How to get Instagram Access Token

An Instagram Access Token acts as a secure passcode, enabling third-party apps to retrieve a user’s Instagram data—such as posts, photos, and profile details—with their permission. Generated when a user grants an app access to their account, this token provides temporary authorization to interact with Instagram’s API. It serves as a safeguard, ensuring data is shared only with user approval.

Follow this step-by-step guide to get an Instagram Access Token

1

Before you begin

What you'll need

  • An Instagram account
  • A Meta or Facebook for Developers account
  • 15-20 minutes

What you'll do

  1. Create Meta / Facebook for Developers account
  2. Create an app
  3. Add Instagram product
  4. Add yourself as tester
  5. Accept test invitation on Instagram
  6. Generate access token
  7. Test the token in Finsweet Components Instagram Feed
2

Create Meta Developer account

  1. Go to developers.facebook.com
  2. Click "Get Started" or "Sign Up"
  3. Create a Facebook for Developers account (enter name, email, password) or log into an existing one
  4. Verify your email address, if required
  5. Complete the developer registration form, if required
3

Create your app

  1. Click "Create App" from the dashboard
  2. Select "None" as app type
  1. Fill in:
    1. Display Name: Any name (e.g., "My new App")
    2. App Contact Email: Your email
  1. Confirm with your password
  1. Note your App ID (shown in top left of dashboard)
4

Add Instagram product

  1. Scroll to "Add Products to Your App"
  2. Find "Instagram" and click "Set Up"
  1. Click "Add account"
  1. Log in to Instagram
5

Add yourself as Instagram tester

  1. Go to "Roles" → "Roles" in left sidebar
  2. Click "Add People" on the right side
  1. Scroll to "Instagram Testers" section
  2. Click "Instagram Testers"
  3. Enter your Instagram username (without @)
  4. Click "add"
6

Accept test invitation on Instagram

  1. Log into Instagram (web or mobile)
  2. Go to Settings:
    1. Web: Profile → Settings → Privacy and Security → Apps and Websites
    2. Mobile: Profile → Menu → Settings → Security → Apps and Websites
  3. Look for "Tester Invites" section
  4. Click "Accept" for your app invitation
    Important: If no invitation appears, wait a few minutes and refresh
7

Generate your Access Token

  1. Return to Meta Developer dashboard
  2. Go to Products → Generate Access Tokens → Add Account
  3. Find "User Token Generator" section
  4. Click "Generate Token" next to your username
  1. Log into Instagram when prompted and click "Allow"
  1. Copy the generated access token
8

Test your Token in the App

  1. Open the Finsweet Component Instagram Feed app
  2. Paste the token in the token field, press Enter, and wait for the preview on the right to update

Done! That's it!

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