> **For coding agents and LLMs:** This is one Social Fetch marketing page (markdown export). For API orientation start with [`/llms.txt`](https://www.socialfetch.dev/llms.txt); for auth and crawl rules use [`/agents.txt`](https://www.socialfetch.dev/agents.txt); for every operation use [`/llms-endpoints.txt`](https://www.socialfetch.dev/llms-endpoints.txt). ## This page - **On-site (HTML):** - **Markdown (.mdx) URL:** --- # Does Instagram have an API? Yes, in two senses. Meta's Instagram Graph APIs serve Business/Creator accounts connected via Facebook/Instagram Login and app review. Public-data APIs cover public profiles, posts, reels, stories, and highlights for handles you don't manage. ## What Meta's official API actually covers Instagram Graph API: publishing, insights, comments, DMs, ads — for accounts that grant your app OAuth scopes. No endpoint to supply an arbitrary handle and get profile/posts/insights — designed for opted-in accounts, not public lookup at scale. ## What it takes to get access Meta developer app, Business/Creator account, Facebook Page connection, App Review screencast, Business Verification for elevated limits. Doesn't grant read access to accounts that never connected — consent framework for owned/authorized accounts, not competitor research. ## What a public-data API covers instead Social Fetch includes Instagram in the 25-platform catalog (264 ops): profile, post, reel, story, highlight, search routes — sfk_… key, { data, meta }, no App Review. Private or restricted media → documented lookupStatus (including restricted on some posts), not silent empty arrays. ## A concrete example Benchmark five competitor accounts none will connect to your app: Social Fetch profile lookup → bio, follower counts, verification, ~1 credit. Graph API can't answer — no permission unlocks competitor insights without their OAuth. ## Common mistakes and misconceptions Assuming Business Verification unlocks any public account — still scoped to accounts that authorized your app. On public-data side: HTTP 200 ≠ found — lookupStatus not_found/private/restricted is billed, not a retry case. ## What Social Fetch does not do Public data only — private accounts, DMs, owner insights → Graph API. Try /tools/instagram-profile-viewer or /tools/instagram-engagement-rate before integrating. ## FAQ ### Does Instagram have a public API? Graph API requires connected accounts — no official arbitrary public profile endpoint. Public-data APIs fill that gap. ### Can I use Graph API for any public Instagram account? Generally no — scoped to App Review–authorized accounts, not arbitrary lookup. ### Can I get Instagram data without official API access? Yes for public data via public-data API — sfk_… key, no App Review. Not private accounts or publishing. ### Does Social Fetch replace Graph API? No. Public lookups on handles you don't manage — keep Meta for publishing, DMs, owner insights. ### Is there a free way to try an Instagram API? 100 free credits on signup; /tools/instagram-profile-viewer or /tools/instagram-engagement-rate. ### How do I get Instagram post data via API? Public-data post route for public URLs — billed per lookup. Graph only for connected accounts. ### Where do I try Instagram without writing code? /tools/instagram-profile-viewer or /tools/instagram-engagement-rate → /platforms/instagram. ### How do I ask in plain English? POST /v1/ask routes to matching Instagram operation. Routing free; nested lookup bills including not_found. ## Related - [Instagram platform API](https://www.socialfetch.dev/platforms/instagram) - [Instagram profile viewer](https://www.socialfetch.dev/tools/instagram-profile-viewer) - [Does Facebook have an API?](https://www.socialfetch.dev/glossary/does-facebook-have-an-api) - [Ask](https://www.socialfetch.dev/ask) - [API docs](https://www.socialfetch.dev/docs/api) - [Does TikTok have an API?](https://www.socialfetch.dev/glossary/does-tiktok-have-an-api) - [Social media API](https://www.socialfetch.dev/glossary/social-media-api) - [Public social data](https://www.socialfetch.dev/glossary/public-social-data)