# Instagram Reel Scraper (`datascrapers/instagram-reel-scraper`) Actor

Public Instagram reel records for the profile URLs you provide, including caption, likes, comments, plays, video, and account fields.

- **URL**: https://apify.com/datascrapers/instagram-reel-scraper.md
- **Developed by:** [Farhan Ali](https://apify.com/datascrapers) (community)
- **Stats:** 2 total users, 1 monthly users, 100.0% runs succeeded, 0 bookmarks
- **User rating**: No ratings yet

## Pricing

from $1.00 / 1,000 listings

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

**Instagram Reel Scraper** creates a structured dataset of public Instagram reels collected from the profile URLs you provide. Each dataset item is one reel and can include play count, like count, comment count, caption, account, video duration, dimensions, cover image, video file, and sound metadata. Query the source with one or more Instagram profile links and set `reels_per_user` to cap reels per profile. The default is 12 reels per profile. Retrieve records through the Apify Dataset API or export them as JSON, CSV, Excel, XML, or another supported format. The default charge is $0.001 per reel on every plan. The charge event name is `listing`.

### Dataset at a glance

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Source | instagram.com |
| Record unit | One public reel |
| Input methods | Instagram profile URLs and a per-profile reel cap |
| Main identifiers | `code`, `url` |
| Delivery | Apify Dataset and API |
| Export formats | JSON, CSV, Excel, XML, and other Apify dataset exports |
| Update model | Fresh records per Actor run |
| Pricing | Pay per event. `listing` is $0.001 per reel on every plan |

### Coverage and available records

`urls` is required. Each entry is an Instagram profile link, for example `https://www.instagram.com/kimkardashian/`. The Actor reads the public reels tab for that username. `reels_per_user` defaults to 12 and limits how many reels are returned for each profile.

Private profiles are not supported. A reels tab that requires a login does not return reels. The Actor keeps one video version per reel, the first version available. Tagged users, when present, are a list. Sound metadata is either original sound or music info, and either can be null.

The Actor does not accept a single reel URL as the query. It does not return stories, posts that are not reels, or follower lists. It does not keep a historical like or play series. Counts are the values available at run time.

The default proxy is Apify residential.

### Data dictionary

Deduplicate on `code` or `url`. `code` is the short id in `https://www.instagram.com/reel/{code}/`.

| Field | Type | Nullable | Description | Example |
|---|---|---:|---|---|
| code | string | no | Reel shortcode | `DKALsFPpIuH` |
| url | string | no | Reel URL. Built from `code` when missing | `https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKALsFPpIuH/` |
| play_count | integer | no | Play count. `0` when missing | `12866051` |
| like_count | integer | no | Like count. `0` when missing | `620105` |
| comment_count | integer | no | Comment count. `0` when missing | `8540` |
| taken_at | string | no | Publish time serialized from the source timestamp | `2025-05-23T18:34:52` |
| video_duration | number | no | Duration in seconds. `0` when unknown | `34.933` |
| is_post_live_clips_media | boolean | no | Live-clips flag | `false` |
| has_audio | boolean | no | Whether the reel has audio | `true` |
| has_tagged_users | boolean | no | Whether tagged users are present | `false` |
| original_width | integer | no | Original width in pixels | `1080` |
| original_height | integer | no | Original height in pixels | `1920` |
| display_uri | string | no | Cover image URL. Empty string when missing | Image URL |
| caption | object | yes | `{ "text": string }` | Caption text |
| user | object | no | Account object | See below |
| video_versions | array | no | One video object: `url`, `width`, `height` | First available version |
| clips_metadata | object | yes | `music_info` and `original_sound_info` | Original sound or null |
| usertags | array | yes | Tagged user objects, each with a `user` | `null` when none |

`user` fields: `username` (string, required), `full_name` (string), `is_private` (boolean), `is_verified` (boolean), `profile_pic_url` (string).

`clips_metadata.original_sound_info` can include `progressive_download_url`, `duration_in_ms`, and `ig_artist`. Artist objects drop internal id keys. `music_info` can include `music_asset_info` (`title`, `cover_artwork_uri`, `display_artist`, `duration_in_ms`, `fast_start_progressive_download_url`) and `music_consumption_info`.

Media URLs are long and time-limited. Treat them as current links, not permanent file storage.

