How to Get an Instagram Client ID

Getting your Instagram Client ID is one of those necessary technical steps that can feel a little intimidating at first, but is a must-do for connecting third-party apps and services to your account. This article will walk you through the entire process on Meta's developer platform, breaking down each step so you can get your app credentials and link your favorite tools securely.

What is an Instagram Client ID... Really?

Before we jump into the "how," let's quickly cover the "what." In the modern Instagram API, the term "Client ID" is often used interchangeably with "App ID." Think of it as a public-facing username for an application you create. When an app or website plugin asks for your Instagram data - like embedding your feed on your homepage - it uses this App ID to introduce itself to Instagram.

Along with a secret password (called an App Secret), it forms a secure digital handshake. This allows the third-party service to access your profile information or photos on your behalf, without you ever needing to share your Instagram login details directly. This authentication process is at the heart of nearly every tool that integrates with Instagram.

Common Reasons You Might Need One

You’ll likely find yourself needing an App ID if you’re trying to:

• Add a live, interactive Instagram feed to your website.
• Connect your account to a social media analytics dashboard that needs direct API access.
• Use certain specific social media scheduler or content management plugins.
• Build a custom application that leverages Instagram's API for unique features.

In short, it’s the key that unlocks direct communication between another application and your Instagram account.

Before You Start: A Quick Checklist

To make this process as smooth as possible, make sure you have these four things ready to go. Trying to find them midway through is a common point of frustration, so getting set up first is a great way to save time.

1. A Meta for Developers Account: Don't worry, this is free to create. If you have a regular Facebook account, you're already 90% of the way there. You’ll just need to register it as a developer account.
2. An Instagram Professional Account: Your Instagram account needs to be either a Business or Creator account. Most integrations won't work with a personal profile. You can switch your account type in Instagram's settings under "Account Type and Tools."
3. A Connected Facebook Page: Your Instagram Professional account must be linked to a Facebook Page that you manage. This is a non-negotiable requirement from Meta's side. You can check this connection in your Instagram settings under "Linked Accounts."
4. A Couple of URLs from Your Website: You'll need the URL for your website's Privacy Policy page. You’ll also need something called a "Valid OAuth Redirect URI," which we'll cover in more detail below, but it's typically provided by the plugin or service you're trying to use.

Got everything? Great. Let's get that App ID.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Getting an Instagram App ID

The entire process takes place on the Meta for Developers platform. Follow these steps carefully, and you'll have your credentials in just a few minutes.

Step 1: Navigate to Meta for Developers and Create an App

First, head over to developers.facebook.com and log in with your Facebook account. Once you're in, click the "My Apps" button in the top right corner.

From your Apps dashboard, click the green "Create App" button. This will kick off the main setup process.

Step 2: Choose Your App Type

You'll be asked what you want your app to do. A few options will appear, like "Gaming" or "Business." For most integrations like displaying an Instagram feed on a website, the most common and appropriate choice is "Consumer."

Select "Consumer" and click "Next."

Step 3: Name Your App

Now, give your app a descriptive name. This is purely for your own reference, so make it something you’ll recognize later. Examples could be:

• "My Website's Instagram Feed"
• "Company Analytics Dashboard Connector"

Your contact email will be auto-filled. Just confirm it's correct and click "Create App." You might be asked to re-enter your Facebook password for security.

Step 4: Locate Your App ID and App Secret

Congratulations, you’ve created your app! You'll be redirected to your new app's main dashboard. Right at the top of this screen, you’ll see your App ID. This is the "Client ID" you were looking for.

You’ll also see an App Secret with the value hidden. Clicking "Show" will reveal it. Remember, treat the App Secret like a password - never share it publicly, like in your website's front-end code.

Step 5: Set Up the "Instagram Basic Display" Product

An app is just an empty container until you tell it what services you want it to use. From your app dashboard, scroll down until you see a section labeled "Add products to your app."

Find the product card for Instagram Basic Display and click the "Set Up" button.

Step 6: Configure Platform Settings

On the Instagram Basic Display configuration page, you'll be prompted to create your platform. Scroll to the bottom and click "Create New App." A pop-up will inform you that you need to configure your user settings. This is where you'll enter the URLs we gathered earlier.

You will need to fill in these key fields:

• Valid OAuth Redirect URIs: This is a critical security step. It’s a specific URL that Meta is allowed to redirect users to after they have successfully authorized your app. Your plugin or third-party service *must* give you this URL. It will look something like https://yourwebsite.com/auth/instagram/callback. You cannot make this up, it has to match what the service is expecting.
• Deauthorize Callback URL: This is a URL where Meta can send a notification if a user uninstalls your app via their Instagram settings. Typically, you can just use your website's homepage or privacy policy URL here.
• Data Deletion Request URL: A URL where Meta can send requests to delete a user's data, which is part of compliance with privacy regulations like GDPR. Again, your privacy policy URL is often a suitable entry here.

Once you’ve entered the URLs, click "Save Changes."

Step 7: Add an Instagram Tester

Before an app goes "live" and is approved by Meta for public use, you can only use it with designated "tester" accounts. For a simple website feed, this is all you’ll need.

Navigate to the "Roles" > "Roles" section from the left-hand menu of your app dashboard. Scroll down until you see the "Instagram Testers" panel. Click "Add Instagram Testers."

A modal will pop up. Enter the username of the Instagram professional account you want to connect and send the invitation.

Step 8: Accept the Tester Invitation on Instagram

This final step is completed on Instagram itself, not on the Meta developer site. Log in to the Instagram account that you just invited as a tester (you must do this via a web browser, not the mobile app).

Go to your profile, then click "Edit Profile." From the menu that appears, select "Apps and Websites." You will see a tab for "Tester Invites" with a pending invitation from the app you just created. Click "Accept."

And that’s it! Your App ID is now fully configured and ready to be used with that specific Instagram account. You can now take your App ID and App Secret back to your website plugin or service and paste them into the required fields.

Final Thoughts

Walking through Meta's developer settings to get your Instagram App ID (the modern Client ID) is mostly about following a specific sequence: create an app, add the Instagram Basic Display product, configure your URLs, and authorize a test user. Although it sounds technical, it’s a security process designed to protect your account, and with this guide, you can knock it out quickly.

Wrestling with API keys and developer settings can be time-consuming, especially when all you want is to focus on your social media goals. At Postbase, we work hard to keep your accounts connected securely and reliably, so you spend less time re-authenticating and more time creating great content. We made our platform handle the technical complexities behind the scenes, ensuring your video-first content publishes perfectly every time, without you ever needing to copy-paste an App ID.