The Complete Guide to Exporting Your Instagram Data

Even though Instagram has been pretty strict with its API usage, it does allow you to export your data on demand.

To track your followers and unfollowers safely with FollowDip, you need to request your official data export from Instagram. This guide is a walk-through to explain the process of exporting your data on Instagram.

Why do I need to do this?

As discussed in a previous post, most apps use your credentials to “scrape” Instagram data to show it to you later in the reports. This is highly unreliable and risks you a ban everytime Instagram APIs are hit using your identity.

By using the official export, you are using the exact data Meta provides to you. It’s safer, more accurate, and respects your privacy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Web app

After ensuring you are logged into your Instagram, follow these steps:

1. Head over to the official export page, which will automatically bring you a dialog box like this:

Mobile app

1. Open Instagram Settings

Go to your profile, tap the three horizontal lines in the top right, and select Accounts Center.

2. Your Information and Permissions

Scroll down and select Your information and permissions, then tap on Download your information.

3. Request a Download

Tap Download or transfer information. Select your Instagram account and tap Next.

4. Select Information

Choose Some of your information. This is important as it makes the download much faster.

5. Choose “Followers and following”

Scroll down and select the checkbox for Followers and following. This is the only data FollowDip needs. Tap Next.

6. Select Destination

Choose Download to device and tap Next.

7. Configure Data Options

This is the most critical step. Ensure your settings match these:

• Date Range: All Time
• Format: JSON (Very important! We cannot read HTML exports)
• Media Quality: Low (We don’t need media, so this makes it faster)

8. Submit Request

Tap Create files. Meta will now prepare your data.

What’s Next?

Meta will email you when your download is ready (usually within 5-15 minutes). Once you get the email:

1. Go back to the Download your information section in Instagram.
2. Tap Download next to your request.
3. Open FollowDip and drop the ZIP file into the dashboard.

That’s it! You’ve successfully synced your data the safe way.