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How to download Instagram data for collection

This article explains how to download your Instagram direct messages from Meta so they can be uploaded through the Hearsay Extractor.

Updated over a month ago

This article shows the steps to download your Instagram data file from Meta’s Accounts Center. You’ll select your account, choose to include messages, and generate a downloadable JSON file. Use the table of contents below to jump to any step in the process.


Step 1: Go to Meta Accounts Center

Go to https://accountscenter.instagram.com and log in to your account.

You can also access the Account Center dashboard by:

  1. Logging in to Instagram on a computer.

  2. Click More (the three-line icon on the bottom left of the screen).

  3. Click Settings.

  4. Click the Account Center tile in the top-left corner of the screen.


Step 2: Your information and permission

Click Your information and permission.


Step 3: Export your information

Click Export your information.


Step 4: Create export

Click Create export.


Step 5: Choose a profile

Click Instagram.


Step 6: Choose where to export

Click Export to device.


Step 7: Start export

Select the Date Range. Set Format to JSON, then click Start export.

Meta will send you an email once your download is ready. This may take 24–72 hours.


Step 8: Download your file

Once you receive the email from Meta that the export is complete:

  1. Click Your information and permission.

  2. Click Export your information.

  3. Click Download to save it to your computer or an external hard drive.


Next steps

Once your export is complete, continue to one of the following articles based on how you plan to share your data:

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