Product
Integrations

Instagram Direct API

9min

This guide provides step-by-step instructions to integrate Instagram Direct API with Sanoflow, along with a detailed breakdown of Meta’s requirements for using the Instagram API.

Getting Here

  • Log in to your Sanoflow account.
  • From the left-hand menu, go to Settings > Integrations.
  • Select the Add Channel tab under the Messaging section.

Steps to Add Instagram Direct API to Sanoflow

  1. Instagram Professional Account: Ensure you have an Instagram Business or Creator account.
  2. Facebook Page: Your Instagram account must be linked to a Facebook Page.
  3. Admin Permissions: You need admin access to the Facebook Page linked to your Instagram account.
  4. Log in to Sanoflow:
    • Navigate to your Sanoflow dashboard and go to Settings > Integrations.
  5. Select Instagram API:
    • Under the Messaging category, find Instagram and click the Add button.
  6. Authenticate with Facebook:
    • You’ll be redirected to the Facebook login page. Log in with your Facebook credentials.
  7. Grant Permissions:
    • Choose the Instagram accounts you want Sanoflow to access. You can opt for:
      • All current and future Instagram accounts or
      • Current Instagram accounts only.
    • Click Continue.
  8. Review Access Requests:
    • Review the permissions Sanoflow is requesting, which may include:
      • Accessing profile and posts from the Instagram account connected to your Page.
      • Managing and accessing messages for the Instagram account.
      • Managing settings and webhooks for the Page.
    • Click Save.
  9. Complete the Setup:
    • Once redirected back to Sanoflow, confirm the integration setup. Your Instagram account will now be connected.

Meta’s Requirements for Instagram API Integration

Meta imposes the following requirements to ensure compliance and optimal usage of the Instagram Direct API:

1. Account Requirements:

  • The Instagram account must be a Business or Creator account.
  • It must be linked to a Facebook Page.

2. Permission Scopes:

Meta mandates specific permissions for accessing the Instagram API, such as:

  • instagram_manage_messages: To manage conversations.
  • instagram_basic: To access account details like profile information.
  • pages_manage_metadata: To retrieve page metadata and manage webhook configurations.
  • pages_read_engagement: To view engagement metrics for the associated Facebook Page.

3. Compliance with Platform Policies:

Businesses must adhere to:

  • Instagram and Facebook Platform Policies.
  • Data privacy and security requirements.

4. Message Limitations:

  • Instagram Direct API allows a limited number of messages per user to avoid spam.
  • Businesses must respond to user messages within 24 hours to qualify for free messaging.

5. Webhook Setup:

  • Webhooks must be configured for real-time updates on new messages and events. Ensure the webhook URL is valid and secure.

6. API Rate Limits:

  • Meta enforces API rate limits based on account activity. Ensure your business activities align with these limits to avoid disruptions.

Best Practices for Using Instagram Direct API

  1. Grant Full Permissions: Ensure all requested permissions, such as messaging and profile access, are enabled during setup to avoid restrictions.
  2. Leverage Message Templates: Use pre-approved templates for sending automated updates, confirmations, or reminders to align with Meta’s guidelines.
  3. Maintain Active Conversations: Engage with customers promptly to enhance the user experience and increase customer loyalty.
  4. Monitor API Usage: Keep track of API rate limits and ensure your messaging volume aligns with Meta’s policies to avoid service disruptions.
  5. Use Automation Wisely: Automate repetitive tasks like FAQs or initial responses while maintaining a personal touch in customer interactions.
  6. Analyze Performance Metrics: Regularly review metrics like message response times, resolution rates, and customer sentiment to optimize your communication strategy.
  7. Ensure Business Verification: Complete business verification in Facebook Business Manager to unlock advanced API features and gain customer trust.
  8. Train Your Support Team: Educate team members on effectively using the Instagram Direct API to streamline communication and resolve issues faster.
  9. Secure Access: Regularly review and update access permissions in your Meta Business Manager to prevent unauthorized access.
  10. Comply with Meta’s Messaging Policies: Stay updated with Meta’s rules for direct messaging to avoid violations, especially regarding promotional content and unsolicited messages.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

