# 🧡 Threads User Following Scraper (`api-empire/threads-user-following-scraper`) Actor 🧡 Instagram Threads β€” Who They Follow Scraper pulls any user's following list: usernames, names, bios, links, follower counts, verification & IDs. πŸ“₯ Export CSV/JSON. πŸ”Ž Ideal for competitor analysis, influencer discovery, outreach & growth. - **URL**: https://apify.com/api-empire/threads-user-following-scraper.md - **Developed by:** [API Empire](https://apify.com/api-empire) (community) - **Categories:** Social media, Lead generation, Automation - **Stats:** 2 total users, 1 monthly users, 100.0% runs succeeded, NaN bookmarks - **User rating**: No ratings yet ## Pricing from $4.99 / 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. Learn more: https://docs.apify.com/platform/actors/running/actors-in-store#pay-per-event ## What's an Apify Actor? Actors are a software tools running on the Apify platform, for all kinds of web data extraction and automation use cases. 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. Actors are written with capital "A". ## 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. The best way to integrate Actors is as follows. In JavaScript/TypeScript projects, use official [JavaScript/TypeScript client](https://docs.apify.com/api/client/js.md): ```bash npm install apify-client ``` In Python projects, use official [Python client library](https://docs.apify.com/api/client/python.md): ```bash pip install apify-client ``` In shell scripts, use [Apify CLI](https://docs.apify.com/cli/docs.md): ````bash # MacOS / Linux curl -fsSL https://apify.com/install-cli.sh | bash # Windows irm https://apify.com/install-cli.ps1 | iex ```bash In AI frameworks, you might use the [Apify MCP server](https://docs.apify.com/platform/integrations/mcp.md). If your project is in a different language, use the [REST API](https://docs.apify.com/api/v2.md). For usage examples, see the [API](#api) section below. For more details, see Apify documentation as [Markdown index](https://docs.apify.com/llms.txt) and [Markdown full-text](https://docs.apify.com/llms-full.txt). # README ## Threads User Following Scraper Apify actor that loads a Threads profile’s **following** list via the same GraphQL flow as the standalone `extractor` / `helper` / `main` scripts: HTML token extraction (app id, CSRF, user id, doc id from JS bundles), then paginated `BarcelonaFriendshipsFollowingTabRefetchableQuery` requests. ### Input | Field | Description | |--------|-------------| | **urls** | Profile URLs (`https://www.threads.com/@user`) or usernames. | | **sessionId** | `sessionid` cookie (required), same as standalone `main.py` `COOKIES`. | | **maxFollowing** | Max rows per profile (default 500). | | **proxyConfiguration** | Apify Proxy; used on fallback after direct connection. | ### Proxy behaviour 1. Requests start **without** a proxy. 2. On block (HTTP 401/403/429, empty/challenge HTML, bad GraphQL): **datacenter** Apify proxy. 3. If still blocked: **residential** proxy; all later requests stay on residential. 4. On residential, each GraphQL batch retries up to **3** times with a new proxy URL. ### Output Dataset items match the original `node_to_record` shape (`source`, `id`, `pk`, `username`, `full_name`, `profile_pic_url`, `friendship_status`, etc.). ### Legal Use only in line with Meta/Threads terms and applicable law; you are responsible for cookie/session handling and compliance. # Actor input Schema ## `urls` (type: `array`): πŸ“‹ Paste Threads profile links or usernames β€” one per line or add many at once. ✨ Examples: `https://www.threads.com/@username` or simply `username`. πŸš€ Bulk-friendly for big lists! ## `sessionId` (type: `string`): πŸͺ Paste your **sessionid** from the browser where you’re logged into Threads/Instagram. πŸ”’ This keeps the run tied to *your* account β€” we don’t store or share it beyond this run. ⚠️ Don’t share this value publicly. ## `maxFollowing` (type: `integer`): 🎚️ Cap how many following rows to collect **per profile** β€” great for quick samples or full lists. πŸ“‰ Lower = faster & lighter; πŸ“Š higher = more complete picture. ## `proxyConfiguration` (type: `object`): πŸ›‘οΈ **Totally optional.** Leave off for a normal run from Apify’s cloud. ✨ Turn on if you already use Apify Proxy and want extra flexibility β€” helpful when routes get noisy. 