Tutorial · Python
How to scrape Instagram search results with Python (2026)
A Python walkthrough for GET /v1/instagram/search/profiles. Copy the snippet, run it, then read the JSON.
GET /v1/instagram/search/profiles · 1 credit per successful request.
In this tutorial
You'll search Instagram for a phrase and see the results you get back.
Example job: find Instagram results for a phrase, then open the URLs you keep.
Step 1
Get ready
Get a Social Fetch API key and a Python environment ready. New accounts include 100 free credits.
API key. Create a Social Fetch account and copy an API key. New accounts include 100 free credits.
Python setup. Python 3 with requests installed (pip install requests). Export SOCIALFETCH_API_KEY.
When you're done, SOCIALFETCH_API_KEY is set in your shell.
Step 2
Make the request
Copy the Python snippet, set SOCIALFETCH_API_KEY, and call GET /v1/instagram/search/profiles with the x-api-key header. Example: /v1/instagram/search/profiles?query=travel+photographer.
You should see HTTP 200, then response.json() with data and meta. Call raise_for_status() before parsing.
Step 3
Read the response
JSON with data (the search results) and meta (creditsCharged, requestId). Sample below is illustrative — field docs live on the endpoint page. Credits charge on completed lookups, not transport failures.
Check data.lookupStatus when present. Keep meta.requestId if a row looks wrong.
Watch out
search hits are discovery rows, not full cards. Hydrate keepers with GET /v1/instagram/profiles/{handle}. Keep the same query when passing cursor.
Step 4
You finished
Same path and credits in playground, docs, and production. Pick a next step below.
FAQ
Common questions
Do I need an official Instagram developer account?
No. Social Fetch authenticates with your Social Fetch API key. You call GET /v1/instagram/search/profiles and we handle upstream access. You still need to follow each platform's terms for how you use public data.
What does the instagram profile search endpoint return?
A JSON envelope with data (the search results) and meta (creditsCharged, requestId). Shape details and field docs live on the endpoint page and in the OpenAPI docs.
Instagram profile search vs hashtag search vs reels search?
Use this route to find accounts by keyword. Use GET /v1/instagram/search/hashtags for tag discovery. Use GET /v1/instagram/search/reels for reel keyword search. They are separate operations on the Instagram hub.
Does Instagram profile search return the full profile card?
No. Treat hits as a shortlist of handles (and related discovery fields). Call GET /v1/instagram/profiles/{handle} for the full card and metrics before you upsert CRM rows.
How much does a successful request cost?
1 credit per successful request.
Is this okay for production?
Yes — same production API as everywhere else: typed errors, requestId on every response, credits charged only on completed lookups. New accounts get 100 free credits.
Any Python-specific tips for this request?
Yes. Call response.raise_for_status() before response.json(), set a timeout on requests.get, and keep response.json()["meta"]["requestId"] when a row looks wrong.
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