Important Instagram API updates for 2020

Update: The deprecation of the Legacy Instagram API will now take place on the 29th of June 2020.

On the 2nd of March 2020, Instagram will be deprecating the last of its current Instagram API endpoints that we have been using to display your photos in your widget.

This means all 3rd parties using the current API will no longer be able to display photos from your account without switching to the new API after this date. Those that do not, will start seeing the following error displayed in their applications: “This endpoint has been retired”.

The good news

We’ve already been approved to use the updated Instagram Basic Display API as well as the Instagram Graph API for Business accounts. You can read more about the new API here: https://developers.facebook.com/blog/post/2019/10/15/launch-instagram-basic-display-api/.

If you’re not using SnapWidget for your website, you will need to check with your widget provider whether they are approved to use the new API.

What’s changing?

All SnapWidget widgets will continue to work as before, with only 2 exceptions:

• For privacy, Instagram is no longer including location information with the media. This means Map widgets will unfortunately no longer be supported.
• Comment and Like counts on the hover overlay will only be supported with Instagram Business accounts. Here is more info about switching to a business account: https://help.instagram.com/502981923235522

With the new API’s we will also be able to better predict when tokens will expire, and automatically refresh them. So no more annoying “Your widget needs to be updated” emails

What do I need to do today?

If you created an Instagram widget before the 22nd of January 2020, you will need to re-auth your widget before the 2nd of March 2020. The process to re-auth your widget is simple and does not require updating the code snippet on your website.

To re-auth your widget, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your SnapWidget account here
2. Navigate to the widget you need to re-auth by selecting it from your dashboard.
3. Click on the Username field.
4. For Instagram, choose either “Sign in with Instagram” or “Sign in with Facebook” depending on your type of account.
5. Sign in with your account and choose the correct profile if required.
6. Click on the Update & Get Widget to save

Note: You do not need to replace the code snippet on your website.

Here is a video showing how to re-auth if you have a personal account: https://youtu.be/gY7skl1mFuo

And for business accounts: https://youtu.be/jfB10-XFr4Q