Adding Instagram Source

Curator pulls content from Instagram through several source types: Hashtags, Mentions, Tagged & Collab Posts, and Stories. All Instagram sources require a Business or Creator account linked to a Facebook Page.

Setting Up Your Instagram Business Account

Instagram sources only work with Business or Creator accounts linked to a Facebook Page. To set this up:

1. On Facebook desktop, login or switch to your Facebook Page

2. Go to your Facebook page or Facebook page profile

3. Navigate to Settings > Linked Accounts

4. Click Connect next to Instagram

5. Log in to your Instagram account

6. Select Business or Creator account type

7. Complete the profile setup

You must use a Facebook login that has admin or owner permissions for the Page.

Connecting Instagram Sources

Once your Instagram Business account is linked to a Facebook Page:

1. On the Organize page, click Add Source

2. Select Instagram

3. Choose your source type:

   • Hashtag — Pull posts tagged with a specific hashtag (enter without #)

   • Mentions — Pull posts that mention your account

   • Tagged & Collab Posts — Pull posts where your account is tagged or collaborated

   • Stories — Pull Instagram Stories (requires Business account)

4. Click Connect Instagram and log in with your Facebook admin account

5. Grant all permissions for the linked Instagram account and associated Facebook Page

6. Click Continue to return to the adding source page

7. Select the account from the list or enter the required details (hashtag without #)

8. Click next to complete the adding source process

Instagram source pulls in approximately 20 posts when added and during each refresh, based on your plan’s update frequency (Free: 24 hours, Pro: 60 minutes, Business: 15 minutes)

Required Permissions

When you authorize Curator, Facebook will request these permissions:

• pages_manage_metadata – Access basic information about your Facebook Page (like name, and settings) to properly connect

• pages_read_engagement – Read posts, photos, and videos from your Page

• pages_read_user_content – Read user-generated content like comments

• instagram_basic – Access basic Instagram Business Account metadata

• instagram_manage_comments – Read comments and access posts

• instagram_manage_insights – To view your Instagram account’s performance data (like reach and such)

• business_management – Use Business Manager API for connectivity

Curator only reads content from your Page; it cannot post, edit, or delete anything.

Common Issues

"You don't have and Instagram Professional Accounts Linked to a Page" — Your Instagram account isn't linked to a Facebook Page. Check your Facebook Page Settings > Linked Accounts to confirm the connection.

"Future Activity Error" (OAuthException) — Go to Instagram Accounts Center > Your activity off Meta > Manage future activity > Connect future activity > Confirm.

Connection failed or expired — Connections may expire over time. To reconnect, go to your Social Connections page, find the Facebook or Instagram account, and click Reconnect. Please make sure you’re logged in to the same Facebook or Instagram account when reconnection.

Missing hashtag posts — Instagram's API only pulls posts from the last 24 hours starting from when you add the source. Older posts won't appear. The API also limits results to approximately 25 recent posts.

Missing posts — Check whether the missing posts used common music or audio. It’s possible they were flagged for copyright, which means Curator won't be able to pull those posts. In rare cases, a post may still be flagged even if the audio came from Instagram’s audio library. Also, confirm you haven't hit your plan's post limit (Free: 1,000 posts). For Instagram Account Sources, Business+ plan users can contact support to attempt manual retrieval of older posts.

Limitations

• Instagram Hashtag source only pulls posts from the 24-hour window after you add the source

• Instagram Hashtag source does not return usernames for pulled posts due to Instagram’s privacy policies.

• Approximately 25 recent posts maximum per pull

• For Instagram hashtag sources — Meta imposed a limit up to 30 hashtag sources per week

• Only public content is pulled

• Personal/private accounts are not supported

• Available on all plans (Each Instagram, Hashtag, Mention, Stories or Tagged / Collab Posts source counts as 1 source toward your plan limit)