API Key and Instagram Access Token Explained: Enhance Your Digital Strategy

At present, Instagram is one of the leading social networks in the world with over 2 billion active users and 86% of businesses present on it. What is even more interesting in these statistics is that 90 million users follow at least one business on the platform. Yet, you can hardly benefit from all its resources or data without a strong API in your tool kit. And the first one that comes to mind is the official Instagram API – something that would be equally interesting to businesses and developers. However, it is important to note that the foundation of this integration is based deeply on the Instagram Access Token. 

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In this article, you will learn all you need to know including what an access token is, its types, and how to get and secure it as well as tell you about alternative options available in the market.

To Be or Not to Be: Get an Instagram Access Token or Get Instagram API Key?

Alright, let’s first define what the Instagram API and Instagram API access tokens are. So, the Instagram API is a way for developers to access the data on social media platforms. The API lets apps retrieve user profiles, media, insights, and other Instagram features.

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These can be used for content management, analytics, and automation of social media activities. Yet, to get all that, you need access. It’s where you need to get an Instagram access token or Instagram API key, which will depend on the tool you choose.

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This is a special identity that enables applications or services to work with the data on the Instagram platform. While social media itself relies on access tokens or Instagram API keys, third-party services that connect to multiple platforms are the same story and you may need to get an API key as well to authenticate requests and integrate additional functionalities.

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To connect to the API and consequently, to users’ profiles, media, analytics, etc., you need to get the Instagram API key. Therefore, if you want to post and display Instagram content on other platforms, you can easily achieve it by using the Instagram feed access token to use the features of the API to boost your strategy. That is why, an Instagram access token is required for developers, in order to bring in social media network capabilities to their apps.

Get Instagram Token: Types And Options To Mind

Official API

Not one, but two. Indeed, there are two kinds of Instagram access tokens. Before diving into the specifics, let’s take a moment to understand why Instagram uses OAuth-based tokens for secure authentication and what they are. OAuth is a standard authorization framework that enables applications to access Instagram data without exposing user credentials. Now, let’s compare them, and describe the definitions and the main tasks of each of them.

• Short-lived Instagram access token
  This is an Instagram API Access Token that is used for a short period and is valid for one hour. It grants temporary access to the operations of Instagram’s API and is majorly used during the authorization process and short-term transactions. These tokens are good for test purposes as well as for cases when a limited time span of data access is required.

• Long-lived Instagram access token 
  Long-lived tokens lengthen the period of access to 60 days, providing more permanent access to data from Instagram. They are especially valuable for repetitive data retrieval and for integrating it on a permanent basis. In order to get a long-lived token, you have to call for a short-lived token by using specific API requests.

How to refresh tokens? Maintaining continuous access requires refreshing long-lived tokens before they expire. The process involves making an API request to refresh the token, extending its validity by another 60 days. Regularly refreshing tokens ensures uninterrupted access to Instagram data.

Third-party APIs

As you might guess, other tools like third-party APIs can also provide you with the ability to extract data from social media networks, sometimes even with certain customization. In their turns, each of the solutions has its own analogs to Instagram’s access tokens that serve as authentication, allowing you to use the API’s features and perform operations like public data retrieval.

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If talking about Data365 Social Media API, the getting access token is simplified as much as possible, keeping the security on top. So, in this case, all you need to do is fill in the form and request the API key to get all the options at your fingertips. As easy as that.

Instagram Developer Account: Nuances You Do Need to Know

For an official Instagram API account is a must, and it’s obvious. However, no matter what solution you choose, official or third-party API, there is always a process aka “registration” to get access to the functionality. However, each company sets its own rules about the process.

Instagram Developer Account

To create an Instagram Developer Account to access the official Instagram API, you first need to register a Facebook account. For that, you are to go to the Facebook Developers website and begin creating an application. Make sure your app is configured to use the Instagram Basic Display API. You should also finish any app review procedures to get the permissions you need.

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After that, it’s time to register your app. Registering your application involves providing details about your app and its intended use. During this process, you will also need to request specific permissions, such as accessing user profiles and media. After the app review is over, your app will be granted the necessary rights to run effectively and will be guaranteed to comply with Instagram’s regulations.

Third-Party APIs

Third-party solutions mostly offer a quicker way to get access to public data that is available without a login. Let’s take Data365 Social Media API as an example. To get started with Data365, you need to leave a request and the manager will reach out to you to discuss the nuances of your project and assist you further. 

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Data365 offers an API access token instead of an admin panel or client profile. Clients can test the service for free for 14 days to see if the solution suits their requirements, and then choose a package to pay for monthly.  Data365 customers can access data, credit statistics, and request queues through API requests using their unique tokens. All the information is provided in JSON format for clients to integrate into their projects.

Security and Compliance: Not Only For Instagram Access Token

It is really necessary to safeguard these tokens/keys and avoid unauthorized access to your account and, of course, personal data. These tokens, according to the recommendations, must be stored in safe locations at all times, and their versions should be changed every a certain time to help decrease the risk of hacking.

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Ensuring proper security is not only useful for the safety of the data, but also for the audience, as it creates credibility to secure their information. When it comes to the issue, you create and guarantee the long-term success of every project you work on and its compliance with industry standards.

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So, at the same time, it is critical for users to follow the terms of service and data policy to ensure that their activities do not lead to legal problems. That's why read the terms and conditions plus the GDPR before you get started. 

Bottom line

Instagram access tokens play a very important role in the process of using the Instagram API, which is why it's important to understand how to initiate and manage them. In short, if you want to get user data, feed media, or analyze data, access tokens are the key to Instagram's vast resources. Keep it safe, refresh timely, and use it wisely. 

If you're looking for a service similar to the Instagram API and are primarily interested in accessing public data, Data365 Social Media API is more than just a good alternative. This third-party solution provides quick and easy access to multiple social networks in one place and allows you to consistently collect the specific public data you need, updated in real time according to your requests. Are you ready to use rich social media data to improve your project? Contact Data365 customer service to see how our API can help your business. Our team is always available to assist you.