Table of Contents

Instagram Overview

Wai Ting Yong Updated by Wai Ting Yong

Instagram logo

Instagram is a free, online photo-sharing application and social network platform that was acquired by Facebook in 2012.

Learn how to connect your Instagram Business Account to respond.io here. Once connected, Instagram has several features to make it easier for your current and potential customers to reach your Instagram account or your inbox to send you a direct message.

Pricing

You can use Instagram for free.

Capturing Conversation

Instagram offers several ways to help customers find you on the app and initiate a chat:

  • Chat links: This is a shortened URL using the https://ig.me/m/username format that you can add to your website or in newsletters. When customers click the link, they will be directed to your Instagram inbox.
  • QR codes: A QR code can be placed in physical locations, such as hotels, restaurants or malls. When customers scan the code, they will be directed to your Instagram inbox.
  • Chat widget: An Instagram Widget can be added to your website to direct customers to your Instagram inbox.
  • Instagram private replies: You can send a private message to any customer who comments on your Instagram Professional post, ads post or live story.
  • Click to Instagram Direct Ads: These are Instagram ads that can be placed in various places on Facebook, Facebook Messenger and Instagram. When customers click the ad, they will be directed to your Instagram inbox.

Channel Capabilities

Learn more about the capabilities of Instagram:

Supported File Types

The file type supported by Instagram and the maximum file size for the type is as follows:

  • Image (8 MB)
Messages that are not supported will have a fallback display with Unsupported Message or Custom Payload text and Type (if available). 

For any unsupported file type or file that exceeds the maximum file size sent via Instagram, the file will automatically be turned into a URL link on the respond.io platform. For Custom Payload, you can click Show More to view the JSON payload of this message.

Examples of unsupported messages for Instagram are:
- Deleted messages
- Instagram Profiles
- Instagram Avatars
- Live messages
- Reels

Message Status Availability

The table outlines the availability of message statuses on Instagram.

Message Status

Availability

Sent

✅

Delivered

✅

Read

✅

Failed

✅

Messaging Window

Instagram has a messaging window of 7 days. Messages sent 24 hours after the Contact's last message will be tagged with the HUMAN_AGENT tag.

Messages can still be sent outside the messaging window but they will not be delivered. There will be a red exclamation mark next to the undelivered message along with an error message.

Rate Limits

A rate limit is the number of API calls an app or user can make within a given time period defined by the channel. Learn more about the rate limits for this channel here.

Channel Limitations

Broadcasts

Due to Instagram’s limitations, you cannot send a broadcast through this channel.

Vanish Mode

Instagram API does not support Vanish mode. If you wish to use Vanish mode, no messages will be received on the respond.io platform.

FAQ and Troubleshooting

Do you support message requests?

No, there is no webhook event provided by Instagram for message requests.

Yes, you can use a chat link or an ig.me URL that directs customers to your Instagram inbox. The customer is redirected to a new or existing thread based on whether the customer had previously messaged your Instagram account. Learn more about Instagram chat links here.

Why Contact’s name on Instagram is displayed as a series of numbers?

If your Contact has not entered a display name for their Instagram account, the name will be displayed as a series of numbers.

Why am I unable to view the Quick Replies buttons?

Due to the channel’s limitation, the Quick Replies buttons cannot be displayed on the Instagram web or desktop app.

Feeling stuck? Do not fear.

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