### Example dataset record

This reel is from a saved run for `https://www.instagram.com/kimkardashian/`. Cover, video, and sound download URLs are omitted here because they are long CDN links. The live record includes `display_uri`, `video_versions`, and `clips_metadata`.

```json
{
  "play_count": 12866051,
  "taken_at": "2025-05-23T18:34:52",
  "like_count": 620105,
  "comment_count": 8540,
  "is_post_live_clips_media": false,
  "video_duration": 34.933,
  "code": "DKALsFPpIuH",
  "url": "https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKALsFPpIuH/",
  "has_audio": true,
  "has_tagged_users": false,
  "original_width": 1080,
  "original_height": 1920,
  "caption": {
    "text": "Graduating class of 2025"
  },
  "user": {
    "full_name": "Kim Kardashian",
    "is_private": false,
    "is_verified": true,
    "username": "kimkardashian"
  },
  "usertags": null
}
```

`reels_per_user` on that run was the profile reel list. The caption text in the saved file also included emoji that are omitted above.

### Query and input reference

| Input | Type | Required | Default | Accepted values | Description |
|---|---|---:|---|---|---|
| urls | array | yes | none | Instagram profile URLs. Prefill is a JSON list of strings | Profiles whose public reels are collected |
| reels_per_user | integer | no | `12` | Integer | Maximum reels per profile |
| proxyConfiguration | object | no | Apify residential proxy | Apify proxy object | Proxy selection |

Minimal request:

```json
{
  "urls": ["https://www.instagram.com/kimkardashian/"],
  "reels_per_user": 5
}
```

Several profiles:

```json
{
  "urls": [
    "https://www.instagram.com/kimkardashian/",
    "https://www.instagram.com/instagram/"
  ],
  "reels_per_user": 12,
  "proxyConfiguration": {
    "useApifyProxy": true,
    "apifyProxyGroups": ["RESIDENTIAL"]
  }
}
```

### Retrieve the data through the API

1. Start `datascrapers/instagram-reel-scraper` with the JSON input.
2. Wait until the run finishes.
3. Read items from the run’s default dataset.
4. Paginate with `offset` and `limit`, or export the dataset.

```bash
curl "https://api.apify.com/v2/acts/datascrapers~instagram-reel-scraper/runs?token=$APIFY_TOKEN" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"urls":["https://www.instagram.com/kimkardashian/"],"reels_per_user":5}'
```

```bash
curl "https://api.apify.com/v2/datasets/$DATASET_ID/items?clean=true&format=json&token=$APIFY_TOKEN"
```

Other languages are on the Actor’s API tab: https://apify.com/datascrapers/instagram-reel-scraper

### Data quality and record handling

Counts default to 0 when the source omits them, so 0 can mean either a true zero or a missing count. `caption` is null when the reel has no caption. `usertags` is null when nobody is tagged. `video_versions` keeps only the first version.

The Actor does not deduplicate across runs. Use `code`. Reels from several profiles land in one dataset. There is no username input separate from the URL. A login wall on the reels tab stops that profile.

`taken_at` is serialized from the source timestamp. Media URLs can expire. Download files during the run if you need to keep the video.

The default proxy is Apify residential. Profiles that fail still allow the rest of `urls` to continue only when the run itself stays up. A login wall for a profile raises an error for that profile.

### Export and pipeline examples

| Destination | Recommended method | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| PostgreSQL or Supabase | Dataset API or a webhook consumer | Upsert reels on `code` |
| Google Sheets | Apify integration | Track caption, likes, and URL |
| S3 or other cloud storage | Scheduled dataset export | Store JSON. Copy video files separately if the CDN link expires |
| Warehouse | JSON items | Join `user.username` to other social datasets |

Schedule a separate run per profile when each account should have its own dataset. One run with many `urls` mixes those profiles in a single dataset. Split downstream on `user.username`.

### Pricing and cost examples

Billing is pay per event. The event name is `listing` because that is the charge name on this account. One `listing` event is one reel. The same price applies to Free, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond.

| Event | Price on every plan | When it is charged |
|---|---:|---|
| listing | $0.001 | One reel record. This is the primary event |

| Reels | Estimated event cost |
|---:|---:|
| 1,000 | $1.00 |
| 10,000 | $10.00 |

A run with 10 profiles and `reels_per_user` 12 charges up to 120 `listing` events, or $0.12 at the default price, when every profile returns 12 reels. These are the default prices set for this account. They are placeholders and can be changed in the Actor pricing settings. Estimates do not include Apify platform usage, which is billed to the user in addition to event charges.

### Limitations and responsible data use

The Actor returns publicly available reel fields for the profile URLs you submit. It does not return private accounts, stories, or a full comment thread. Like, comment, and play counts can be missing or delayed. Media URLs are not a permanent archive.

