Instagram Messenger

4 min

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

Steps to Connect Instagram to Sanoflow

Log in to Sanoflow and:

From the left-hand menu, go to Settings > Integrations.

Go to the Add Channel tab.

Click on + Add next to the Instagram integration.

Authenticate with Facebook:

You’ll be redirected to a Facebook login page. Log in with your Facebook credentials.

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.

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.

Complete the Setup:

Once redirected back to Sanoflow, a small window will pop up prompting you to choose the name and the Instagram account of choice.

Ensure your team has access to the account from the Users > Teams settings page.

Meta’s Requirements for Instagram Integration

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

The Instagram account must be a Business account.

It must be linked to a Facebook Page.

You must have admin access to both accounts.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Error During Integration

Issue: Unable to connect the Instagram account to Sanoflow.

Solution: Ensure the Instagram account is a business account and linked to a Facebook page in your Business Manager.

Messages Not Sending or Receiving

Issue: Conversations fail to load, or messages do not deliver.

Solution: First, ensure you have Admin access to the Meta Account. Then update the access token following these steps:

Go to Settings in Sanoflow

Click on Integrations

Click on the button "Manage" on the far right of the Instageam channel

Click on "Troubleshoot"

Click on the "Fix" button; it should take you to a Facebook login page.

Follow the steps by clicking on Reconnect, then Submit.

Your integration should be back to normal now.

Tip: It is advised to refresh the token twice a month to ensure no disruption is caused.

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.

FAQs

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.

Do I need a Facebook account to use the integration?

Yes, you must have your Instagram Business account connected to a Facebook Page to use the Instagram Direct API.

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.

Is there a fee to use the Instagram Direct API with Sanoflow?

There are no fees for sending and receiving Instagram messages.

Can I use the Instagram Direct API for personal accounts?

No, the API is only available for Instagram Business accounts linked to a Facebook Page.

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.