This article walks you through collecting social media data. You'll select your platform, download or locate your data file, and upload it using the Hearsay Extractor.
Open the Upload Portal
The Upload Portal guides you through each requested data source in order. Click "Start" from the guided plan to begin.
Step 1: Select a platform
Select the platform you want to collect from:
Facebook — Messenger conversations
Instagram — Direct messages
Threads — Direct messages
LinkedIn — Messages and InMails
Click a platform to continue.
Step 2: Choose your file status
Each platform asks: "Do you have your [platform] data file?"
No, I need to request it: Select this if you haven't downloaded your data yet. The Upload Portal will walk you through requesting a data export from the platform.
Yes, I have my file ready: Select this if you've already downloaded your data export file.
For detailed instructions on how to download your data, see:
Step 3: Download and open the Hearsay Extractor
After selecting your file status, the Upload Portal shows instructions for sharing your data using the Hearsay Extractor. Download and open the Hearsay Extractor on your computer using the download button for your computer type (Mac M-Series, Mac Intel, or Windows).
Note: You'll need to switch to your computer for this step. The Upload Portal displays a reminder: "You'll need to download and run Hearsay Extractor on a Mac or Windows computer to share your data file now."
Step 4: Enter your extraction code and select a platform
Open the Hearsay Extractor and enter the extraction code shown on the Upload Portal page.
Click "Extract from a Non-Phone Source".
Select the social media platform.
For detailed instructions on uploading from each platform, see:
Step 5: Select your data file
Click "Browse" to locate the data file you downloaded from the platform, then click "Continue".
Step 6: Search, select, and share
Once the data file is parsed, the Hearsay Extractor displays your conversations. Use the search bar to find specific threads. Select the conversations you want to share by checking the box next to each one, then click Share conversations button.
Once the upload completes, switch back to the Upload Portal. Completed platforms show a green checkmark. If you have data from additional platforms, click "Add another platform" and repeat the process.