🏠 Defaults to a simple setup; you can tune groups in the proxy picker if you use it. ## Actor input object example ```json { "urls": [ "zuck" ], "sessionId": "", "maxFollowing": 50, "proxyConfiguration": { "useApifyProxy": false } } ```` # 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 = { "urls": [ "zuck" ], "proxyConfiguration": { "useApifyProxy": false } }; // Run the Actor and wait for it to finish const run = await client.actor("api-empire/threads-user-following-scraper").call(input); // Fetch and print Actor results from the run's dataset (if any) console.log('Results from dataset'); console.log(`πŸ’Ύ 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); }); // πŸ“š Want to learn more πŸ“–? Go to β†’ 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 = { "urls": ["zuck"], "proxyConfiguration": { "useApifyProxy": False }, } # Run the Actor and wait for it to finish run = client.actor("api-empire/threads-user-following-scraper").call(run_input=run_input) # Fetch and print Actor results from the run's dataset (if there are any) print("πŸ’Ύ Check your data here: https://console.apify.com/storage/datasets/" + run["defaultDatasetId"]) for item in client.dataset(run["defaultDatasetId"]).iterate_items(): print(item) # πŸ“š Want to learn more πŸ“–? Go to β†’ https://docs.apify.com/api/client/python/docs/quick-start ``` ## CLI example ```bash echo '{ "urls": [ "zuck" ], "proxyConfiguration": { "useApifyProxy": false } }' | apify call api-empire/threads-user-following-scraper --silent --output-dataset ``` ## MCP server setup ```json { "mcpServers": { "apify": { "command": "npx", "args": [ "mcp-remote", "https://mcp.apify.com/?tools=api-empire/threads-user-following-scraper", "--header", "Authorization: Bearer " ] } } } ``` ## OpenAPI specification ```json { "openapi": "3.0.1", "info": { "title": "🧡 Threads User Following Scraper", "description": "🧡 Instagram Threads β€” Who They Follow Scraper pulls any user's following list: usernames, names, bios, links, follower counts, verification & IDs. πŸ“₯ Export CSV/JSON. πŸ”Ž Ideal for competitor analysis, influencer discovery, outreach & growth.", "version": "0.1", "x-build-id": "rUWbsvuEoFtFcWKnA" }, "servers": [ { "url": "https://api.apify.com/v2" } ], "paths": { "/acts/api-empire~threads-user-following-scraper/run-sync-get-dataset-items": { "post": { "operationId": "run-sync-get-dataset-items-api-empire-threads-user-following-scraper", "x-openai-isConsequential": false, "summary": "Executes an Actor, waits for its completion, and returns Actor's dataset items in response.", "tags": [ "Run Actor" ], "requestBody": { "required": true, "content": { "application/json": { "schema": { "$ref": "#/components/schemas/inputSchema" } } } }, "parameters": [ { "name": "token", "in": "query", "required": true, "schema": { "type": "string" }, "description": "Enter your Apify token here" } ], "responses": { "200": { "description": "OK" } } } }, "/acts/api-empire~threads-user-following-scraper/runs": { "post": { "operationId": "runs-sync-api-empire-threads-user-following-scraper", "x-openai-isConsequential": false, "summary": "Executes an Actor and returns information about the initiated run in response.", "tags": [ "Run Actor" ], "requestBody": { "required": true, "content": { "application/json": { "schema": { "$ref": "#/components/schemas/inputSchema" } } } }, "parameters": [ { "name": "token", "in": "query", "required": true, "schema": { "type": "string" }, "description": "Enter your Apify token here" } ], "responses": { "200": { "description": "OK", "content": { "application/json": { "schema": { "$ref": "#/components/schemas/runsResponseSchema" } } } } } } }, "/acts/api-empire~threads-user-following-scraper/run-sync": { "post": { "operationId": "run-sync-api-empire-threads-user-following-scraper", "x-openai-isConsequential": false, "summary": "Executes an Actor, waits for completion, and returns the OUTPUT from Key-value store in response.", "tags": [ "Run Actor" ], "requestBody": { "required": true, "content": { "application/json": { "schema": { "$ref": "#/components/schemas/inputSchema" } } } }, "parameters": [ { "name": "token", "in": "query", "required": true, "schema": { "type": "string" }, "description": "Enter your Apify token here" } ], "responses": { "200": { "description": "OK" } } } } }, "components": { "schemas": { "inputSchema": { "type": "object", "required": [ "urls", "sessionId" ], "properties": { "urls": { "title": "πŸ”— Profiles to look up", "type": "array", "description": "πŸ“‹ Paste Threads profile links or usernames β€” one per line or add many at once. ✨ Examples: `https://www.threads.com/@username` or simply `username`. πŸš€ Bulk-friendly for big