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How to Generate an Instagram Access Token for a Business Account

Before getting started:

  1. Ensure you already have a Facebook Page.
  2. Have an Instagram account, and if it’s a personal account, convert it into a business account.
  3. You must link this Instagram Business account with your Facebook Page to proceed.

Step 1: Connect Your Instagram Account with Your Facebook Page

  1. Log in to your personal Facebook profile.
  2. Switch to your Facebook Page:
    • Go to “Pages” on the left sidebar (or top menu if using the new Pages experience).
    • Select the Page you want to connect.
    • Click on the “Switch Now” (or similar “Switch” button) to manage it in Page mode.
  3. Link your Instagram:
    • In the Page’s left sidebar or “Settings,” look for “Linked Accounts” or “Instagram.”
    • Click “Connect Account” or “Connect Instagram”.
    • Follow the prompts to log into Instagram.
    • When asked, choose “Business” account type if prompted (or “Professional → Business”).
    • Grant the necessary permissions and continue until you see the “Done” button.

This process ensures your Facebook Page and Instagram Business account are properly linked.

Step 2: Add A New App in Meta for Developers

  1. Go to the Meta for Developers site and log in with the same Facebook account that manages your Page.
  2. In the top-right corner, click “My Apps” → “Create App” (or “Add a New App” if you’re redirected to your apps list).

Step 3: Provide Details of Your App

  1. In the pop-up:
    • Enter a unique App Name.
    • Provide an App Contact Email.
  2. Click “Next” to continue.

Step 4: Add Use Cases of Your App

  1. Meta will ask how you plan to use this app. You’ll see options such as:
    • Run ads to promote your app
    • Access the Threads API
    • Launch a game on Facebook
    • Other
  2. Select “Other” (or whichever use case closely fits your plan), and then click “Next.”

Step 5: Select the App Type

  1. You will see at least two options (most commonly “Consumer” and “Business”).
  2. Choose “Business” as the App Type and click “Next.”

Step 6: Create Your App

  1. Review the summary of your app’s details.
  2. If everything looks good, click “Create App.”
  3. You will be prompted to re-enter your Facebook password if needed.

Step 7: Set Up “Facebook Login for Business” in Your App

  1. In your app’s Dashboard (left sidebar), scroll to “Add products to your app.”
  2. Locate “Facebook Login for Business” and click “Set up.”
  3. In the following screens:
    • Check the permissions or features you’d like to enable (related to Facebook Login).
    • Click “Save Changes.”

At this point, your Instagram Graph API (for Business accounts) and Facebook Login features are set up in your app.

Step 8: Generate Your Instagram Access Token

  1. Go to the Graph API Explorer:
    • From the Meta for Developers dashboard top menu, choose Tools → Graph API Explorer, or visit Graph API Explorer.
  2. In the Graph API Explorer:
    • Select your newly created app from the “Meta App” dropdown.
    • Under “Permissions,” ensure you select the following (as needed):
      • pages_show_list
      • business_management
      • instagram_basic
      • instagram_manage_comments
      • instagram_manage_insights
      • pages_read_engagement
  3. Click “Generate Access Token”:
    • A permissions popup may appear. Follow the prompts:
      • Grant your Facebook account permissions.
      • Select the Facebook Business Page you want to manage.
      • Select the Instagram account you want to connect.
      • Click on the relevant blue “Confirm” or “Continue” buttons.
    • Copy the generated access token when it appears.

Optional: Convert to a Long-Lived Access Token

  1. Go to Access Token Debugger.
  2. Paste your newly generated token and click “Debug.”
  3. At the bottom of the page, click “Extend Access Token” to generate a long-lived token.

Key Takeaways & Troubleshooting

  • Make sure your Facebook account is an admin of the Facebook Page to connect it to Instagram Business.
  • If you don’t see the Instagram option in Page Settings, verify that you’re using the correct Meta Business Suite or the new Pages experience on Facebook.
  • Double-check that your Instagram account is set to Business and properly linked to your Facebook Page.
  • If you encounter errors in generating tokens, use the Graph API Explorer and Access Token Debugger to ensure the correct permissions and validity.

For the most up-to-date details and any advanced configurations, consult the official Meta documentation.

Fahim Reza