Zapier + Instagram
Post to Instagram from Zapier
Send Instagram posts from Zapier to BrokenPost. Your workflow builds the post, BrokenPost posts it to Instagram at the time you set.
How to connect Zapier to Instagram
- 1
Connect Instagram in BrokenPost. Connect an Instagram business or creator account, either through its Facebook Page or with Instagram login.
- 2
In BrokenPost, open Plugins and copy your API key.
- 3
In your Zap, add a Webhooks by Zapier step that calls the BrokenPost public API.
- 4
Put your API key in the Authorization header.
- 5
Map fields from your trigger into the post content and date.
Instagram workflows to build in Zapier
Each one ends with a step that sends the post to BrokenPost.
- “When a new row is added to a spreadsheet, schedule an Instagram post with its text and picture at the time in the row.”
- “When a new blog post shows up in your RSS feed, schedule an Instagram post that links to it.”
- “When someone submits a form, save an Instagram post as a draft for your team to approve.”
- “When a product is added to your store, post it to Instagram the next morning.”
What happens next
- 1
Your Zapier workflow starts from its trigger, like a new row, a form or an RSS item.
- 2
It sends the text, the date and the channel to the BrokenPost public API, with a picture or video link.
- 3
BrokenPost pulls in any media and saves the post on your calendar, as scheduled or as a draft.
- 4
At the set time BrokenPost publishes it to Instagram. If Instagram rejects it, the post shows as failed with the reason.
Instagram limits to build for
Keep each post inside these limits. If Instagram rejects one, it shows as failed on your calendar with the reason.
| Characters | 2,200 characters |
|---|---|
| Media | At least 1 picture or video, up to 10 in a carousel |
| Carousel | Up to 10 pictures or videos |
| Stories | Pictures or videos, each one becomes its own story |
| Trial Reels | 1 video only |
| Text-only posts | Not allowed |
Instagram settings you can send
Send them with the post in the Instagram settings.
- Post or story
- Collaborators to tag
- Trial Reel and how it graduates
- Music for a single video Reel
If Instagram rejects a post
The post shows as failed on your calendar with one of these messages.
| What you see | How to fix it |
|---|---|
| Aspect ratio not supported, must be between 4:5 to 1.91:1 | Crop the picture to a size between portrait 4:5 and landscape 1.91:1. Square always works. |
| Instagram carousel should have between 2 and 10 media attachments | A carousel needs 2 to 10 items. Remove extras or post them as a second carousel. |
| Collaborators are not allowed for carousel | Instagram only takes collaborators on single posts and Reels. Remove them or post one item. |
| Caption is too long | Instagram allows 2,200 characters. Shorten the caption or move details to the first comment. |
| Image is too large | Export the picture at a smaller size and upload it again. |
| Should have at least one media | Instagram never takes text-only posts. Add a picture or video. |
Good to know
- Every Instagram post needs at least one picture or video.
- A carousel can hold up to 10 items.
- Music can only be added to a single video Reel, not to Stories.
- Send the post as a draft when you want someone to check it in BrokenPost first.
Questions people ask
Can Zapier post to Instagram?
Yes, through BrokenPost. Connect Instagram in BrokenPost, then send posts to the BrokenPost public API from Zapier.
What are the Instagram limits?
2,200 characters. At least 1 picture or video, up to 10 in a carousel. If Instagram rejects a post, it shows as failed on your BrokenPost calendar with the reason.
Can Zapier schedule Instagram posts for later?
Yes. Send a date and time with the post and it goes out then, or send it as a draft to check it first.
Is it free?
The public API works on every plan. The Free plan includes 1 account on every app and 20 posts a month. Paid plans start at $19 a month with unlimited posts.
How do I add a picture or video?
Instagram needs media on every post. Upload the file to BrokenPost, or pass a link and BrokenPost pulls it in, then attach it to the post.
Do I need an Instagram business account?
You need a business or creator account. You can connect it through a Facebook Page or straight with Instagram login.
Can I schedule Instagram Stories?
Yes. Set the post type to story. Each picture or video you add is posted as its own story.
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