# Instagram Related Profiles Scraper (`fetch_cat/instagram-related-profiles-scraper`) Actor

Discover related public Instagram profiles from seed accounts with profile metadata, rank provenance, and cross-seed overlap.

- **URL**: https://apify.com/fetch\_cat/instagram-related-profiles-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 $0.20 / 1,000 item processeds

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/platform/actors/running/actors-in-store#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 Related Profiles Scraper

Discover public Instagram accounts similar to the profiles you already know. Add up to five seed usernames or profile URLs and export Instagram-related profiles with rank, public profile metadata, seed provenance, and cross-seed overlap.

Use this Instagram profile discovery API to expand influencer shortlists, map adjacent brands, discover niche creators, and find similar Instagram accounts that Instagram associates with several competitors. It also works as an Instagram related users scraper for repeatable prospect exports.

### Quick start

```json
{
  "usernames": ["nasa", "instagram"],
  "maxRelatedPerSeed": 20,
  "includeProfileDetails": true,
  "deduplicateAcrossSeeds": false
}
```

### Example output

```json
{
  "seedUsername": "nasa",
  "seedUserId": "528817151",
  "rank": 1,
  "depth": 1,
  "userId": "53737425368",
  "username": "cosmic.travelerr",
  "fullName": "CosmicTraveler",
  "profileUrl": "https://www.instagram.com/cosmic.travelerr/",
  "profilePicUrl": "https://scontent...jpg",
  "biography": "Space and astronomy",
  "bioLinks": [],
  "externalUrl": null,
  "followersCount": 12000,
  "followingCount": 350,
  "postsCount": 91,
  "isPrivate": false,
  "isVerified": true,
  "isBusinessAccount": false,
  "isProfessionalAccount": true,
  "category": "Digital creator",
  "businessEmail": null,
  "businessPhoneNumber": null,
  "businessAddress": null,
  "relatedToSeed": true,
  "matchedSeedUsernames": ["nasa"],
  "seedMatchCount": 1,
  "collectedAt": "2026-08-10T12:00:00.000Z",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.instagram.com/nasa/"
}
```

Optional fields are `null` or empty when a public profile does not expose them.

### What data can you export?

| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| `seedUsername`, `seedUserId` | Seed profile that produced the recommendation |
| `rank`, `depth` | Position within the seed's direct related-profile list and discovery depth |
| `userId`, `username`, `fullName` | Stable profile identity and display name |
| `profileUrl`, `profilePicUrl` | Canonical profile and public profile image URLs |
| `biography`, `bioLinks`, `externalUrl` | Public bio and outbound links |
| `followersCount`, `followingCount`, `postsCount` | Public profile counters when available |
| `isPrivate`, `isVerified` | Account visibility and verification flags |
| `isBusinessAccount`, `isProfessionalAccount`, `category` | Public account classification |
| `businessEmail`, `businessPhoneNumber`, `businessAddress` | Public business contact details when disclosed |
| `relatedToSeed` | Confirms the row came from the seed's related-profile list |
| `matchedSeedUsernames`, `seedMatchCount` | Seeds that recommend this profile and overlap count |
| `collectedAt`, `sourceUrl` | Collection timestamp and seed provenance |

### Input settings

| Setting | Type | Default | Description |
|---|---|---:|---|
| `usernames` | string\[] | required | 1–5 public usernames or Instagram profile URLs |
| `maxRelatedPerSeed` | integer | 20 | Maximum direct suggestions per seed, from 1 to 50 |
| `includeProfileDetails` | boolean | true | Add public profile details and counters |
| `deduplicateAcrossSeeds` | boolean | false | Emit each profile once while retaining every matching seed |
| `proxyConfiguration` | object | platform default | Optional Apify proxy configuration |

### Input recipes

**Find related space and science profiles**

```json
{"usernames":["nasa","natgeotravel"],"maxRelatedPerSeed":20,"includeProfileDetails":true}
```

**Fast identity-only discovery**

```json
{"usernames":["instagram"],"maxRelatedPerSeed":10,"includeProfileDetails":false}
```

**Find cross-seed overlap**

```json
{"usernames":["nasa","instagram"],"maxRelatedPerSeed":50,"deduplicateAcrossSeeds":true}
```

### Who is it for?

- Influencer and creator agencies expanding prospect lists from known accounts
- Brand and partnership teams mapping adjacent public profiles
- Researchers comparing which profiles overlap across several seeds
- Developers building repeatable Instagram profile discovery pipelines

### Pricing

This Actor uses pay-per-event pricing: one start event and one item event per saved profile. Your Apify plan determines the current tiered rate. See the live [Pricing tab](https://apify.com/fetch_cat/instagram-related-profiles-scraper/pricing) for exact rates; Apify shows your estimated maximum charge before each run.

### Tips and limits

- Start with one or two seeds and a low limit, then expand.
- Recommendations can change over time; keep `collectedAt` when comparing runs.
- Direct recommendations are returned. The Actor does not claim follower/following access or recursive pagination.
- Private or unavailable seeds may not expose recommendations. Mixed batches preserve successful seeds.
- Public profile details vary by account. Missing optional values are not inferred.
- Duplicate rows are meaningful when you need per-seed rank. Enable `deduplicateAcrossSeeds` for one row per profile.

