# Instagram Thumbnail Scraper Video & Reels (`alpha-scraper/instagram-thumbnail-scraper-video-reels`) Actor Instagram Thumbnail Scraper Video & Reels extracts public Instagram video and Reel thumbnails in selected quality, including Full HD, 2K, and 4K targets. Get thumbnail URLs, dimensions, file size, content type, source URLs, and upload dates in structured Apify dataset records. - **URL**: https://apify.com/alpha-scraper/instagram-thumbnail-scraper-video-reels.md - **Developed by:** [Alpha Scraper](https://apify.com/alpha-scraper) (community) - **Categories:** Videos, Social media, Other - **Stats:** 32 total users, 0 monthly users, 100.0% runs succeeded, 0 bookmarks - **User rating**: No ratings yet ## Pricing from $1.50 / 1,000 results This Actor is paid per event and usage. You are charged both the fixed price for specific events and for Apify platform usage. Since this Actor supports Apify Store discounts, the price gets lower the higher subscription plan you have. Learn more: https://docs.apify.com/actors/running/actors-in-store.md#pay-per-event ## What's an Apify Actor? An Actor is a serverless cloud program that runs on the Apify platform. It has two run modes. In Batch mode, an Actor accepts a well-defined JSON input, performs an action which can take anything from a few seconds to a few hours, and optionally produces a well-defined JSON output, datasets with results, or files in key-value store. In Standby mode, an Actor provides a web server which can be used as a website, API, or an MCP server. Apify vocabulary and the platform model are defined once, in the agent quickstart at https://apify.com/agents.md. ## How to integrate an Actor? If asked about integration, you help developers integrate Actors into their projects. You adapt to their stack and deliver integrations that are safe, well-documented, and production-ready. Do not guess an integration path. Every one of them is in the agent quickstart at https://apify.com/agents.md: the Apify MCP server, Agent Skills with the Apify CLI, the JavaScript and Python clients, the REST API, and the account-free path for an agent with no human to sign in. It also carries the rule on stating cost before the first paid run. For examples already wired to this Actor's own input schema, see the [API](#api) section below. Each client library has reference documentation the quickstart does not restate: [JavaScript/TypeScript](https://docs.apify.com/api/client/js/docs.md) (`npm install apify-client`) and [Python](https://docs.apify.com/api/client/python/docs.md) (`pip install apify-client`). # README ### ๐Ÿ“ธ Instagram Thumbnail Scraper Video & Reels โ€“ Overview Instagram Thumbnail Scraper Video & Reels is an Apify Actor built to collect thumbnail images and thumbnail metadata from public Instagram video and Reels URLs. It gives you a structured way to retrieve the preview image associated with an Instagram video or Reel without manually opening each post. The Actor accepts one or multiple public Instagram URLs, selects a thumbnail according to your chosen quality preference, downloads the selected image, stores it, and returns a structured result for each successfully processed URL. The result includes the original Instagram URL, available upload date metadata, a public thumbnail URL, and technical information about the downloaded thumbnail. This makes the Instagram thumbnail scraper useful for content research, social media asset collection, media cataloging, post archiving, visual analysis, and workflows where an Instagram video thumbnail needs to be available as a separate image asset. > ๐Ÿ’ก **Key Features** > > - Extract thumbnails from public Instagram video and Reel URLs. > - Process multiple URLs in a single Actor run. > - Choose from several thumbnail quality targets, including 4K. > - Receive a public thumbnail URL for the downloaded image. > - Get thumbnail width, height, file size, and content type. > - Receive the original source URL and upload date when available. > - Return structured records that are easy to inspect and export from Apify. The simplest workflow is to paste your Instagram video or Reel URLs into **Instagram video or reels URLs**, choose a thumbnail quality, and start the run. ### ๐ŸŽฏ Instagram Thumbnail Scraper Video & Reels โ€“ Key Features The Actor focuses on turning public Instagram video and Reel URLs into usable thumbnail image assets and structured thumbnail data. It does not download the full Instagram video; the output is centered on the thumbnail selected from the source media metadata. #### ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ Thumbnail quality