You may have heard that Meta (the company that runs Instagram) is making some changes to how websites connect to their platform.
Specifically, Meta has decided to end support for the Instagram Basic Display API starting on December 4th, 2024. This change is now in effect.
This API is what allows many websites, including those using plugins like Smash Balloon’s Instagram Feeds, to show Instagram content.
For those of us that rely on this API to show the latest posts from our Instagram accounts on our WordPress sites, this may cause some confusion and panic about what this means for Smash Balloon’s Instagram Feeds.
The good news? It’s not as bad as it sounds.
Here’s a clear explanation of what’s happening and how you can adapt:
What Do I Need to Know?
- Meta has phased out the Basic Display API: This means the old way of connecting your website to Instagram to show posts is no longer working, starting on December 4th, 2024.
- You need to switch to the Instagram Graph API: This is the new connection method that Meta wants everyone to use.
- The time to switch is now.
Will My Instagram Feeds Continue to Work?
Smash Balloon’s Instagram Feeds plugin uses a smart caching system that saves a copy of your Instagram feed, so even if the Basic Display API stops working completely, your visitors may still see your feed from when it was last connected.
However, this feed will not be updated.
This means if you haven’t switched to the Instagram Graph API, your existing Instagram feeds may still show up on your website, but it will not be updated with your latest Instagram posts.
What Do I Need to Do?
To ensure a smooth transition and uninterrupted feed display on your WordPress site, you’ll need to switch over to the Instagram Graph API immediately.
Here’s why we strongly encourage you to make the switch as soon as possible:
- Keep your content fresh: While your existing Instagram content will remain visible on your website for a short period after the deadline thanks to our plugin’s caching system, only switching over to the Instagram Graph API will ensure your feed continues to pull in your newest posts.
- Seamless transition: We’ll provide you with all the guidance you need to make the switch. By migrating early, you can avoid any potential last-minute hiccups.
- Future-proof your website: The Instagram Graph API is the future of how websites connect with Instagram content. Switching over to the Instagram Graph API now means you’re prepared for the long term.
How Do I Switch Over to the Instagram Graph API?
Here’s how you can move to the new Instagram Graph API (which Instagram Feeds calls a Business Basic or Business Advanced connection):
1. Choose Your Connection Type: Business Basic or Business Advanced
Not sure which professional connection suits you best? Here are the key differences to help you choose:
- Business Basic: This is perfect if you need a simple setup to display posts from just one Instagram account.
- Business Advanced: We recommend this connection if you want extra features like hashtag and mention feeds, or if you manage multiple Instagram accounts.
For more details, here are the differences between an Instagram Business Basic and Business Advanced connection.
2. Turn your Instagram Personal Profile to a Professional Account
Next, you need to convert your Instagram Personal Profile to a Professional Account. Anyone with an Instagram account can do this in just a few minutes.
You’ll need to switch your personal account to a Professional account to keep everything working smoothly with our plugin.
The good news is, you can choose either a Business or Creator account – both will work perfectly with our plugin, so pick the one that suits you best.
To get started, you can follow our step-by-step guide on how to convert your Instagram personal profile into a professional account here.
3. Connect Your Instagram Business Profile to a Facebook Page (Optional)
If you’re looking to use hashtag and mention feeds, you’ll need to connect your Instagram Business profile to a Facebook page. This step enables access to these advanced features via the Facebook Graph API.
Here’s how you can link your Instagram Business profile to a Facebook page, as needed.
That’s it!
After following the steps here to reconnect your Instagram account, your Instagram feed on your website will now automatically use the Instagram Graph API instead of the Instagram Basic Display API for all feed updates.
Moving forward, Smash Balloon’s Instagram Feeds plugin will automatically use the new connection, ensuring everything keeps working smoothly even after the old method is phased out. No interruptions, no disruptions.
My Personal Thoughts on the API Change
Although there is some inconvenience with the need to migrate connected accounts, this change does help simplify things for customers in the long run.
Since Instagram (Meta) will be managing just one main API, they can dedicate more resources to improving performance, offering additional services and fixing bugs more quickly.
The new Instagram Graph API itself comes with lots of benefits. It opens up a whole world of possibilities, especially for users with our Instagram Feed Pro plan.
Upgrading to Instagram Feed Pro gives you access to more advanced features such as embedding Instagram hashtag feeds, showing comments or displaying the number of likes and comments for each post.
And the best part? By using the Instagram Graph API, you can seamlessly access these advanced features without any complicated setup or additional connections.
What’s Next?
Smash Balloon is known for its reliability and simplicity.
One thing customers are always happy with is how quickly Smash Balloon adjusts to API changes to make sure everyone’s feeds continue to display Instagram content with minimal effort needed.
Our priority is to make sure your Instagram feed continues to work flawlessly, and we’re confident this transition will be no different. We’ve got you covered!
Have an expired license, or haven’t upgraded to the Pro version yet?
Here are the top reasons why now is the best time to renew or switch to a premium plan:
- Priority Support: Our expert support team will be your personal guides, ensuring a smooth and worry-free transition to the new API.
Have questions or need a helping hand with converting your accounts? Our expert support staff will help you in any way they can to make sure your Instagram feeds continue to work with this change.
- Unlock Powerful Features: Get more control over your Instagram feeds so you can reach more people and boost your followers, engagement and sales. Check out all the amazing features waiting for you on our Instagram Feed Pro page.
Ready to upgrade and rest easy knowing your Instagram feed is in the best hands possible?
Get started with Smash Balloon Pro today!