lists!", "items": { "type": "string" } }, "sessionId": { "title": "πŸ”‘ Your session cookie", "type": "string", "description": "πŸͺ Paste your **sessionid** from the browser where you’re logged into Threads/Instagram. πŸ”’ This keeps the run tied to *your* account β€” we don’t store or share it beyond this run. ⚠️ Don’t share this value publicly.", "default": "" }, "maxFollowing": { "title": "πŸ“ˆ How many people max?", "minimum": 1, "maximum": 10000, "type": "integer", "description": "🎚️ Cap how many following rows to collect **per profile** β€” great for quick samples or full lists. πŸ“‰ Lower = faster & lighter; πŸ“Š higher = more complete picture.", "default": 50 }, "proxyConfiguration": { "title": "🌐 Optional connection boost", "type": "object", "description": "πŸ›‘οΈ **Totally optional.** Leave off for a normal run from Apify’s cloud. ✨ Turn on if you already use Apify Proxy and want extra flexibility β€” helpful when routes get noisy. 🏠 Defaults to a simple setup; you can tune groups in the proxy picker if you use it." } } }, "runsResponseSchema": { "type": "object", "properties": { "data": { "type": "object", "properties": { "id": { "type": "string" }, "actId": { "type": "string" }, "userId": { "type": "string" }, "startedAt": { "type": "string", "format": "date-time", "example": "2025-01-08T00:00:00.000Z" }, "finishedAt": { "type": "string", "format": "date-time", "example": "2025-01-08T00:00:00.000Z" }, "status": { "type": "string", "example": "READY" }, "meta": { "type": "object", "properties": { "origin": { "type": "string", "example": "API" }, "userAgent": { "type": "string" } } }, "stats": { "type": "object", "properties": { "inputBodyLen": { "type": "integer", "example": 2000 }, "rebootCount": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "restartCount": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "resurrectCount": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "computeUnits": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 } } }, "options": { "type": "object", "properties": { "build": { "type": "string", "example": "latest" }, "timeoutSecs": { "type": "integer", "example": 300 }, "memoryMbytes": { "type": "integer", "example": 1024 }, "diskMbytes": { "type": "integer", "example": 2048 } } }, "buildId": { "type": "string" }, "defaultKeyValueStoreId": { "type": "string" }, "defaultDatasetId": { "type": "string" }, "defaultRequestQueueId": { "type": "string" }, "buildNumber": { "type": "string", "example": "1.0.0" }, "containerUrl": { "type": "string" }, "usage": { "type": "object", "properties": { "ACTOR_COMPUTE_UNITS": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "DATASET_READS": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "DATASET_WRITES": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "KEY_VALUE_STORE_READS": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "KEY_VALUE_STORE_WRITES": { "type": "integer", "example": 1 }, "KEY_VALUE_STORE_LISTS": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "REQUEST_QUEUE_READS": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "REQUEST_QUEUE_WRITES": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "DATA_TRANSFER_INTERNAL_GBYTES": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "DATA_TRANSFER_EXTERNAL_GBYTES": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "PROXY_RESIDENTIAL_TRANSFER_GBYTES": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "PROXY_SERPS": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 } } }, "usageTotalUsd": { "type": "number", "example": 0.00005 }, "usageUsd": { "type": "object", "properties": { "ACTOR_COMPUTE_UNITS": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "DATASET_READS": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "DATASET_WRITES": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "KEY_VALUE_STORE_READS": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "KEY_VALUE_STORE_WRITES": { "type": "number", "example": 0.00005 }, "KEY_VALUE_STORE_LISTS": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "REQUEST_QUEUE_READS": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "REQUEST_QUEUE_WRITES": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "DATA_TRANSFER_INTERNAL_GBYTES": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "DATA_TRANSFER_EXTERNAL_GBYTES": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "PROXY_RESIDENTIAL_TRANSFER_GBYTES": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "PROXY_SERPS": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 } } } } } } } } } } ```