### API usage

```bash
curl -X POST "https://api.apify.com/v2/acts/fetch_cat~instagram-related-profiles-scraper/runs?token=$APIFY_TOKEN" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"usernames":["nasa"],"maxRelatedPerSeed":10}'
```

JavaScript:

```javascript
import { ApifyClient } from 'apify-client';
const client = new ApifyClient({ token: process.env.APIFY_TOKEN });
const run = await client.actor('fetch_cat/instagram-related-profiles-scraper').call({
  usernames: ['nasa'], maxRelatedPerSeed: 10,
});
const { items } = await client.dataset(run.defaultDatasetId).listItems();
```

Python:

```python
import os
from apify_client import ApifyClient

client = ApifyClient(os.environ['APIFY_TOKEN'])
run = client.actor('fetch_cat/instagram-related-profiles-scraper').call(run_input={
    'usernames': ['nasa'],
    'maxRelatedPerSeed': 10,
})
items = client.dataset(run['defaultDatasetId']).list_items().items
```

### Use with MCP and AI agents

Connect Apify's MCP server at `https://mcp.apify.com/?tools=fetch_cat/instagram-related-profiles-scraper`. Agents can run the Actor, monitor completion, and read structured dataset rows for creator discovery and market research workflows.

### FAQ

#### What data can I export with Instagram Related Profiles Scraper?

You can export the 28 documented fields above, including identity, rank, profile metadata, public contacts, seed provenance, overlap, and collection time.

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

Yes. Use the REST API, JavaScript client, Apify schedules, or MCP configuration shown above.

#### How much does it cost to use Instagram Related Profiles Scraper?

Pricing is pay per event. See the linked live Pricing tab above for the exact start and tiered per-result rates for your plan.

#### How can I find Instagram accounts similar to a public profile?

Add the public username or profile URL to `usernames`. The Actor exports the direct related accounts with rank and seed provenance.

#### Can I export related Instagram profiles through an API?

Yes. Use the REST API, JavaScript client, or MCP integration shown above and read the completed run's dataset.

#### Does it scrape followers or following lists?

No. It exports profiles Instagram publicly presents as related to each seed.

#### Does it require an Instagram login?

No login input is required. Only public profile data is collected.

#### Why did a seed return no profiles?

The profile may be unavailable, private, rate-limited, or may not expose public related suggestions. The run summary distinguishes these cases where possible.

#### Can I paginate beyond 50 profiles per seed?

No stable public cursor is exposed for this direct recommendation surface, so the Actor does not advertise unsupported pagination.

#### Is it legal to scrape this data?

You are responsible for your use case and applicable laws and platform terms. Collect only public data and handle personal information responsibly.

### Related actors

- [Instagram Profile Posts Scraper](https://apify.com/fetch_cat/instagram-profile-posts-scraper)
- [Instagram Search Scraper](https://apify.com/fetch_cat/instagram-search-scraper)
- [Instagram Hashtag Scraper](https://apify.com/fetch_cat/instagram-hashtag-scraper)
- [Instagram Reel Scraper](https://apify.com/fetch_cat/instagram-reel-scraper)
- [Instagram Post Details Scraper](https://apify.com/fetch_cat/instagram-post-details-scraper)

### Support

Found an unavailable seed, unexpected empty result, or schema issue? Open an issue from the Actor page and include the public seed username, run ID, and expected behavior. Do not include passwords or cookies.

# Actor input Schema

## `usernames` (type: `array`):

Public Instagram usernames or profile URLs (1–5).

## `maxRelatedPerSeed` (type: `integer`):

Save up to this many direct suggestions for each seed (the public source currently exposes at most 50).

## `includeProfileDetails` (type: `boolean`):

Add biography, links, counts, category and public business contact fields when available.

## `deduplicateAcrossSeeds` (type: `boolean`):

Return each profile once across the run while keeping all matching seeds in matchedSeedUsernames. Leave off to preserve one row per seed and rank.

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

Optional Apify proxy settings for advanced users.

## Actor input object example

```json
{
  "usernames": [
    "nasa",
    "instagram"
  ],
  "maxRelatedPerSeed": 20,
  "includeProfileDetails": true,
  "deduplicateAcrossSeeds": false
}
```

# Actor output Schema

## `results` (type: `string`):

No description

## `runSummary` (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 = {
    "usernames": [
        "nasa",
        "instagram"
    ]
};

// Run the Actor and wait for it to finish
const run = await client.actor("fetch_cat/instagram-related-profiles-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 = { "usernames": [
        "nasa",
        "instagram",
    ] }

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

```

## MCP server setup

```json
{
    "mcpServers": {
        "apify": {
            "type": "http",
            "url": "https://mcp.apify.com/?tools=fetch-actor-details,fetch_cat/instagram-related-profiles-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/MvCMQYU9PFlfTmsxR/builds/PJLLN0mIVPwVlDt4s/openapi.json