How to Proceed Following the Deprecation of Instagram's Basic API for User Account Connections

Replacing Instagram Basic API for Account Integration

Using Node.js and Express for server-side authentication with Facebook's OAuth 2.0

// Import required modules
const express = require('express');
const axios = require('axios');
const qs = require('querystring');
// Initialize the Express app
const app = express();
const PORT = 3000;
// Define Instagram OAuth endpoints
const IG_AUTH_URL = 'https://www.instagram.com/oauth/authorize';
const IG_TOKEN_URL = 'https://api.instagram.com/oauth/access_token';
const CLIENT_ID = 'your_client_id';
const CLIENT_SECRET = 'your_client_secret';
const REDIRECT_URI = 'http://localhost:3000/auth/callback';
// Route to initiate OAuth flow
app.get('/auth', (req, res) => {
  const authURL = \`\${IG_AUTH_URL}?client_id=\${CLIENT_ID}&redirect_uri=\${REDIRECT_URI}&scope=user_profile&response_type=code\`;
  res.redirect(authURL);
});
// Callback route for Instagram OAuth
app.get('/auth/callback', async (req, res) => {
  const { code } = req.query;
  try {
    // Exchange code for access token
    const response = await axios.post(IG_TOKEN_URL, qs.stringify({
      client_id: CLIENT_ID,
      client_secret: CLIENT_SECRET,
      grant_type: 'authorization_code',
      redirect_uri: REDIRECT_URI,
      code
    }));
    const accessToken = response.data.access_token;
    // Retrieve user details
    const userInfo = await axios.get('https://graph.instagram.com/me', {
      params: {
        fields: 'id,username',
        access_token: accessToken
      }
    });
    res.json(userInfo.data);
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Error during Instagram OAuth:', error);
    res.status(500).send('Authentication failed');
  }
});
// Start the server
app.listen(PORT, () => console.log(\`Server running on http://localhost:\${PORT}\`));

Alternative Solution: Using Python Flask for Instagram Authentication

Using Python Flask and Requests library for Instagram OAuth 2.0

from flask import Flask, redirect, request, jsonify
import requests
app = Flask(__name__)
CLIENT_ID = 'your_client_id'
CLIENT_SECRET = 'your_client_secret'
REDIRECT_URI = 'http://localhost:5000/auth/callback'
AUTH_URL = 'https://www.instagram.com/oauth/authorize'
TOKEN_URL = 'https://api.instagram.com/oauth/access_token'
@app.route('/auth')
def auth():
    auth_url = f"{AUTH_URL}?client_id={CLIENT_ID}&redirect_uri={REDIRECT_URI}&scope=user_profile&response_type=code"
    return redirect(auth_url)
@app.route('/auth/callback')
def auth_callback():
    code = request.args.get('code')
    try:
        token_data = {
            'client_id': CLIENT_ID,
            'client_secret': CLIENT_SECRET,
            'grant_type': 'authorization_code',
            'redirect_uri': REDIRECT_URI,
            'code': code
        }
        response = requests.post(TOKEN_URL, data=token_data)
        access_token = response.json().get('access_token')
        user_info = requests.get('https://graph.instagram.com/me', params={
            'fields': 'id,username',
            'access_token': access_token
        }).json()
        return jsonify(user_info)
    except Exception as e:
        return str(e), 500
if __name__ == '__main__':
    app.run(debug=True)

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Instagram API Integration

1. What is replacing the Instagram Basic API?
2. Facebook suggests using the Graph API, but its full functionality is available mainly for business accounts.
3. Can I retrieve usernames with the Graph API?
4. Yes, the /me endpoint of the Graph API can retrieve the username if the correct access token is used.
5. Are there third-party tools to simplify Instagram integration?
6. Yes, platforms like Auth0 and Firebase Authentication offer built-in OAuth 2.0 flows for Instagram.
7. Is it possible to use the API for personal accounts?
8. Personal accounts have limited access. You can use a proxy or switch to business accounts for better access.
9. What scope should I request for username access?
10. Request the user_profile scope during the authentication process.
11. Do I need a Facebook App to use the Graph API?
12. Yes, you must create a Facebook App and configure it for Instagram integration.
13. Can I handle OAuth without middleware?
14. Yes, using libraries like axios in Node.js or Requests in Python simplifies the process.
15. How secure is using third-party login services?
16. Services like Auth0 are highly secure and reduce the risk of mishandling sensitive data like access tokens.
17. What is the rate limit for Instagram API?
18. The Graph API enforces limits based on the type of token and request volume. Check Facebook’s documentation for specifics.
19. Do I need HTTPS for authentication?
20. Yes, OAuth flows require a secure HTTPS endpoint for the redirect URI.

Adapting to Change with Instagram API Updates

With the deprecation of the Instagram Basic API, developers are pushed to adopt new methods for seamless user authentication. Solutions like OAuth-based integrations and proxy services are reliable, helping bridge the gap while ensuring secure data handling and smooth user experiences. 😊

These changes emphasize the importance of staying informed and flexible in adapting to evolving APIs. By leveraging platforms like Auth0 or encouraging business accounts, you can maintain functionality without compromising on simplicity or user trust, even in the face of significant transitions.