The Social Media step in the Upload Portal guides you through collecting data from Facebook, Instagram, Threads, or LinkedIn. You request a data export from the platform, download it to your computer, then upload it using the Hearsay Extractor desktop app. This step requires a Mac or Windows computer.
Step 1: Select a platform
On the Social Media step, select the platform you want to collect from: Facebook, Instagram, Threads, or LinkedIn.
Three additional platforms (TikTok, Reddit, and Discord) appear with an I NEED THIS button. These are not yet available for collection but you can express interest.
How the collection works
The process has five steps, split between two devices.
Steps 1 to 3 can be done on any device (including your phone):
Choose a platform.
Request your data. The portal shows you how to request an export from the platform.
Wait for the platform to email you when the export is ready. This can take up to a week depending on the platform.
Steps 4 and 5 require a Mac or Windows computer:
Download the Hearsay Extractor app.
Upload the exported data file and choose which conversations to share.
Request your data export
After selecting a platform, the portal walks you through requesting a data export. For detailed download instructions, see the article for your platform:
Upload with the Hearsay Extractor
Once your data file is ready, download and open the Hearsay Extractor on your computer. Enter the extraction code shown on the Upload Portal and click Extract from Non-Phone Source. Select the social media platform, browse for your data file, and choose the conversations you want to share. The exact steps and button names differ by platform; see the detailed article for yours:
Continue your collection
After uploading, switch back to the Upload Portal. If you have data from additional platforms, select another platform and repeat the process, or click Next source to continue.
Next steps
Continue with How do I complete a collection?.