# Instagram Mentions Scraper (`fetch_cat/instagram-mentions-scraper`) Actor

Monitor public Instagram posts and reels that tag or mention profiles for brand tracking, UGC discovery, creator research, and campaign reporting.

- **URL**: https://apify.com/fetch\_cat/instagram-mentions-scraper.md
- **Developed by:** [Hanna Nosova](https://apify.com/fetch_cat) (community)
- **Categories:** Social media, Marketing
- **Stats:** 2 total users, 1 monthly users, 100.0% runs succeeded, 0 bookmarks
- **User rating**: No ratings yet

## Pricing

from $1.20 / 1,000 mention saveds

This Actor is paid per event. You are not charged for the Apify platform usage, but only a fixed price for specific events.
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?

Actors are web data automations that power AI and operations. They run on the Apify platform to scrape websites, process data, connect APIs, and automate workflows.
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.

- **AI agents and MCP clients** — the [Apify MCP server](https://docs.apify.com/integrations/mcp.md) at `https://mcp.apify.com` (remote, streamable HTTP, OAuth on first use).
- **Agentic workflows and local Actor development** — [Agent Skills](https://apify.com/.well-known/agent-skills/index.json) with the [Apify CLI](https://docs.apify.com/cli/docs.md): `npm install -g apify-cli`, then `apify login`.
- **JavaScript/TypeScript projects** — the official [JS/TS client](https://docs.apify.com/api/client/js/docs.md): `npm install apify-client`.
- **Python projects** — the official [Python client](https://docs.apify.com/api/client/python/docs.md): `pip install apify-client`.
- **Any other language** — 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

## Instagram Mentions Scraper

Instagram Mentions Scraper exports public posts and reels that tag or mention a profile. It is an Instagram tagged posts scraper for brand monitoring, user-generated content discovery, creator research, and campaign or PR reporting.

### What you get

Each saved row is a public Instagram post bound to the profile you requested. Export canonical post URLs, captions, creators, visible engagement, media URLs, timestamps, tag/mention context, and public commercial-disclosure metadata when available.

- **Target-bound results:** every row includes `targetUsername` and `matchTypes` (`tagged`, `mentioned`, or both).
- **Audit-ready monitoring:** `sourcePage`, normalized handles, and canonical IDs make it easier to deduplicate recurring exports.
- **Public data only:** private accounts, direct messages, viewer-specific information, and login-only insights are not collected.

### Ready-to-run examples

- [Track NASA Instagram mentions and tagged posts](https://apify.com/fetch_cat/instagram-mentions-scraper/examples/track-nasa-instagram-mentions)
- [Discover NatGeo tagged Instagram UGC](https://apify.com/fetch_cat/instagram-mentions-scraper/examples/discover-natgeo-tagged-ugc)
- [Monitor mentions for multiple Instagram profiles](https://apify.com/fetch_cat/instagram-mentions-scraper/examples/monitor-multiple-instagram-brands)

### Instagram tagged scraper input recipes

#### Monitor one profile

```json
{
  "targets": ["nasa"],
  "maxItems": 20,
  "mediaTypes": ["image", "video", "sidecar"]
}
```

#### Monitor several profiles since a campaign launch

```json
{
  "targets": ["nasa", "natgeo"],
  "maxItems": 50,
  "sinceDate": "2026-01-01T00:00:00.000Z",
  "failOnBlocked": false
}
```

### Input settings

| Input | Description |
| --- | --- |
| `targets` | Public Instagram handles or profile URLs to monitor. |
| `maxItems` | Maximum unique posts to save for each profile (1–1000). |
| `mediaTypes` | Keep images, videos/reels, and/or carousel posts. |
| `sinceDate` | Optional ISO date-time; older posts are excluded. |
| `failOnBlocked` | Fail the run when any requested profile cannot be accessed; otherwise preserve results for other profiles. |
| `proxyConfiguration` | Optional Apify Proxy configuration when your environment requires one. |

### Output fields

| Group | Fields |
| --- | --- |
| Match and identity | `targetUsername`, `matchTypes`, `id`, `shortCode`, `url`, `postType`, `productType` |
| Text and tags | `caption`, `hashtags`, `mentionedUsernames`, `taggedUsernames` |
| Creator | `authorId`, `authorUsername`, `authorFullName`, `authorIsVerified`, `authorProfilePicUrl` |
| Media | `displayUrl`, `images`, `videoUrl`, `videoDuration`, `videoPlayCount`, `videoViewCount`, `dimensionsHeight`, `dimensionsWidth` |
| Engagement and context | `locationName`, `likesCount`, `commentsCount`, `latestComments`, `isPaidPartnership`, `isAffiliate`, `isAd`, `sponsorUsernames` |
| Provenance | `timestamp`, `scrapedAt`, `sourcePage` |

Source-dependent fields are `null` or empty arrays when Instagram does not expose them publicly.

### Pricing and limits

This Actor charges a small start event and per unique public mention saved. Current tiered rates are shown on the [Pricing tab](https://apify.com/fetch_cat/instagram-mentions-scraper/pricing). `maxItems` is applied per target; actual available public results may be lower when a profile has few tagged posts or Instagram restricts access.

### Who is it for?

- **Brand and social teams** monitoring tagged posts around a profile or launch.
- **Influencer and UGC teams** finding public creator content for review and outreach workflows.
- **PR and agency teams** exporting timestamped public evidence for recurring reports.

