Facebook is making some changes that limit access to the Instagram API by external vendors. This affects the publishing of posts in social media dashboards like Hootsuite. What social media managers should be aware of now.
A year ago, Instagram released a new application programming interface (API) to give developers more options for security and privacy.
The new Instagram Basic Display API provides a lot of data that can still be accessed through the Instagram Platform API today. It also provides developers with several options for security and privacy when dealing with private Instagram profiles.
Profile and media information is now separated, which also results in two different permissions for these areas in Instagram.
Instagram API: Facebook imposes further restrictions
Now, Facebook has announced further changes to the Instagram API that will impact the way we publish posts on both networks – when we plan and post them using social media dashboards such as Hootsuite, Later, etc.
As of November 3, 2020, the option to tag Facebook and Instagram posts with a location is no longer available. Between January and March 2021, we expect two more changes on Instagram. This explains for example Hootsuite in a blog post.
Maximum 60 Instagram posts with Hootsuite and Co. possible
Each Instagram account is therefore limited to publishing a maximum of 60 Instagram posts via Hootsuite or any other third party publisher. This limitation is valid for a rolling 30-day period.
If you want to publish more than 60 posts per month, Instagram will force you to do so directly in the app. Whether the restriction applies only to feed posts or also to Facebook and Instagram Stories is not clear from the blog post.
New Instagram API to provide more security and integrity
In addition, Facebook is apparently doing more for privacy.
If your Instagram account is linked to a Facebook page that has very high subscriber numbers, you may be asked to confirm your identity and secure your account before you can post again on Hootsuite and Co.
This process should include the activation of two-factor authentication to protect the account from unauthorized access. In addition, Facebook will query your primary location by turning on location services on your smartphone.
According to its own information, Instagram makes these changes to ensure the security and integrity of the Instagram community.
More information about the new Instagram API is not yet available. For now, the restrictions should only affect the convenience and productivity of working with social media dashboards such as Hootsuite and social media managers who post a lot, more than others.
