Instagram’s Developer Tools Change: An Analysis
In a recent development, Meta’s updated developer tools are affecting third-party consumer applications that had integrated with Instagram. This includes popular dating applications such as Tinder and Hinge, owned by Match, and Day One, the journaling app owned by Automattic, the parent company of WordPress.com. These changes have resulted in the loss of some key functionalities for these applications, causing disruptions in their services.
Meta’s Changes and Their Impact
Earlier this fall, Meta announced plans to shut down access to the Instagram Basic Display API on December 4, 2024. This API allowed third-party consumer applications to connect with users’ Instagram accounts, letting them access content such as profiles, images, videos, and albums. Developers were advised to switch to the Instagram API to avoid disruption. However, as Day One pointed out, the new APIs are only compatible with Instagram business accounts and not personal accounts, limiting their usage.
This change has significantly affected Day One. The journaling app can no longer import users’ Instagram photos and posts due to the inability of developers to access Instagram data programmatically. As a result, users will no longer be able to automatically import their content from Instagram, impacting one of the app’s key features. However, the existing journal entries with Instagram photos will remain accessible.
The Instagram integration feature was a significant selling point for Day One’s Premium version, priced annually at $34.99. The company acknowledged the disappointment caused by the change in a blog post, stating, >”We know this news is disappointing… At Day One, we’re committed to making journaling as seamless and meaningful as possible, and the Instagram integration was a way to help you bring your memories into your journal. The Instagram integration was a beloved feature that made it easy to bring your memories into your journal. We know many of you relied on it, and it was a favorite among our team as well.”
Other Applications Affected
Other services impacted by the API change include Discord, which had withdrawn its Instagram connection earlier due to lack of API support. Applications that embed Instagram posts on websites, such as Spotlight and SnapWidget, are also affected. These apps are now advising users to switch to business accounts as a workaround.
Implications and Impact
The shift from Instagram Basic Display API to the Instagram API has caused significant disruption in the functionality of numerous applications. By limiting access to data from personal Instagram accounts, it is impacting user experiences and functionalities that were once key selling points. The full impact of these changes remains to be seen. However, it’s clear that for apps like Day One, the loss of Instagram integration is a significant setback.
Conclusion
The changes in Instagram’s developer tools and its API have had a broad impact on third-party consumer apps. While the move towards better data control is understandable, the transition has not been seamless. It has led to losses in functionality, affecting both developers and end-users. As businesses adapt to these changes, users may need to adjust their expectations or find alternative solutions.
