Instagram Poster v2.1 - Automated Social Media Publishing

Post to Instagram using browser automation. Supports image posts with captions, hashtags, geo-tagging, and AI-generated alt text. Enterprise-grade stability with session persistence, captcha solving, and residential proxy support.

Perfect for: Social media managers, marketing agencies, brand automation, content scheduling, and multi-account management.

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Key Features

Core Posting Features

• Image Posts - Upload photos with captions (Instagram requires images)
• Smart Hashtags - Auto-formatted hashtag support
• AI Alt Text - Claude Vision-generated accessibility descriptions
• Geo-Tagging - Embed GPS coordinates in image EXIF data
• IndexNow Integration - Instant search engine indexing

Enterprise Stability Features (v2.1+)

• Session Persistence - Cookies saved to Apify KV Store, reducing login frequency
• 2Captcha Integration - Automatic security challenge solving
• Sticky Proxy Sessions - Consistent IP assignment for better stability
• Browser Fingerprint Protection - Advanced anti-bot evasion
• Auto-Retry Logic - Smart error handling and recovery

Developer Features

• Webhook Integration - POST notifications for Zapier, Make, n8n workflows
• Demo Mode - Test without credentials (no charges)
• Detailed Logging - Full visibility into posting process
• Debug Screenshots - Automatic screenshots at key steps

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Quick Start Examples

Post a Simple Image

{
  "cookies": "[your exported cookies JSON]",
  "imageUrl": "https://example.com/image.jpg",
  "caption": "Check out this awesome photo!",
  "demoMode": false
}

Post with Hashtags

{
  "cookies": "[your exported cookies JSON]",
  "imageUrl": "https://example.com/product.jpg",
  "caption": "New product launch!",
  "hashtags": ["newproduct", "launch", "exciting"],
  "demoMode": false
}

Production Setup with All Stability Features

{
  "cookies": "[your exported cookies JSON]",
  "imageUrl": "https://example.com/image.jpg",
  "caption": "Professional automated posting!",
  "hashtags": ["automation", "business"],
  "reuseSession": true,
  "twoCaptchaApiKey": "your-2captcha-key",
  "proxy": {
    "useApifyProxy": true,
    "apifyProxyGroups": ["RESIDENTIAL"],
    "apifyProxyCountry": "US"
  },
  "webhookUrl": "https://hooks.zapier.com/hooks/catch/...",
  "timeout": 120,
  "demoMode": false
}

With Geo-Tagging and Alt Text

{
  "cookies": "[your exported cookies JSON]",
  "imageUrl": "https://example.com/storefront.jpg",
  "caption": "Visit us at our new location!",
  "imageOptions": {
    "geoTagging": true,
    "geoLocation": {
      "latitude": 40.7128,
      "longitude": -74.0060,
      "businessName": "My Store NYC",
      "city": "New York",
      "state": "NY"
    },
    "generateAltText": true,
    "businessType": "retail store"
  },
  "demoMode": false
}

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Input Parameters Reference

Authentication

Parameter	Type	Required	Description
username	string	No*	Instagram username
password	string	No*	Instagram password
cookies	string	No*	Exported cookies JSON (recommended)

*One authentication method required: cookies OR username+password

Content

Parameter	Type	Required	Description
imageUrl	string	Yes	URL of image to post (required)
caption	string	No	Post caption text
hashtags	array	No	Hashtags to add (with or without #)

Session & Stability (NEW in v2.1)

Parameter	Type	Default	Description
reuseSession	boolean	true	Save/reuse authenticated sessions
twoCaptchaApiKey	string	-	API key for captcha solving
proxy	object	Residential US	Proxy configuration
timeout	integer	120	Max operation time (seconds)

Image Options

Parameter	Type	Description
imageOptions.geoTagging	boolean	Enable GPS coordinate embedding
imageOptions.geoLocation	object	Location data (lat, long, etc.)
imageOptions.generateAltText	boolean	Generate AI alt text
imageOptions.businessType	string	Business type for alt text context

Integrations

Parameter	Type	Description
webhookUrl	string	URL for POST notifications
indexNowKey	string	IndexNow API key for SEO
demoMode	boolean	Test mode (no real posting)

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Output Format

Successful Post

{
  "success": true,
  "postUrl": "https://instagram.com/p/ABC123xyz",
  "postId": "ABC123xyz",
  "imageAltText": "A storefront with red signage...",
  "imageGeoTagged": true
}

Error Response

{
  "success": false,
  "error": "Authentication failed - invalid cookies",
  "screenshotUrl": "https://api.apify.com/v2/key-value-stores/.../error-screenshot.png"
}

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Stability Features Explained

Session Persistence

Sessions are automatically saved to Apify's KV Store and reused across runs:

• Session Key: Generated from your credentials (hashed for security)
• Storage: Encrypted cookies in Apify KV Store
• Expiry: 24 hours (then re-authenticates)
• Benefit: Reduces login frequency by ~90%, avoids security triggers