  1. Error During Integration
    • Issue: Unable to connect the Instagram account to Sanoflow.
    • Solution: Ensure the Instagram account is a business or creator account and linked to a Facebook page in your Business Manager.
  2. Messages Not Sending or Receiving
    • Issue: Conversations fail to load or messages do not deliver.
    • Solution: Check the connection between Instagram and Sanoflow and verify webhook configurations in Meta's Developer Dashboard.
  3. Permission Errors
    • Issue: Limited access to features or actions.
    • Solution: Confirm that all required permissions are granted during setup. Reauthorize if needed.
  4. Rate Limit Exceeded
    • Issue: API usage exceeds Meta’s rate limits, resulting in restricted functionality.
    • Solution: Optimize message volume and reduce unnecessary API calls. Check the rate limit details in the Meta Developer Dashboard.
  5. Missing Instagram Account
    • Issue: The Instagram account doesn’t appear during setup.
    • Solution: Ensure the account is connected to a Facebook page in the same Business Manager account used for the integration.
  6. Delayed Notifications
    • Issue: Notifications for incoming messages are delayed.
    • Solution: Verify that the webhook is correctly configured and test the connection to ensure real-time message delivery.
  7. Message Template Issues
    • Issue: Pre-approved templates are rejected or fail to send.
    • Solution: Confirm that templates adhere to Meta's guidelines. Revise and resubmit if necessary.
  8. Business Verification Pending
    • Issue: Meta requires verification to enable advanced features.
    • Solution: Complete the business verification process in Business Manager to access all API functionalities.
  9. Integration Timeout
    • Issue: The setup process fails due to timeouts or interruptions.
    • Solution: Ensure a stable internet connection during setup and retry the process.
  10. General API Errors
    • Issue: Unspecified errors occur during API usage.
    • Solution: Review error logs in Meta's Developer Dashboard and consult Meta’s documentation or Sanoflow support for further assistance.

FAQs

  1. What is the Instagram Direct API?
    • The Instagram Direct API allows businesses to integrate their Instagram messaging features with tools like Sanoflow to manage customer interactions and streamline communication.
  2. What permissions are required to use the Instagram Direct API?
    • To use the Instagram Direct API, you need permissions such as access to Instagram messages, connected page posts, account settings, and managing webhooks for the Instagram account linked to your page.
  3. Do I need an Instagram Business account to use the API?
    • Yes, you must have an Instagram Business or Creator account connected to a Facebook Page to use the Instagram Direct API.
  4. How can I connect my Instagram account to Sanoflow?
    • Follow these steps:
      • Navigate to the Settings > Integrations section in Sanoflow.
      • Select Add Channel and choose Instagram.
      • Log in with your Facebook account and grant the necessary permissions.
      • Select the Instagram account to integrate and complete the setup.
  5. Can I integrate multiple Instagram accounts with Sanoflow?
    • Yes, you can integrate multiple Instagram Business accounts. You need to repeat the integration steps for each account.
  6. What kind of messages can I manage through the Instagram Direct API?
    • The API supports managing messages such as customer inquiries, direct messages, and replies to stories sent via Instagram Direct.
  7. Is there a fee to use the Instagram Direct API with Sanoflow?
    • While Instagram does not charge for using the API, Sanoflow may have subscription costs depending on your chosen plan. Review your plan details for more information.
  8. Can I use the Instagram Direct API for personal accounts?
    • No, the API is only available for Instagram Business or Creator accounts linked to a Facebook Page.
  9. What happens if I do not grant all the required permissions?
    • Without granting all required permissions, you may face limited functionality or issues accessing key Instagram Direct API features within Sanoflow.
  10. How do I troubleshoot if the integration fails?
    • Ensure that:
      • Your Instagram account is a Business or Creator account.
      • The account is connected to a Facebook Page.
      • You granted all necessary permissions during the setup. If issues persist, check your Facebook Business Manager settings or contact Sanoflow support for assistance.



Updated 21 Jan 2025
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