The Instagram Graph API is based on GraphQL, a query language and runtime for APIs developed by Facebook. GraphQL APIs have several key characteristics:
The Instagram Graph API allows developers to perform various actions, such as receiving and posting media, managing and responding to comments, determining media where users have mentioned a brand, searching for tags, and obtaining metadata and key metrics about companies and users.
GraphQL APIs use queries to request specific data from the server, and the server processes the query and returns the response in JSON format. GraphQL has a hierarchical structure where relationships between objects are defined graphically.
While GraphQL APIs may seem similar to REST APIs over HTTP, they are fundamentally different. GraphQL is a schema language, query language, and API system that isn't strictly constrained to HTTP. The closest approximation to a GraphQL API is actually SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol), as both focus on exchanging structured information. GraphQL is particularly advantageous for modeling relational data and providing flexible access to relational nodes.
The official Instagram Ads API does not currently have webhooks for ad-related events. There are no webhooks available specifically for new followers on Instagram Business accounts. For Instagram Lead Ads, there is a way to send new leads to a webhook using third-party integration tools like Zapier, but this is not part of the official Instagram API. The recommended workaround for getting notified about new followers is to periodically fetch the follower list and compare it to the previously fetched list to identify new followers. There is no direct webhook or API event for comments on Instagram ad posts.
The lack of official webhooks for ad-related events and followers means real-time notifications for these events are not possible through the API. For lead generation ads, third-party tools can be used to send lead data to webhooks, but this is not a native Instagram API feature. Developers need to implement polling mechanisms to detect changes like new followers, rather than relying on push notifications via webhooks.
In summary, the official Instagram Ads API does not provide webhooks for most events that developers might be interested in. The available options are limited, and workarounds often involve periodic data fetching and comparison rather than real-time event notifications.
Here are the key points about the API rate limits for the Instagram Ads API:
Instagram recently reduced its API rate limit from 5,000 to 200 requests per hour.
This reduction was implemented to align Instagram's API rate limits with Facebook's current rate limits.
The reduction in API limit was intended to limit the ability of unauthorized actors to acquire large volumes of user data over time.
It appears to be related to efforts to improve privacy and user data protection.
This significant decrease in allowed API requests has affected many third-party applications built on Instagram's platform.
Apps that help users analyze followers, audience interactions, or find relevant hashtags are now quickly hitting API limits.
All calls to the Instagram Graph API are also subject to Business Use Case rate limits.
These limits are unique for each combination of an app and its user pair.
The BUC rate limit resets every 24 hours.
To avoid hitting rate limits, developers should optimize API calls, implement caching strategies, and carefully monitor their usage.
It's important to stay updated on any platform changes or updates that might affect rate limit policies.
When developing applications using the Instagram API, it's crucial to design them with these rate limits in mind to ensure smooth functionality and avoid disruptions due to exceeding API quotas.
Based on the search results, here are the key points regarding the most recent version of the Instagram Ads API:
The Instagram Ads API is part of the Facebook Marketing API [1]. There isn't a separate standalone Instagram Ads API.
The most recent major update mentioned is the launch of a new Instagram API with Instagram Login [2]. This new API:
The latest version number is not explicitly stated, but the changelog mentions recent updates to v20.0+ and v18.0+ [2]. The most recent dated entry is for June 27, 2022.
There have been ongoing updates and changes to various Instagram API features, including:
The API continues to evolve, with upcoming changes mentioned for August 19, 2024 regarding user insights [2].
In summary, while there isn't a specific "Instagram Ads API" version number, the Instagram advertising capabilities are part of the Facebook Marketing API, which is continuously updated. The most recent major changes relate to the new Instagram API with Instagram Login, but specific advertising features have been updated throughout 2021 and 2022.
Here are the key steps to get a developer account for Instagram Ads to create an API integration:
You'll need to start by creating a Facebook Developer account if you don't already have one. This can be done at developers.facebook.com.
Make sure your Instagram account is set up as a Business account and connected to a Facebook Page.
Based on the search results provided, here is a list of data models you can interact with using the Instagram Ads API, along with what is possible for each:
The Instagram Ads API provides robust capabilities for creating and managing ad campaigns on the platform, with options to target various placements and objectives. However, there are some limitations around accessing certain types of user data and functionality outside of advertising purposes.