2Captcha Integration

Instagram uses various challenge types for bot detection. When enabled:

1. Challenge is detected automatically
2. Captcha is sent to 2Captcha service
3. Solution is injected into the page
4. Process continues automatically

Setup:

1. Create account at 2captcha.com
2. Add funds ($3 minimum recommended)
3. Copy your API key
4. Add to twoCaptchaApiKey input

Sticky Proxy Sessions

Residential proxies with consistent IP assignment:

{
  "proxy": {
    "useApifyProxy": true,
    "apifyProxyGroups": ["RESIDENTIAL"],
    "apifyProxyCountry": "US"
  }
}

Why It Matters:

• Same IP across session = less suspicious
• Residential IPs are trusted by Instagram
• Country targeting for geo-relevant content

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Authentication Guide

Method 1: Cookie-Based (Recommended)

Cookie authentication is the most stable method with the highest success rate.

How to Export Cookies:

1. Install a browser extension like "Cookie-Editor" or "EditThisCookie"
2. Log into Instagram in your browser
3. Click the extension icon
4. Export all cookies as JSON
5. Paste the JSON into the cookies field

Simplified Session Cookie:

You can also just provide the sessionid cookie value:

{
  "cookies": "sessionid=1234567890%3AabcDEFghi%3A15"
}

Benefits:

• No login process (faster, more reliable)
• Avoids most security challenges
• Sessions last 24+ hours
• Works with 2FA-enabled accounts

Method 2: Username/Password

Direct login with credentials. May trigger security challenges.

{
  "username": "your_username",
  "password": "your_password"
}

Note: If you have 2FA enabled, cookie-based auth is required.

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Pricing

This actor uses pay-per-event billing:

Event	Description	Price
apify-actor-start	Base cost per run	$0.10
post_created	Per post created	$0.05

Example Costs:

Action	Calculation	Total
Single post	$0.10 + $0.05	$0.15
100 posts/month	100 x $0.15	$15.00

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Troubleshooting Common Issues

Authentication Errors

Error: Not logged in. Please check credentials or cookies.

• Cause: Cookies expired or were invalidated
• Fix: Export fresh cookies from your browser

Error: Instagram requires verification

• Cause: Instagram detected unusual activity
• Fix:
  1. Add 2Captcha API key
  2. Use residential proxy
  3. Log into Instagram from the same location/IP first

Posting Errors

Error: Could not find file input element

• Cause: Instagram UI changed or not fully loaded
• Fix: Increase timeout, try again

Error: Image upload failed - crop screen not shown

• Cause: Image format issue or network problem
• Fix: Ensure image URL is accessible and in JPG/PNG format

Challenge Errors

Error: Security challenge detected but could not be solved

• Cause: Instagram triggered a captcha
• Fix: Add 2Captcha API key or use cookie-based auth

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What's New in v2.1

Session Persistence System

• Cookies automatically saved to Apify KV Store
• Sessions reused across runs (24-hour validity)
• Reduces login frequency by 90%
• Sticky proxy sessions for consistent IP

2Captcha Integration

• Automatic security challenge detection
• Seamless challenge solving
• Timeout handling (5 minutes max)

Enhanced Stability

• Improved error handling and retry logic
• Better fingerprint randomization
• Smarter wait times between actions
• Detailed logging for debugging

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Best Practices

For Maximum Stability

1. Use Cookie Authentication - Most reliable method
2. Enable Session Reuse - Reduces login frequency
3. Add 2Captcha Key - Handles challenges automatically
4. Use Residential Proxies - Better trust with Instagram
5. Post at Human Pace - Reasonable delays between posts

For Brand Safety

1. Review Content - Avoid automated content that could be controversial
2. Monitor Results - Check webhook responses for failures
3. Maintain Backups - Keep cookie exports updated
4. Follow ToS - Stay within Instagram's acceptable use policies

Image Best Practices

1. Use High Quality Images - Min 1080x1080 for feed posts
2. Enable Alt Text - Improves accessibility and SEO
3. Consider Geo-Tagging - Adds local relevance
4. JPG or PNG - Most compatible formats

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Support & Resources

• Issues: Report bugs via Apify console feedback
• Documentation: Apify Actor Documentation
• 2Captcha Setup: 2captcha.com
• Cookie Export Guide: Search "Cookie-Editor Chrome extension"

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Changelog

v2.1.0 (Latest)

• Added session persistence system
• Added 2Captcha integration for security challenges
• Added sticky proxy sessions
• Improved fingerprint randomization
• Enhanced error handling
• Added webhook support
• Added IndexNow integration

v2.0.0

• Complete rewrite with PlaywrightCrawler
• Added geo-tagging support
• Added AI alt text generation
• Improved anti-detection

v1.0.0

• Initial release
• Basic image posting
• Cookie authentication

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Built by John Rippy | LinkedIn | Actor Arsenal

Keywords: Instagram automation, Instagram poster, social media automation, Instagram marketing, automated posting, Instagram scheduler, Apify Instagram actor, Instagram bot