Can I see someone's story who I don't follow?

Maybe they have restricted who can view their stories or set their account to private.

It depends. Some platforms might show your story to a wider audience based on certain algorithms or settings, but generally, it's less likely for someone who doesn't follow you to see it directly.

Well, in many cases, no. Usually, you need to follow someone to have access to their stories. But some social media might show you recommended or public stories from people you don't follow.

Generally, you can't. Social media platforms often restrict story viewing to followers to protect users' privacy and control the sharing of personal content. But there could be some exceptions depending on the platform's settings and the user's privacy choices.

Sure. In Snapchat, you can add someone as a friend (which is like following) but there are ways to avoid seeing their stories. You can adjust your settings so that you don't receive story notifications from them. Also, if you quickly swipe past their story when it shows up briefly, it's like not seeing it. This allows you to maintain the connection of following while having control over the stories you view.

Sure. Usually, the privacy and settings options on social media apps give you the flexibility to follow a person and customize what content from them you want to view, including the option to hide their stories.

Maybe you just don't have an interest in that person or the topic of their story. It could be that it doesn't relate to your current mood or experiences.

It depends on the platform and its privacy settings. Some apps might allow it, but on many, if you don't follow them, they won't be notified of your view.

Yes. On TikTok, you can follow an account, but if you don't want to see their stories (known as TikTok Stories), you can just not engage with that part of their content. The TikTok feed mainly focuses on the regular videos they post, and stories are a bit separate. So as long as you don't actively seek out their stories, you can follow them without really seeing their stories.

No, usually only those who follow you can see your story.