### Tips for useful exports

- Start with a low `maxItems` to confirm the target and filters, then increase it for a campaign export.
- Use stable `id` or `shortCode` values to deduplicate recurring runs in your destination.
- Add `sinceDate` when you only need new material from a campaign window.
- Keep all media types enabled when you need both posts and reels; use `mediaTypes` to narrow a specific workflow.

### API usage

Run the Actor from the Apify API with your preferred input.

#### cURL

```bash
curl -X POST "https://api.apify.com/v2/acts/fetch_cat~instagram-mentions-scraper/runs?token=$APIFY_TOKEN" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"targets":["nasa"],"maxItems":20}'
```

#### Node.js

```js
import { ApifyClient } from "apify-client";

const client = new ApifyClient({ token: process.env.APIFY_TOKEN });
const run = await client.actor("fetch_cat/instagram-mentions-scraper").call({
    targets: ["nasa"],
    maxItems: 20,
});
const { items } = await client.dataset(run.defaultDatasetId).listItems();
console.log(items);
```

#### Python

```python
from apify_client import ApifyClient

client = ApifyClient("YOUR_APIFY_TOKEN")
run = client.actor("fetch_cat/instagram-mentions-scraper").call(
    run_input={"targets": ["nasa"], "maxItems": 20}
)
items = client.dataset(run["defaultDatasetId"]).list_items().items
print(items)
```

### Use with MCP

For AI-agent workflows, add this Actor to [Apify MCP](https://mcp.apify.com/?tools=fetch_cat/instagram-mentions-scraper) and ask your client to monitor a public profile’s tagged or mentioned posts.

### Data limits and troubleshooting

This Actor returns only public content that Instagram makes available for the requested target at run time. If a run returns fewer rows than expected, first confirm the handle, date filter, media-type filter, and the profile’s public tagged-media availability. When `failOnBlocked` is off, successful targets are retained if another target cannot be reached.

### FAQ

#### What data can I export with instagram mentions scraper?

You can export public post identity, captions, normalized tagged and mentioned handles, creator information, visible engagement, media URLs, timestamps, and source-page provenance. This lets you scrape Instagram mentions into a structured dataset.

#### Can I schedule recurring monitoring?

Yes. Schedule the same input in Apify to maintain a recurring export, then deduplicate with the stable `id` or `shortCode` fields.

#### How much does it cost to use Instagram Mentions Scraper?

Pricing is based on a small start event and each unique public mention saved. See the Pricing tab for the current rate at your Apify tier.

#### Why might a profile return fewer rows than requested?

Public tagged media is source-dependent. A profile may have fewer matching posts, older posts may be excluded by `sinceDate`, or Instagram may restrict access to that profile.

#### Can I run Instagram Mentions Scraper through an API, schedule, or MCP client?

Yes. Use the Apify API example above, configure an Apify schedule, or connect it through the MCP link. Pricing is based on the start event and each unique public mention saved; see the Pricing tab for your tier's current rate.

### Related Actors

- [Instagram Profile & Posts Scraper](https://apify.com/fetch_cat/instagram-profile-posts-scraper)
- [Instagram Post Details Scraper](https://apify.com/fetch_cat/instagram-post-details-scraper)
- [Instagram Reel Scraper](https://apify.com/fetch_cat/instagram-reel-scraper)
- [Instagram Stories & Highlights Scraper](https://apify.com/fetch_cat/instagram-stories-highlights-scraper)
- [Instagram Related Profiles Scraper](https://apify.com/fetch_cat/instagram-related-profiles-scraper)

### Support

For help with an input or exported data, open an issue from the Actor’s **Issues** tab and include the public target, run ID, and expected result shape. Do not share account credentials or private content.

# Actor input Schema

## `targets` (type: `array`):

Public Instagram handles or full profile URLs. Enter one per line.

## `maxItems` (type: `integer`):

Maximum number of unique tagged or mentioned posts to save for each profile.

## `mediaTypes` (type: `array`):

Keep only selected Instagram media types.

## `sinceDate` (type: `string`):

Optional ISO date-time. Older posts are excluded.

## `failOnBlocked` (type: `boolean`):

Stop the whole run if Instagram blocks or restricts any requested profile. Otherwise valid profiles are preserved.

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

Optional Apify Proxy configuration for Instagram access.

## Actor input object example

```json
{
  "targets": [
    "nasa"
  ],
  "maxItems": 20,
  "mediaTypes": [
    "image",
    "video",
    "sidecar"
  ],
  "failOnBlocked": false,
  "proxyConfiguration": {
    "useApifyProxy": false
  }
}
```

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

// Prepare Actor input
const input = {
    "targets": [
        "nasa"
    ],
    "proxyConfiguration": {
        "useApifyProxy": false
    }
};

// Run the Actor and wait for it to finish
const run = await client.actor("fetch_cat/instagram-mentions-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 = {
    "targets": ["nasa"],
    "proxyConfiguration": { "useApifyProxy": False },
}

# Run the Actor and wait for it to finish
run = client.actor("fetch_cat/instagram-mentions-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 '{
  "targets": [
    "nasa"
  ],
  "proxyConfiguration": {
    "useApifyProxy": false
  }
}' |
apify call fetch_cat/instagram-mentions-scraper --silent --output-dataset

```

## MCP server setup

```json
{
    "mcpServers": {
        "apify": {
            "type": "http",
            "url": "https://mcp.apify.com/?tools=fetch-actor-details,fetch_cat/instagram-mentions-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/WcyLOoVbWf3o25aIC/builds/rFsNFlUhC7as7ebId/openapi.json