These operate similarly to private Stories, but are tied to Snapchat media partners.
Hidden Story Etiquette
When engaging with hidden Stories, there are some etiquette guidelines to keep in mind:
- Don’t screenshot or save Snaps without permission
- Don’t share hidden Story access without approval
- Be respectful and supportive in comments
- Keep hidden Stories private – no gossiping!
- Thank friends for inviting you to view their hidden Stories
Following basic Snapchat etiquette makes the platform more fun for everyone!
Conclusion
Uncovering hidden Snapchat Stories can provide a unique glimpse into friends’ lives and special events. While it takes some effort to find them, hidden Stories usually provide more candid, intimate content than public Stories. To discover hidden Stories, look for Snap Map icons, check conversations and notifications, watch for hints from friends, and learn how to identify and view private Stories. Remember to always be polite and respectful when engaging with someone’s hidden or close friends Story.
Some key takeaways include:
- Hidden Stories are private Stories not linked to a user’s public profile
- Look for map icons, chat hints, notifications, and captions to find them
- Request access or subscribe to view private and custom Stories
- Use Snapchat etiquette and don’t share hidden Stories without permission
- Hidden Stories give a more personal look into friends’ lives
So get searching for those elusive hidden Stories on Snapchat to uncover their exclusive content! Just don’t forget to ask first before sharing anything you see.