[December 2024] The End of Instagram Basic Display API: What It Means and How to Adapt

Meta (Instagram’s parent company) informed third-party developers in Q4 2024 that it was to discontinue the Basic Display API—a tool that Spotlight (and all other Instagram plugins for WordPress) has relied on to connect personal Instagram accounts and display Instagram feeds. 

This transition, which took effect on December 4, 2024, affects those of you who’ve linked your Instagram feeds to Spotlight through personal accounts.

But don’t worry—understanding what’s happening and how to fix it will make this transition smoother.

We’ll walk you through what Instagram’s decision means, provide answers to FAQs, and highlight the steps you need to take to switch to the new connection methods..

What is the Instagram Basic Display API?

To show your Instagram feed on your website using Spotlight, you must connect your Instagram account. This connection lets Spotlight fetch and import profile information, photos, and videos from your Instagram account.

If you connected with a business account, you might remember needing to link a Facebook page during setup.

However, it was simpler for personal accounts—you just needed a valid Instagram account.

We connected your Instagram account directly to Spotlight, allowing you to showcase your feed on your website. This was all possible thanks to the now deprecated Basic Display API

What happens now that it has shut down?

With the Instagram Basic Display API discontinued, Instagram personal accounts are no longer be able to automatically pull in the latest content to their website’s Instagram feed. This is because the API that made it all possible no longer exists.

On the other hand, if you have a business account, you won’t be affected. Business accounts are connected through the Instagram Graph API, which is a completely different system and isn’t impacted by this change.

Meta has since launched a new API called the Instagram API with Instagram Login. This new method allows you to connect your Instagram account without the need of a Facebook page, just like personal accounts used to work, however, your Instagram account needs to be set as Professional. A professional Instagram account simply means that it's set up as Creator or Business, both of which are free to switch to.

How do I switch to a free Professional account?

To switch to a Creator or Business Professional account in Instagram, please follow these instructions. The switch is free and comes with access to additional Instagram features.

I have a personal account, what can I do next?

Here’s what you need to do.

Switch your personal account to a Professional account: If you’re still using a personal Instagram account, it’s time to switch to a business account. It’s easy. Just follow these steps:

1. Go to your Instagram profile.
2. Tap the menu icon ☰ in the top right corner.
3. Scroll down to “Account type and tools.”
4. Choose “Switch to Professional Account.”
5. Pick the category that best fits your business.
6. Select "Creator" or “Business” as your account type.
7. If you select "Business", follow the on-screen instructions to link your Instagram account with a Facebook page and add your contact details, otherwise, continue as instructed.

Reconnect your Instagram Account in Spotlight: Once your professional account is all set up, it’s time to reconnect in Spotlight. Check out this detailed guide or follow the quick steps below.

1. Log in to your website and head to our Spotlight plugin.
2. Click on “Settings” and then “Accounts.”
3. Click on the "Connect more Instagram accounts” button.
4. Click on the "Basic (Connect via Instagram)" button.
5. Follow the steps to connect your account.
6. Once connected, go to "Feeds" and make sure the correct Instagram account is selected for each of your existing Spotlight Instagram feeds.
7. Lastly, you can delete your old Instagram account connection from the "Accounts" settings page. You can identify the old connection as it has a "Personal" label next to it. Newly connected accounts will show "Basic (IG)" or "Advanced (FB)" labels next to them.

And that’s it! Once your Instagram account is up and running, you’ll no longer be connected to the Basic Display API and your feeds will continue to be updated with new posts over itme.

Not sure if this affects you?

It’s easy to find out. Just head to your Spotlight dashboard and go to Settings > Accounts. If you see ‘Business’ listed as the type, you’ve got a business account and you’re all set—this change won’t impact you. If you see 'Personal', you need to follow the steps outlined above.

Spotlight is here to help you

We understand that Instagram’s upcoming API changes may have caught you off guard, but rest assured—Spotlight is here to help you navigate this transition smoothly. Our commitment to your success remains strong, and we’re ready to support you every step of the way.

If you have any questions or concerns about how this change impacts your Instagram feeds, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to provide all the information and assistance you need.

FAQ

Will I be charged for upgrading to a professional account?

No, it is free to switch from a personal to a creator or business account on Instagram.

Will my Instagram account be automatically changed to a professional account once the Basic Display API is shut down?

No, it will not. You’ll need to log in to Instagram and switch to a professional account manually.

Do I need to recreate my feeds from scratch?

No, all you need to do is to make sure each feed has the correct Instagram account selected as its source - namely, the new professional account (Basic or Advanced).

What If I’m not a business?

Even if you’re not a business, switching to a professional account will ensure your feeds continue to update and comes at no extra cost to you. If you choose to keep your personal account, your Instagram feeds will stop updating now that the Basic Display API has been discontinued.

I tried connecting my business account to Spotlight, but it says it can’t be found.

If you see the message, “We couldn’t find any business Instagram accounts connected to your Facebook account,” while trying to connect, please refer to this quick guide to resolve the issue or switch to a Creator account and use the "Basic (Connect via Instagram)" option in Spotlight instead. This does not require a Facebook connection whatsoever.

Can I connect multiple business accounts to Spotlight?

Yes, you can connect multiple Instagram business accounts to Spotlight. Just remember that each account must be linked to its own Facebook page.

I changed my Instagram username after switching to a business account. Do I need to reconnect it in Spotlight?

Yes, you will need to reconnect your Instagram account in Spotlight after changing your username. This ensures that your feed continues to display correctly on your website.

I switched to a business account and reconnected it, but my feed isn’t updating automatically. What should I do?

If your feed isn’t updating with the latest Instagram posts, it might be due to several reasons. Check this guide for common reasons.