Instagram Account Requirements
Before connecting Instagram to Social Planner:
The Instagram account must be a Business or Creator account
Personal Instagram accounts are not supported
Meta API only works with Business and Creator accounts
Step 1: Enable Instagram Message Access Across Apps
This step is required to allow Social Planner and Meta tools to access Instagram messages.
Open the Instagram mobile app
Go to Settings & Privacy
Tap Message controls
Scroll to Connected tools
Enable Allow access to messages
Step 2: Choose How You Want to Connect Instagram
Social Planner supports two connection methods. You must choose one.
Option A: Instagram with Facebook (Facebook-Linked Method)
Use this method if you need:
Image and video view metrics
Deeper Meta insights
Comment and message syncing via Facebook tools
Requirements
A Facebook Page
Admin or Editor access to that Page
Instagram is connected to the Facebook Page
Step A1: Switch to the Correct Facebook Page
Log in to Facebook
Click your profile picture
Select See all profiles
Choose the Page you manage
Step A2: Connect Instagram to the Facebook Page
Go to Settings & privacy
Open Settings
Select Linked accounts
Next to Instagram, click View
Click Connect account
Follow the prompts
Step A3: Connect Instagram in Social Planner
Open Social Planner
Click + Socials
Select Connect Instagram
Choose Instagram with Facebook
Complete authorization
Option B: Direct Instagram Integration (Recommended for Most Users)
Use this method if you want:
Faster setup
No Facebook Page requirement
Auto-posting for posts, Reels, and Stories
Creator-friendly publishing
Limitations
No image or video view metrics
No Facebook-based insights
Steps to Connect Using Direct Integration
Open Social Planner
Click + Socials
Select Connect Instagram
Choose Direct Instagram Integration
Authorize your Instagram Business or Creator account
Comparison: Which Method Should You Use?
Feature | Instagram with Facebook | Direct Instagram Integration |
Requires Facebook Page | Yes | No |
Supports Stories | Yes | Yes (Creator accounts) |
Image/Video View Metrics | Yes | No |
Auto-publishing | Yes | Yes |
Best for | Advanced Meta insights | Fast setup & Stories |
Important Notes
You can only use one connection method at a time
You may disconnect and reconnect using the other method later
Access tokens expire every 60–90 days and may require reconnection
Changing your Facebook password may disconnect Instagram
FAQ
Can I connect a personal Instagram account?
No. Only Business or Creator Instagram accounts are supported.
Why do I need to allow message access?
It allows Social Planner and Meta tools to manage Instagram messages and comments.
What happens if I don’t enable message access?
Instagram messages can only be viewed directly inside Instagram.
Can I manage multiple Instagram accounts?
Yes. Multiple Instagram Business or Creator accounts can be connected.
Can I schedule Instagram Stories?
Yes. Stories are supported depending on the connection method and account type.
Can I switch connection methods later?
Yes. Disconnect the account and reconnect using the alternate method.
Do I need a Facebook Page for Direct Integration?
No. A Facebook Page is not required for Direct Instagram Integration.
Why did my Instagram account disconnect?
Meta access tokens expire regularly or reset if security credentials change. Reconnect the account from Social Planner Settings.