Each run is a current snapshot. You are responsible for complying with privacy, contractual, and legal requirements for the records you collect and store.

### Dataset questions

#### What does one dataset item represent?

One public Instagram reel from a profile URL in `urls`.

#### Which field should I use as a unique identifier?

Use `code` or `url`. `user.username` identifies the account, not the reel.

#### Are fields nullable or conditional?

Yes. `caption`, `clips_metadata`, and `usertags` can be null. Counts use 0 when the source omits them. Video and image URLs can be empty strings when missing.

#### Can I retrieve the records as CSV or JSON?

Yes. JSON keeps `user`, `caption`, and `video_versions` nested. Use JSON when you need those objects intact.

#### How do I paginate large datasets?

Raise `reels_per_user` and add more profile URLs. Page the dataset afterward with `offset` and `limit`.

#### Does the Actor return historical data?

No. Counts and captions are the values available at run time. It does not return a saved history of deleted reels.

#### What counts as a billable result?

Each reel charges one `listing` event at the default price of $0.001. `reels_per_user` caps the count per profile. Platform usage is separate.

### Related datasets from Data Scrapers

- [Instagram Post Scraper](https://apify.com/datascrapers/instagram-post-scraper) covers profile posts that are not limited to reels.
- [Instagram Comment Scraper](https://apify.com/datascrapers/instagram-comment-scraper) covers comment records that can be joined to a post or reel URL.
- [Instagram Hashtag Scraper](https://apify.com/datascrapers/instagram-hashtag-scraper) covers posts for a hashtag rather than one profile.
- [TikTok Profile Scraper](https://apify.com/datascrapers/tiktok-profile-scraper) covers TikTok profile records for a cross-platform creator set.
- [TikTok Creator Stats](https://apify.com/datascrapers/tiktok-creator-stats) covers TikTok creator statistics when the comparison is account-level.

### Data Scrapers support

Need an additional field, record type, or export workflow? Contact Data Scrapers at stardustspotlight@gmail.com. Include a sample source URL, required fields, expected record volume, and preferred delivery format.

# Actor input Schema

## `urls` (type: `array`):

List of Instagram Profile Links

## `reels_per_user` (type: `integer`):

Number of reels to scrape per user

## `proxyConfiguration` (type: `object`):

Select proxy groups or use your custom proxies

## Actor input object example

```json
{
  "urls": [
    "https://www.instagram.com/kimkardashian/"
  ],
  "reels_per_user": 12,
  "proxyConfiguration": {
    "useApifyProxy": true,
    "apifyProxyGroups": [
      "RESIDENTIAL"
    ]
  }
}
```

# Actor output Schema

## `dataset` (type: `string`):

Link to the default dataset containing all scraped Instagram reels

## `run` (type: `string`):

Link to the run in Apify Console

# 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 '<YOUR_API_TOKEN>' with your token
const client = new ApifyClient({
    token: '<YOUR_API_TOKEN>',
});

// Prepare Actor input
const input = {
    "urls": [
        "https://www.instagram.com/kimkardashian/"
    ]
};

// Run the Actor and wait for it to finish
const run = await client.actor("datascrapers/instagram-reel-scraper").call(input);

// Fetch and print Actor results from the run's dataset (if any)
console.log('Results from dataset');
console.log(`💾 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);
});

// 📚 Want to learn more 📖? Go to → 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 '<YOUR_API_TOKEN>' with your token.
client = ApifyClient("<YOUR_API_TOKEN>")

# Prepare the Actor input
run_input = { "urls": ["https://www.instagram.com/kimkardashian/"] }

# Run the Actor and wait for it to finish
run = client.actor("datascrapers/instagram-reel-scraper").call(run_input=run_input)

# Fetch and print Actor results from the run's dataset (if there are any)
print(f"💾 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)

# 📚 Want to learn more 📖? Go to → https://docs.apify.com/api/client/python/docs/quick-start

```

## CLI example

```bash
echo '{
  "urls": [
    "https://www.instagram.com/kimkardashian/"
  ]
}' |
apify call datascrapers/instagram-reel-scraper --silent --output-dataset

```

## MCP server setup

```json
{
    "mcpServers": {
        "apify": {
            "type": "http",
            "url": "https://mcp.apify.com/?tools=fetch-actor-details,datascrapers/instagram-reel-scraper"
        }
    }
}
```

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 <APIFY_API_TOKEN>` 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/yjYrSaZ04KUEOpkMr/builds/cvYMlymc4z61zCkCb/openapi.json