selection The `thumbnailQuality` input lets you choose the resolution target for the image you want to collect. Available choices are: - **default** โ€” selects the highest available thumbnail resolution. - **small** โ€” targets approximately 150 pixels wide. - **medium** โ€” targets approximately 320 pixels wide. - **large** โ€” targets approximately 640 pixels wide. - **xl** โ€” targets approximately 960 pixels wide. - **max** โ€” selects the highest available thumbnail resolution. - **full_hd** โ€” targets approximately 1440 pixels wide. - **2k** โ€” targets approximately 2048 pixels wide. - **4k** โ€” targets approximately 3840 pixels wide. The quality setting is a target, not a guarantee that the final file will have that exact resolution. The Actor selects the available thumbnail that is closest to the requested target. #### ๐Ÿ”— Multiple Instagram URLs You can submit one URL or a list of public Instagram video or Reel URLs in the `startUrls` field. #### ๐Ÿ“ฆ Structured thumbnail metadata Each successful result includes the selected thumbnail dimensions, requested quality option, file size in bytes, and content type. This helps downstream workflows distinguish image assets and measure their actual size. #### ๐ŸŒ Public thumbnail URL After the thumbnail is collected, the Actor provides a `thumbnail_url` pointing to the stored image asset. > โœ… **Why Use This Actor** > > - Save time when collecting Instagram video thumbnails in bulk. > - Standardize thumbnail collection across many public video and Reel URLs. > - Choose a practical quality target for different storage needs. > - Keep thumbnail metadata alongside the image URL. > - Create a structured source for visual research or content operations. ### ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ Instagram Thumbnail Scraper Video & Reels โ€“ What Data You Can Extract The Actor returns one structured record for each successfully processed thumbnail. The output is focused on source identification, thumbnail access, and thumbnail properties. | Output field | What it contains | | --------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- | | `original_url` | The Instagram webpage URL associated with the processed video or Reel. | | `upload_date` | The source upload date when available, typically in `YYYYMMDD` form. | | `thumbnail_url` | A public URL for the stored thumbnail image. | | `thumbnail_data.width` | Width of the selected thumbnail in pixels when available. | | `thumbnail_data.height` | Height of the selected thumbnail in pixels when available. | | `thumbnail_data.quality_selected` | The quality option selected in the input. | | `thumbnail_data.file_size_bytes` | Size of the downloaded thumbnail file in bytes. | | `thumbnail_data.content_type` | The detected content type of the stored image, such as `image/jpeg`. | > ๐Ÿ“Š **Output / Data Fields** > > - **Source:** `original_url` > - **Date:** `upload_date` > - **Image access:** `thumbnail_url` > - **Image dimensions:** `width`, `height` > - **Requested quality:** `quality_selected` > - **File information:** `file_size_bytes` > - **Content type:** `content_type` The `upload_date` field depends on the metadata available for the source URL, so it should be treated as optional. The dimensions are based on the actual selected image. Requesting `4k` therefore does not mean every result will be exactly 3840 ร— 3840 pixels. The source may not expose a thumbnail at that size, and the Actor uses the closest available option. ### โš™๏ธ Instagram Thumbnail Scraper Video & Reels โ€“ How to Use It Using Instagram Thumbnail Scraper Video & Reels requires two user-facing inputs: the URLs to process and the desired thumbnail quality. #### 1. Add Instagram URLs Open the Actor input and add one or more public Instagram video or Reel URLs to **Instagram video or reels URLs**. ```json { "startUrls": [ { "url": "https://www.instagram.com/p/DPZNtRuDHy9/" }, { "url": "https://www.instagram.com/reels/DQIuHgqiEFd/" } ] } ``` #### 2. Select thumbnail quality Choose the quality that fits your workflow. `small`, `medium`, and `large` are practical for lightweight previews. `full_hd`, `2k`, or `4k` can be selected when higher-resolution source thumbnails are available. #### 3. Start the Actor Run the Actor after adding your URLs. It processes each submitted URL and attempts to return a thumbnail result. #### 4. Review the structured output Successful records appear in the Actor dataset with the source URL, thumbnail URL, upload date when available, and thumbnail metadata. #### 5. Use the thumbnail asset Open the returned `thumbnail_url` to access the stored image. You