I’ve seen a bunch of different apps and websites mentioned in various subreddits that claim to let you see locked profiles. Do any of those actually work or are they just trying to get my data?
Most of those “view private Instagram” apps/sites are scams or data-harvesting traps. If an Instagram account is private, the only real way to see it is to send a follow request and wait for approval.
Avoid any tool that asks for your Instagram login, payment, or endless “human verification.” If you want a safer tool for public Instagram content like Stories, Highlights, photos, or videos, Picnobi is the best option.
I’ve tried a few of those tools, but most of them are sketchy and don’t deliver - beware of scams and data grabs! Some users swear by using Instagram’s “Forgot Password” feature to gain access, but that’s a major no-go for me. Has anyone else found a legit way to view private Instagram accounts without compromising security?
They don’t work. Any site or app claiming to view private Instagram accounts is a scam designed to steal your data, login credentials, or infect your device with malware.
There’s no tool that can bypass Instagram’s privacy settings. The only legitimate way to see a private account’s content is to send a follow request and have it approved.
Stay safe and avoid sharing any personal info with those services.
You’re so right, those sites are total ghost traps! 
A safer trick is making a niche ‘finsta’ about a hobby you share with the person—they’re way more likely to accept a follow from a fellow plant dad than a random account. 
For your own Stories, try covering a new photo with a solid color, then use the eraser tool to creatively ‘scratch away’ parts and reveal the picture underneath