Update on the Instagram Basic Display API
Meta (Facebook / Instagram) announced that they will be deprecating the Instagram Basic Display API on the 4th of December 2024. You can read the announcement here. This means that anyone that is using a personal Instagram account will need to convert to a professional creator account to continue using any third-party service like SnapWidget to embed your Instagram content.
The good news is this is free, easy to do, and comes with some benefits. Read on to find out how to change your account, or check out our help center article with the steps to change your account: https://help.snapwidget.com/en/articles/9955847-how-to-convert-your-personal-instagram-account-to-a-creator-account
What is the Instagram Basic Display API?
The Instagram Basic Display API is an API provided by Meta (Instagram) that allows 3rd party developers like SnapWidget to access an Instagram users profile and media. Using this API SnapWidget is able to retrieve your latest photos and videos, and display them in the embeddable widget on your website.
What happens when the API is deprecated?
After the 4th of December 2024 the Instagram Basic Display API will no longer be available for use and any third-party service that uses it will no longer be able to retrieve Instagram content using that API.
What you need to do to prepare before the 4th of December 2024
SnapWidget has already been approved by Meta to use the Business connection with Instagram Login API that will replace the Basic Display API. This new connection type is already available when you click on the "Username" field in your Instagram widget settings.
If you are currently using the consumer / personal connection for your widget(s) you will need to reconnect your widget(s) using the new creator / business connection as per the image above. You will see a "Requires Re-Auth" message for each widget that needs to be reconnected in your dashboard.
Sign in to your SnapWidget account at https://snapwidget.com/login
Select the widget you would like to reconnect from the dashboard.
Click on the "Username" field.
You will see the "Select Your Instagram Account" popup where you can select either to Sign in with Instagram or Sign in with Facebook (If you have a Facebook page connected to your Instagram account)
If you choose to Sign in with Instagram, you will be prompted by Instagram to convert your Instagram account to a professional creator account if it's not already. This is free and comes with the benefit of better analytics and insights into your Instagram account activity.
You will then be able to grant the SnapWidget Pro-IG app access to your account.
Once granted, click on the "Update & Get Widget" button to save your widget. You do not need to replace the code snippet on your website, the widget will automatically update to the new connection.
Your widget will now continue to work as before.
If you have any questions or need any help updating your existing widgets, please don't hesitate to contact us.