can use the structured dataset for analysis, cataloging, or further processing. > ๐Ÿ“ **Input** > > - `startUrls` โ€” required array containing one or more Instagram video or Reel URLs. > - `thumbnailQuality` โ€” optional quality selector. The configured input default is `default`. ### ๐Ÿ” How to Scrape a Specific Instagram Video or Reel Thumbnail To scrape a specific Instagram thumbnail, place its public URL inside `startUrls` and select the quality you need. For a higher-resolution preview, choose `full_hd`, `2k`, or `4k`. The Actor selects the available thumbnail that best matches the requested target and returns it through `thumbnail_url`. For smaller thumbnails used in lists or previews, `medium` or `large` may be more appropriate. This can reduce image size while keeping enough detail for ordinary preview interfaces. Quality selection works with the thumbnails available for the source. It does not upscale a smaller source thumbnail into a genuinely higher-resolution original image. ### ๐Ÿค” Can You Collect Multiple Instagram Thumbnails in One Run? Yes. The `startUrls` field is an array, so you can submit multiple public Instagram video or Reel URLs in the same run. This is useful for collecting thumbnails from a campaign, creator content list, research sample, editorial archive, or media inventory. Each successfully processed source produces its own structured output record. > ๐Ÿš€ **Best Workflow for Batch Collection** > > - Prepare your list of public Instagram video or Reel URLs. > - Add them to `startUrls`. > - Choose one quality setting for consistent collection. > - Run the Actor and inspect the dataset. > - Use the returned `thumbnail_url` values for the collected image assets. > - Check actual width and height when consistent sizing matters. ### ๐ŸŽฏ Instagram Thumbnail Scraper Video & Reels โ€“ Use Cases Instagram Thumbnail Scraper Video & Reels is useful whenever an Instagram video or Reel thumbnail is needed as a structured media asset. #### ๐Ÿ“ฃ Social media content research Collect thumbnails from public Instagram videos for content studies, creative benchmarking, visual trend analysis, or post organization. The source URL remains in the output so each thumbnail can be traced back to its Instagram page. #### ๐Ÿ—‚๏ธ Content and media archives Build a structured thumbnail catalog for public Instagram video content. The thumbnail URL, dimensions, file size, and source page can be stored together in one dataset. #### ๐ŸŽจ Creative research Higher-resolution quality targets can help teams gather larger source thumbnails for visual references, content comparisons, or research where permitted. #### ๐Ÿ“Š Dataset preparation Create structured Instagram thumbnail metadata for analysis. Dimensions and file sizes are useful when filtering results before downstream processing. #### ๐Ÿ“ฐ Editorial workflows Organize public social content by collecting thumbnail assets alongside source URLs and available upload dates. > ๐Ÿ’ผ **Use Cases** > > - Instagram content research > - Social media monitoring and analysis > - Public video thumbnail collections > - Media inventory and asset organization > - Visual trend research > - Content cataloging > - Thumbnail quality comparisons > - Dataset creation for further analysis ### ๐Ÿ“ฅ Input Fields The Actor currently supports these input fields: | Input | Type | Required | Description | | ------------------ | ------ | -------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | `startUrls` | Array | Yes | One or more public Instagram video or Reel URLs to process. | | `thumbnailQuality` | String | No | Chooses the target thumbnail quality. The configured input default is `default`. | #### ๐Ÿ”— `startUrls` This is the main source input. Add each Instagram video or Reel URL as an item in the array. ```json { "startUrls": [ { "url": "https://www.instagram.com/reel/DI4WihvBwKC/" } ] } ``` #### ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ `thumbnailQuality` Available values are `default`, `small`, `medium`, `large`, `xl`, `max`, `full_hd`, `2k`, and `4k`. The selection is based on available thumbnail resolutions. A requested quality is therefore a resolution preference rather than a promise of an exact image size. ### ๐Ÿ“ค Output Sample A successful record follows this general structure: ```json { "original_url": "https://www.instagram.com/reel/DI4WihvBwKC/", "upload_date": "20260415", "thumbnail_url": "https://.../thumbnail.jpg", "thumbnail_data": { "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "quality_selected": "max", "file_size_bytes": 184532, "content_type": "image/jpeg" } } ``` The exact `thumbnail_url`, date, dimensions, file size, and content type depend on the source and the image that is actually available. The Actor produces structured Apify dataset records, which can be inspected and exported through standard Apify dataset functionality for JSON or tabular workflows. ### ๐Ÿ’ฐ Pricing No specific usage price is documented in the supplied public Actor configuration, so this README does not state an invented fixed price. Actual cost depends on the current Actor pricing and the Apify account or plan under which it is run. Check the Actor's current Apify Store or Console pricing information before planning large-scale usage. > ๐Ÿ’ก **Pricing Note** > > - No fixed price is claimed here because none was provided in the supplied Actor configuration. > - Review current Actor pricing and your Apify plan before running large batches. > - For budget planning, test a small set of public URLs first and observe actual run usage. ### ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Tips and Best Practices #### โœ… Use public source URLs The Actor is intended for public Instagram video and Reel URLs. Make sure each submitted URL points to content that can be accessed as expected. #### ๐ŸŽฏ Choose quality based on the final use Use lower quality targets for simple previews or lightweight datasets. Use `full_hd`, `2k`, or `4k` when larger thumbnails are useful and available from the source. #### ๐Ÿ“ Check actual dimensions Use `thumbnail_data.width` and `thumbnail_data.height` when your workflow requires a specific image size. A quality target does not guarantee an exact resolution. #### ๐Ÿงพ Keep source and asset URLs together Store `original_url` with `thumbnail_url` so each image remains linked to its source record. #### ๐Ÿ”„ Rerun failed or incomplete collections When a public URL does not produce a result, review the source URL and rerun the Actor as appropriate. Results depend on source availability and metadata. > โš ๏ธ **Important Notes** > > - The Actor is focused on public Instagram video and Reel thumbnail extraction. > - Quality settings select among available source thumbnails; they do not create new image resolution. > - Metadata such as upload date may not be available for every source. > - Output dimensions describe the actual selected thumbnail. > - Only successfully collected thumbnails produce a completed result record. ### โ“ Frequently Asked Questions #### ๐Ÿ”Ž What is Instagram Thumbnail Scraper Video & Reels? Instagram Thumbnail Scraper Video & Reels is an Apify Actor for collecting thumbnails from public Instagram video and Reel URLs. It returns a thumbnail URL plus source and image metadata in a structured dataset record. #### ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ Can I scrape Instagram Reel thumbnails? Yes. Add public Instagram Reel URLs to `startUrls`. The Actor processes the supplied URLs and attempts to return the associated thumbnail image and metadata. #### ๐ŸŽž๏ธ Can I scrape thumbnails from Instagram video posts? Yes. Public Instagram video post URLs can be submitted through `startUrls`, provided the source exposes a usable thumbnail. #### ๐Ÿ“ Does the 4K option guarantee a 4K thumbnail? No. `4k` is a target of approximately 3840 pixels in width. The actual result depends on the thumbnails available for the source. #### ๐Ÿ”— What does `thumbnail_url` contain? `thumbnail_url` is the public URL of the stored thumbnail image returned by the Actor. It provides a convenient way to access the collected image. #### ๐Ÿ“… Is the Instagram upload date always available? Not necessarily. The Actor includes `upload_date` when that metadata is available from the processed source. #### ๐Ÿ“ฆ Can I process many Instagram URLs in one run? Yes. `startUrls` accepts an array, allowing multiple public Instagram video or Reel URLs in the same run. #### ๐Ÿ“Š What output fields does the Actor provide? The main fields are `original_url`, `upload_date`, `thumbnail_url`, and `thumbnail_data`. The nested data includes width, height, selected quality, file size in bytes, and content type. #### ๐Ÿ”ง Can I use different thumbnail qualities for different URLs? The Actor exposes one `thumbnailQuality` setting for the run. Use separate runs when different URL groups need different quality settings. #### ๐Ÿ’พ Can I use the output for JSON or CSV workflows? Yes. The Actor produces structured Apify dataset records that can be inspected and exported through standard Apify dataset functionality. #### ๐Ÿšซ Does this Actor download the full Instagram video? No. Its purpose is thumbnail extraction. The output provides the selected thumbnail image and