View Stories Anonymously, See Rewatch Counts + More in This New Instagram Feature

(SPOT.ph) Anyone who has ever used Instagram for stalking knows the Story viewer list is serious business. Stories may disappear after 24 hours, but let’s be real: the viewer list is often the main event. Who saw it? Who skipped it? Did someone watch it more than once? Now we have a way of knowing.

Meta is testing Instagram Plus in the Philippines, which is essentially a paid subscription that gives users more control over Stories. The plan is offered at P65 per month, with a one-month free trial.

The biggest feature is probably the one that will make your group chat jump for joy: subscribers can view other people’s Stories anonymously, meaning their account will not show up in the poster’s viewer list.

Another feature lets users see how many times their own Stories were rewatched. Just note that it will just show rewatch counts, not necessarily a full list of who replayed your Story again and again. So no, you may not get a name—but you may get just enough information to start making assumptions anyway.

Instagram Plus is also expected to include more Story-focused tools.

For starters, it lets users search for specific names in their Story viewer list. It sounds small, but anyone who has ever scrolled through a long list looking for one specific person knows this would save time (and maybe some dignity).

The subscription may also give users access to more custom audience lists beyond Close Friends. That means you could have more control over who sees what, whether it is for actual friends, coworkers, family, or the people you only allow to see the harmless version of your life.

Then there's the option to extend Stories beyond the usual 24-hour window in case your crush hasn't seen your thirst trap yet. Subscribers may also be able to send animated reactions called “Super Hearts.”

The selected users who are part of the test rollout should see the option in the Instagram app. Go to Settings, then look for Instagram Plus. If it appears, tap it, review the features and price, then follow the payment steps to start the trial or subscribe. Instagram says subscriptions can be managed after purchase, including renewal date and payment method.

If it doesn't appear on your account, it's likely you're not included in the test yet—even if you are in the Philippines.

For those lucky enough to get the trial: enjoy the extra powers responsibly.