Instagram Graph API

The Instagram Graph API is Meta’s official programmatic interface for Instagram Business and Creator accounts — enabling third-party tools to schedule posts, fetch analytics, manage comments, and reply to DMs.

The Graph API replaced the older deprecated Instagram API and is built as an extension of the Facebook Graph API. Tools authenticate via OAuth, connect to a Facebook Page, and gain scoped access to the linked Instagram account. Common permissions include instagram_basic, instagram_content_publish, instagram_manage_comments, and instagram_manage_messages.

API access is gated: third-party tools must apply to Meta for App Review and demonstrate appropriate use of each permission before being approved for production. Permissions can be revoked; access tokens expire and need refreshing. Tools that abstract this complexity well make Instagram operational; tools that don’t pass the friction to the user.

The Graph API is the only sanctioned way to integrate Instagram into a workflow. Tools that screen-scrape or automate the mobile app are outside Meta’s terms and risk account suspension.