related metadata rather than a full video file. ### ๐Ÿงญ Support For questions about using Instagram Thumbnail Scraper Video & Reels, input settings, thumbnail quality, or output interpretation, contact the developer using the email below. - contact me by email : # Actor input Schema ## `thumbnailQuality` (type: `string`): Select the desired quality for the downloaded thumbnail. ## `startUrls` (type: `array`): One or more public Instagram profile URLs to scrape thumbnails and media from. ## Actor input object example ```json { "thumbnailQuality": "default", "startUrls": [ { "url": "https://www.instagram.com/p/DPZNtRuDHy9/" }, { "url": "https://www.instagram.com/reels/DQIuHgqiEFd/" }, { "url": "https://www.instagram.com/reel/DI4WihvBwKC/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" }, { "url": "https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTCyEJqEYQo/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D" } ] } ``` # Actor output Schema ## `dataset` (type: `string`): No description # API You can run this Actor programmatically using our API. Below are code examples in JavaScript, Python, and CLI, as well as the OpenAPI specification and MCP server setup. ## JavaScript example ```javascript import { ApifyClient } from 'apify-client'; // Initialize the ApifyClient with your Apify API token // Replace the '' with your token const client = new ApifyClient({ token: '', }); // Prepare Actor input const input = { "startUrls": [ { "url": "https://www.instagram.com/p/DPZNtRuDHy9/" }, { "url": "https://www.instagram.com/reels/DQIuHgqiEFd/" }, { "url": "https://www.instagram.com/reel/DI4WihvBwKC/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" }, { "url": "https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTCyEJqEYQo/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D" } ] }; // Run the Actor and wait for it to finish const run = await client.actor("alpha-scraper/instagram-thumbnail-scraper-video-reels").call(input); // Fetch and print Actor results from the run's dataset (if any) console.log('Results from dataset'); console.log(`๐Ÿ’พ Check your data here: https://console.apify.com/storage/datasets/${run.defaultDatasetId}`); const { items } = await client.dataset(run.defaultDatasetId).listItems(); items.forEach((item) => { console.dir(item); }); // ๐Ÿ“š Want to learn more ๐Ÿ“–? Go to โ†’ https://docs.apify.com/api/client/js/docs ``` ## Python example ```python from apify_client import ApifyClient # Initialize the ApifyClient with your Apify API token # Replace '' with your token. client = ApifyClient("") # Prepare the Actor input run_input = { "startUrls": [ { "url": "https://www.instagram.com/p/DPZNtRuDHy9/" }, { "url": "https://www.instagram.com/reels/DQIuHgqiEFd/" }, { "url": "https://www.instagram.com/reel/DI4WihvBwKC/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" }, { "url": "https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTCyEJqEYQo/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D" }, ] } # Run the Actor and wait for it to finish run = client.actor("alpha-scraper/instagram-thumbnail-scraper-video-reels").call(run_input=run_input) # Fetch and print Actor results from the run's dataset (if there are any) print(f"๐Ÿ’พ Check your data here: https://console.apify.com/storage/datasets/{run.default_dataset_id}") for item in client.dataset(run.default_dataset_id).iterate_items(): print(item) # ๐Ÿ“š Want to learn more ๐Ÿ“–? Go to โ†’ https://docs.apify.com/api/client/python/docs/quick-start ``` ## CLI example ```bash echo '{ "startUrls": [ { "url": "https://www.instagram.com/p/DPZNtRuDHy9/" }, { "url": "https://www.instagram.com/reels/DQIuHgqiEFd/" }, { "url": "https://www.instagram.com/reel/DI4WihvBwKC/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" }, { "url": "https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTCyEJqEYQo/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D" } ] }' | apify call alpha-scraper/instagram-thumbnail-scraper-video-reels --silent --output-dataset ``` ## MCP server setup ```json { "mcpServers": { "apify": { "type": "http", "url": "https://mcp.apify.com/?tools=fetch-actor-details,alpha-scraper/instagram-thumbnail-scraper-video-reels" } } } ``` The hosted server signs you in with OAuth on first connect, so no API token belongs in this config. Clients without OAuth support can send an `Authorization: Bearer ` header instead, using a token from API & Integrations in Apify Console (https://console.apify.com/settings/integrations). ## OpenAPI specification Download the OpenAPI definition: https://api.apify.com/v2/actors/z8JOosBY8hlqiUthl/builds/GXV3rwrFSvY1TdO01/openapi.json