Create an Instagram Feeds source

This article details Instagram source types in Finalsite Feeds, including connection requirements for professional accounts and content limitations for Stories and Reels.

Step 1: Navigate to the Feeds module

In Composer, open the module menu on the left sidebar and select Feeds.

Landing on the Feeds dashboard, select the individual district or school feed that needs configuration or a new source added.

To add a new source directly from the dashboard, click the + in the Source column. Alternatively, click the three-dot menu next to the Edit button on the far right.

Once inside the feeds configuration screen, click the red + Add New Source button.

Either path opens the Add a Social Media Source window. Learn about all of the source options in the article, "What is a source."

Step 2: Select an Instagram source type

Three Instagram source types are available: Instagram (Username), Instagram reels, and Hashtag.

Step 3: Configure a Username source

The first Instragram (Username) source displays traditional photo posts from an owned Instagram account. Feeds only displays posts from accounts with valid login credentials; posts from unowned accounts are not available unless pulled via a Hashtag source.

• Connect the professional Instagram account via the Your Social Connections screen. Multiple accounts can be linked to support multiple sources.
• After connecting, add the Instagram username into the source window to begin displaying posts.

Step 3: Configure a Instagram reels source

Instagram allows reels posts for third-party display. Instagram considers Reels a separate source from traditional photos.

• Connect the Instagram account on the Your Social Connections screen. If already connected for a Username source, that connection satisfies the requirement for both.
• Add the Reels source in the Feeds module.

Step 4: Configure a # Hashtag source

Displaying posts based on a # Hashtag requires connecting an Instagram Business account to Feeds. This is a mandatory security requirement from Meta. If a professional account does not exist, create one or switch a personal profile to a business profile. Note that hashtag capability is more restricted than in the past; consult the article on why hashtag social media posts may be missing in Feeds for troubleshooting.

• Connect an Instagram Business account to Feeds.
• Add the Hashtag source and enter the desired hashtag in the source configuration window.

Identify API restrictions

Feeds is unable to obtain Instagram Stories or Comments because the Instagram API does not support these for third-party services. Additionally, Feeds cannot obtain posts the network has flagged for potential copyright infringement, such as posts using unlicensed popular music.

Consider other sources

• Create an Instagram Feeds source
• Create a LinkedIn Feeds source
• Create a Facebook Feeds source
• Create a Twitter/X Feeds source
• Create a Google Reviews Feeds source
• Create a TikTok Feeds source
• Create a YouTube Feeds source
• Create a Bluesky Feeds source
• Create a Blogs/RSS Feeds source
• Create a Hashtag Feeds source
• Create a Flickr Feeds source
• Create a Pinterest Feeds source
• Create a Slack Feeds source
• Create a Soundcloud Feeds source
• Create a Vimeo Feeds source
• Create a Tumblr Feeds source
• Create a Giphy Feeds source
• Create a DeviantArt Feeds source
• Request source (to add another option, if available)
• Claim a custom Facebook username (vanity URL)