Instagram Upload Guide
Post Reels, photo carousels, and text to Instagram using the IndReelForge API. Requires a Facebook-connected Instagram Business or Creator account.
Supported Content Types
| Type | Endpoint | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Reel (video) | POST /api/upload | MP4/MOV, 3–90 seconds |
| Photo carousel | POST /api/upload_photos | 2–10 images |
| Text / caption only | POST /api/upload_text | Threads-style text post |
Video Requirements (Reels)
| Requirement | Value |
|---|---|
| Format | MP4 or MOV |
| Resolution | 1080×1920 (9:16 vertical) |
| Duration | 3–90 seconds |
| Max file size | 1 GB |
| Frame rate | 23–60 fps |
Upload a Reel
curl -X POST https://api.indreelforge.com/api/upload \
-H 'Authorization: Apikey YOUR_KEY' \
-F 'user=my-brand' \
-F 'title=New Reel caption with #hashtags' \
-F 'platform[]=instagram' \
-F 'video_url=https://your-cdn.com/reel.mp4'
Upload a Photo Carousel
curl -X POST https://api.indreelforge.com/api/upload_photos \
-H 'Authorization: Apikey YOUR_KEY' \
-F 'user=my-brand' \
-F 'title=Swipe to see all 5 looks →' \
-F 'platform[]=instagram' \
-F 'image_url[]=https://cdn.example.com/slide1.jpg' \
-F 'image_url[]=https://cdn.example.com/slide2.jpg' \
-F 'image_url[]=https://cdn.example.com/slide3.jpg'
Instagram-Specific Fields
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
title | Caption text — hashtags and mentions supported |
instagram_thumbnail_url | Custom cover image URL for Reels (takes priority over instagram_thumb_offset) |
instagram_thumb_offset | Millisecond offset into the video to use as the cover frame |
location_id | Facebook Location ID to tag a place |
Connect Instagram
- Dashboard → Profiles → select your profile
- Click Connect next to Instagram
- Log in with Facebook (Instagram Business accounts require a linked Facebook Page)
- Grant all requested permissions
- Return — status shows Connected
Troubleshooting
| Error | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
oauth_expired | Token older than 60 days | Reconnect Instagram in profile settings |
media_type_unsupported | Non-MP4 video | Convert to H.264 MP4 |
caption_too_long | Over 2,200 characters | Shorten caption or trim the hashtag block |
carousel_min_images | Fewer than 2 images | Add at least 2 images for a carousel |