How Snapchat Story Privacy Actually Works
Snapchat lets you control who sees your stories through three main options: “Everyone,” “Friends Only,” and “Custom.” The “Custom” option is what you use to block specific people. Once you exclude someone, your expectation is simple: they shouldn’t see your story, period.
But if you’re thinking, “i blocked someone from seeing my story on snapchat but they still saw it,” it probably means one of a few things went wrong:
You didn’t actually block them through Story Settings (maybe you thought you did). You posted the Story before setting the block. You misunderstood what “block” means on Snapchat—it’s possible they’re still seeing public content or content you shared elsewhere.
Let’s look closer.
Possible Reasons They Still Saw Your Story
1. You Blocked Too Late
Timing matters. If you blocked the user after posting your Story, they might’ve already seen it. Snapchat doesn’t retroactively apply story visibility settings—so changes affect only future posts.
2. You Didn’t Use the Custom Privacy Setting Properly
Some users block someone by removing them from their Friends list or even fully blocking them on Snapchat. But unless you go into the Story settings and specifically exclude them using the “Custom” option, they’re still in the default audience.
Here’s how to check it: Go to your profile > Settings > ‘View My Story’ > tap “Custom” > make sure they’re actually checked off. Otherwise, the restriction isn’t active.
3. You Shared to a Public Story
Snapchat has multiple Story types—like regular Stories, Custom Stories, and the My AI Story feed. If you accidentally posted to a public story (or enabled visibility in Spotlight or Snap Map), someone you blocked in the main settings might still see it.
Revisit your posting history. What did you actually share to? If it went to a Public Story, it’s discoverable.
4. You’re Mistaken About What They Saw
Did they mention something that was in your Story, and you assumed they saw it firsthand? It’s possible they heard about it through someone else—Snap screenshots and discussions happen. Or maybe your account settings allow friendsoffriends to view some posts, depending on how things are configured.
Snoopers have creative workarounds. Don’t underestimate social engineering.
5. They Used Another Account
The oldest trick in the book—fake or secondary accounts. If someone’s really trying to keep tabs on you, they might’ve created an alternate account that you didn’t block. If your stories are set to be viewed by “Friends” and the new account is in there, they’ll see everything.
This is especially common in situations where people are suspicious or intrusive. If you’re wondering, “i blocked someone from seeing my story on snapchat but they still saw it”, this is a likely culprit.
What You Can Do About It
DoubleCheck Privacy Settings
Go directly to your Story settings: Tap your Bitmoji/avatar Tap the gear icon for settings Go to “View My Story” and review the listed users under “Custom”
Make sure the person isn’t just unfriended, but actually excluded.
Don’t Post to Public Stories
Be intentional about where you’re posting. Avoid “Snap Map,” “Our Story,” or Spotlight if you’re trying to maintain privacy. Stick to “My Story” with custom visibility on.
Consider Using Private Stories
Snapchat lets you create “Private Stories,” which are shared only with a list you pick. That’s even more restrictive than the “Custom” setting. Hit the “+ Private Story” option on your profile screen, name the Story, and select who can view it.
If you want airtight privacy, this is the way to go.
Monitor Viewers
Regularly check the viewer list of each Story. If a suspicious or unknown name keeps showing up, remove or block that user. And be cautious of new friend requests with vague info—it could be your blocked user in disguise.
Is Snapchat Just Buggy?
Not usually. Snapchat’s privacy controls are predictable if used correctly. But human error and assumptions cause most of these control lapses. In rare cases (say, app glitches during updates), a block might not apply cleanly. If you suspect that’s happened, log out, reinstall the app, and reset your settings just to ensure everything’s saved as intended.
Final Thoughts on i blocked someone from seeing my story on snapchat but they still saw it
Snapchat privacy settings give you tools, but they’re only as effective as how you use them. If you’re still saying, “*i blocked someone from seeing my story on snapchat but they still saw it”*, it’s time for a deep look at your settings, habits, and the people in your digital circle.
Want peace of mind? Use Private Stories, manually select viewers, and keep an eye on who’s watching. Digital boundaries are only real if you enforce them.

Charleson Youngoron
Is the visionary founder of Winder Sportisa, a company dedicated to excellence in the sports industry. With a passion for both sports and business, Charleson has combined his extensive knowledge and experience to create a dynamic organization that prioritizes community, integrity, and innovation. Under his leadership, Winder Sportisa has grown into a respected name, known for its commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment. Charleson's dedication to these core values has been instrumental in shaping the company's culture and guiding its success. His forward-thinking approach and unwavering commitment to quality continue to drive Winder Sportisa to new heights.
