I’m working on a project where I need to automatically upload photos to Instagram accounts and include specific tags with each post. I’ve been looking through the official API documentation but can’t find clear instructions on how to do this programmatically.
I want to build a feature that lets users connect their Instagram accounts to my app and then post images directly to their feed with custom hashtags. The images would come from my application’s database and each post should include relevant tags based on the content.
Has anyone successfully implemented something like this? I’m particularly interested in understanding if the current Instagram API supports automated image posting with hashtag functionality, or if there are any limitations I should be aware of. Any code examples or guidance on the proper API endpoints would be really helpful.
I’ve dealt with this before. You’ll need the Instagram Graph API to post images with tags - the Basic Display API won’t cut it. This means setting up a Facebook Business account first. The workflow involves creating media containers for your images, then publishing them with hashtags in the caption. Your images need to be hosted somewhere publicly accessible since you can’t upload directly. Fair warning: getting approval for the instagram_content_publish permission takes forever and they’re pretty strict about it.
You’ll need the Content Publishing API from Instagram’s Graph API to post images with tags. This only works with Business accounts connected to a Facebook Page. Here’s what I’ve found works: upload your image to your server first, then use the API to publish it with hashtags in the caption. You’ll have to get Meta’s approval for the required permissions - expect a thorough app review. Just heads up, there are tight rate limits and the API doesn’t support everything the Instagram app does.
yeah, hit this same issue. you can’t post directly like other social APIs - Instagram makes you use their media container thing, which is confusing at first. your hosting needs HTTPS or the API won’t accept images. also heads up - you’ll need webhooks for app approval. meta checks that you handle data deletions properly.