Instagram API Changes 2026: Deprecations, Rate Limits & Migration Guide
The Instagram API landscape has shifted dramatically. Here's everything developers and automation builders need to know about the changes, deprecations, and new requirements.
Lead Engineer
Last updated: January 30, 2026
2025-2026 API Landscape
🎯 Key Change
Instagram Basic Display API was fully deprecated on December 4, 2024. All integrations must migrate to the Instagram Graph API, which only supports Business and Creator accounts. Personal account API access no longer exists.
Meta has consolidated Instagram's API infrastructure around the Graph API, prioritizing business features over consumer applications. This means significant changes for developers, automation tools, and anyone integrating with Instagram programmatically.
The shift reflects Meta's broader strategy: supporting business use cases (scheduling, analytics, messaging) while restricting access to personal account data and making unauthorized automation harder.
| API | Status | Account Types | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graph API | Active | Business, Creator | Publishing, Insights, Comments |
| Messaging API | Active | Business, Creator | DMs, Automations |
| Content Publishing API | Active | Business, Creator | Scheduling, Posts, Reels |
| Basic Display API | Deprecated | N/A | No longer functional |
| Marketing API v21 | Deprecated | N/A | Use latest Graph API |
Deprecated APIs & Endpoints
These APIs and endpoints are no longer functional. If your integration relies on any of these, immediate migration is required.
| API/Endpoint | Deprecation Date | Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Display API (entire API) | December 4, 2024 | Graph API (Business/Creator only) |
| Instagram Insights API metrics (some) | January 8, 2025 | Updated Graph API v21+ fields |
| Marketing API v21.0 | September 9, 2025 | Graph API v22+ |
| oEmbed fields (author_name, thumbnail_url, etc.) | November 3, 2025 | None (removed) |
| Facebook Page post oEmbed endpoint | November 3, 2025 | None (deprecated) |
⚠️ Personal Account Access Gone
With Basic Display API deprecated, there is no official way to access personal Instagram account data via API. Only Business and Creator accounts (linked to Facebook Pages) can use the Graph API. This affects any tools that previously pulled personal account feeds, photos, or profile data.
Instagram Graph API Guide
The Instagram Graph API is now the primary (and only) official way to interact with Instagram programmatically. Here's what you need to know:
Requirements
Available Endpoints
| Endpoint Category | Functionality | Permission Required |
|---|---|---|
| User Profile | Read account info, bio, follower count | instagram_basic |
| Media | Read posts, Reels, Stories | instagram_basic |
| Content Publishing | Create posts, Reels, schedule content | instagram_content_publish |
| Insights | Analytics, reach, impressions | instagram_manage_insights |
| Comments | Read/reply to comments | instagram_manage_comments |
| Messaging | DM automation, replies | instagram_manage_messages |
đź’ˇ New in 2025-2026
Recent updates added Collaboration invites management, Trial Reels support, and new Insights metrics like reels_skip_rate and crossposted_views. Webhooks are now supported for comments, mentions, Story insights, and messages.
Rate Limits Reference
Instagram API rate limits are per-account, not per-app. If multiple apps access the same Instagram account, they share the same limit pool.
| API/Endpoint | Limit | Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graph API (general) | 200 calls | Per hour | Per user per app |
| Content Publishing | 25 posts | 24 hours | Accounts <25K followers |
| Content Publishing | 50 posts | 24 hours | Accounts 25K-250K followers |
| Content Publishing | 250 posts | 24 hours | Accounts 250K+ followers |
| Messaging API | Varies | Hourly | Stricter for high-volume |
| Hashtag Search | 30 unique hashtags | 7 days | Rolling window |
⚠️ Rate Limit Tips
- Use webhooks instead of polling to reduce API calls
- Cache responses when possible
- Batch requests where supported
- Monitor the X-App-Usage header for limit status
New Endpoints & Features
Despite the deprecations, Meta has added several new capabilities in 2025:
Collaboration Invites (December 2025)
New endpoints to accept/decline collaboration invites and manage collaborative posts programmatically. Useful for agencies managing multiple creator relationships.
Trial Reels Support
Content Publishing API now supports Trial Reels with optional trial_params. Test content with a limited audience before full distribution.
New Insights Metrics
New fields including reels_skip_rate, crossposted_views, and Facebook-specific view metrics. Better analytics for cross-platform content performance.
Webhook Support Expansion
Webhooks now supported for comments, mentions, Story insights, and messages. Reduces polling overhead and enables real-time integrations.
Migration Guide
If you're still using deprecated APIs, here's how to migrate:
1Convert to Professional Account
Switch personal accounts to Business or Creator mode in Instagram Settings → Account → Switch to Professional Account.
2Link to Facebook Page
Connect your Instagram Professional account to a Facebook Page. This is required for Graph API access.
3Register on Meta Developer Portal
Create an app at developers.facebook.com. Add Instagram Graph API product and configure your app settings.
4Submit for App Review
Request the permissions you need (instagram_basic, instagram_content_publish, etc.). Review process takes 60+ days.
5Update Your Integration
Replace Basic Display API calls with Graph API equivalents. Update token handling for long-lived tokens (60-day expiry with refresh).
Third-Party App Restrictions
Meta has significantly tightened third-party access. Here's what's no longer possible via official APIs:
❌ No Longer Possible
âś… Still Possible
For automation beyond what the official API allows, solutions like ShadowPhone use real device automation to perform actions that APIs cannot—while staying under Instagram's detection radar. Learn more about how Instagram detects bots and staying within safe limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Instagram Basic Display API still working?
No. The Instagram Basic Display API was fully deprecated on December 4, 2024. All requests now return errors. Developers must migrate to the Instagram Graph API, which only supports Business and Creator accounts.
What are Instagram API rate limits in 2026?
Instagram Graph API allows 200 calls per user per hour for most endpoints. Content Publishing has stricter limits of 25 posts per 24 hours for accounts under 25K followers. Rate limits are per-account, not per-app.
Can I access personal Instagram accounts via API?
No. After the Basic Display API deprecation, there is no official API access to personal Instagram accounts. Only Business and Creator accounts linked to a Facebook Page can use the Graph API.
How do I migrate from Basic Display API to Graph API?
Convert personal accounts to Professional (Business/Creator), link to a Facebook Page, register your app on Meta Developer Portal, submit for App Review, and update your integration to use Graph API endpoints.
What happened to Instagram Marketing API?
Instagram Marketing API v21.0 was deprecated on September 9, 2025. Developers should use the latest Graph API version for ad management and insights functionality.
How long does App Review take?
The Meta App Review process typically takes 60+ days. During this time, you can test with your own accounts and up to 25 test users without full approval.
Need Automation Beyond the API?
ShadowPhone uses real device automation to do what APIs can't—DMs, follows, engagement—on real phones with authentic fingerprints.