The feature would allow users to view profiles but would not enable liking, messaging or following.

Instagram could be inadvertently empowering lurkers with a new element in its paid add-on package, which would enable read-only viewing of IG profiles.

As per the above image, shared by app researcher Alessandro Paluzzi, Instagram is testing a new option that would let users view a profile in read-only mode.

When viewing a profile in this mode, users wouldn’t be able to like or comment on posts. Which could be handy for those looking to spy on people in the app, alleviating the concern that they might accidentally slip up and like a post from three years back.

This is a surefire tell for lurkers. People who are looking through old posts tend to be digging a little deeper than a casual visitor, which could indicate a higher level of interest.

Read-only mode could be valuable for somebody looking up info on their latest crush, though this could also potentially aid stalkers.

Should that be a use case that Instagram is actively seeking to support?

That question likely comes down to different opinions on the nature of how this option could be used.

But paying subscribers to Instagram Plus may soon have this as another add-on function, which could make it a more interesting package for some users.

As noted above, viewing a profile in read-only mode would also mean that the viewer cannot message a user, or follow or view a users’ Stories.

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