# Quora Scraper (`fetch_cat/quora-scraper`) Actor

Scrape public Quora questions and answers from keyword searches or direct question URLs. Export text, authors, credentials, links, dates, and visible metrics.

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

## Pricing

from $0.26 / 1,000 item extracteds

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

## Quora Scraper

Collect public Quora questions and answers from direct question URLs or keyword searches. Export clean, source-linked records to JSON, CSV, Excel, APIs, and automation workflows without supplying a Quora account.

### What you can do

- Research how people discuss a product, market, problem, or trend
- Export public answers with author names, credentials, links, dates, and visible engagement metrics
- Monitor selected public questions with scheduled runs
- Feed source-linked Q\&A records into research, reporting, or enrichment workflows
- Preserve successful results when one source fails, while refusing misleading zero-row success by default

### Who is it for

- Market and customer researchers studying public questions and recurring pain points
- Content and SEO teams discovering audience language and topic demand
- Analysts building source-linked Q\&A datasets for reporting or qualitative review
- Automation teams feeding public discussions into Apify workflows, APIs, or AI tools

### Ready-to-run examples

Open a public example to inspect its input, run it, or reuse it as a task:

- [Export Answers from a Quora Question URL](https://apify.com/fetch_cat/quora-scraper/examples/quora-question-answer-export)
- [Export Quora AI Questions and Answers](https://apify.com/fetch_cat/quora-scraper/examples/quora-ai-questions-and-answers)
- [Export Quora Market Research Questions](https://apify.com/fetch_cat/quora-scraper/examples/quora-market-research-questions)

**Keyword research**

```json
{
  "queries": ["market research"],
  "maxItemsPerQuery": 10,
  "failOnBlocked": true
}
```

**Direct question capture**

```json
{
  "startUrls": [{ "url": "https://www.quora.com/What-is-artificial-intelligence" }],
  "maxItemsPerQuery": 25
}
```

You can combine `queries` and `startUrls` in one run. Start with a low limit to review coverage and cost.

### Output example

```json
{
  "recordType": "answer",
  "url": "https://www.quora.com/What-is-artificial-intelligence#answer-5e4d...",
  "id": "5e4d...",
  "title": "What is artificial intelligence?",
  "text": "Artificial intelligence is...",
  "questionUrl": "https://www.quora.com/What-is-artificial-intelligence-15",
  "questionTitle": "What is artificial intelligence?",
  "answerUrl": null,
  "authorName": "Example Author",
  "authorUrl": "https://www.quora.com/profile/Example-Author",
  "authorCredential": "Works in machine learning",
  "metrics": { "upvotes": "1.2K" },
  "postedAt": null,
  "postedAtRaw": "2y",
  "sourceType": "query",
  "sourceValue": "artificial intelligence",
  "scrapedAt": "2026-08-03T20:00:00.000Z",
  "status": "ok"
}
```

### Input settings

| Setting | JSON key | Description |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Quora question URLs | `startUrls` | Public `https://*.quora.com` question URLs. Strings and `{ "url": "..." }` objects are accepted. |
| Search queries | `queries` | Keywords used to discover matching public Quora question pages. |
| Maximum records per source | `maxItemsPerQuery` | Saves 1–100 question and answer rows for each source. Default: 10. |
| Fail on blocked/empty | `failOnBlocked` | When `true` (default), an all-empty or all-blocked run fails instead of appearing successful. |
| Proxy | `proxyConfiguration` | Optional Apify Proxy settings for environments where the public pages are unavailable directly. |

If both source inputs are omitted, the Actor runs a small example question.

### Output fields

| Field | Description |
| --- | --- |
| `recordType` | `question` or `answer`. |
| `url`, `id` | Source-linked record URL and deterministic ID. |
| `title`, `text` | Question title and public question/answer text. |
| `questionUrl`, `questionTitle` | Canonical parent question URL and title. |
| `answerUrl` | Public answer permalink when exposed. |
| `authorName`, `authorUrl`, `authorCredential` | Public author details shown on the answer card. |
| `metrics` | Visible labels such as upvotes, views, comments, or shares when present. |
| `postedAt`, `postedAtRaw` | Parsed date when reliable and the original public date label. |
| `sourceType`, `sourceValue` | Whether the row came from a URL or query, and the original input. |
| `scrapedAt`, `status` | Collection timestamp and successful extraction status. |

Unavailable optional values are returned as `null` or an empty `metrics` object rather than guessed.

### Pricing

This Actor uses pay-per-event pricing. The **Start** event is charged once when a valid run begins, and **Item processed** is charged for each real dataset row saved. Errors, warnings, and diagnostic summaries do not create item charges.

See the [live Pricing tab](https://apify.com/fetch_cat/quora-scraper/pricing) for current rates and subscription-tier discounts.

### API usage

#### JavaScript

```js
import { ApifyClient } from 'apify-client';
const client = new ApifyClient({ token: process.env.APIFY_TOKEN });
const run = await client.actor('fetch_cat/quora-scraper').call({
  queries: ['customer discovery'],
  maxItemsPerQuery: 10,
});
console.log(run.defaultDatasetId);
```

#### Python

```python
from apify_client import ApifyClient
client = ApifyClient("YOUR_APIFY_TOKEN")
run = client.actor("fetch_cat/quora-scraper").call(run_input={
    "startUrls": [{"url": "https://www.quora.com/What-is-artificial-intelligence"}],
    "maxItemsPerQuery": 10,
})
print(run["defaultDatasetId"])
```

#### cURL

```bash
curl -X POST "https://api.apify.com/v2/acts/fetch_cat~quora-scraper/runs?token=YOUR_APIFY_TOKEN" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"queries":["market research"],"maxItemsPerQuery":10}'
```

### MCP and AI agents

Connect through the official Apify MCP Server:

```bash
claude mcp add --transport http apify "https://mcp.apify.com?tools=fetch_cat/quora-scraper"
```

Or add the server to an MCP client configuration:

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "apify": {
      "url": "https://mcp.apify.com?tools=fetch_cat/quora-scraper"
    }
  }
}
```

Example prompt: “Run Quora Scraper for `customer discovery`, then group the public answers by recurring problem.” Always review source links before relying on an automated summary.

### Tips and limits

- Use narrow queries and small limits first; broad concepts may discover several question pages.
- Direct question URLs give the most predictable monitoring scope.
- Public page structure and visible metrics can change, and not every answer exposes every optional field.
- Search results are discovery candidates; each candidate is opened and validated on Quora before output.
- The Actor does not log in, access private Spaces, vote, post, or claim exhaustive coverage.
- For large jobs, split sources across runs and schedule them at a responsible frequency.
- Collect only public data you are allowed to process; do not use the Actor to evade access controls or collect private account data.

### Related actors

- [Bing Search Results Scraper](https://apify.com/fetch_cat/bing-search-results-scraper)
- [Website Content Crawler Lite](https://apify.com/fetch_cat/website-content-crawler-lite)
- [Website Contact Finder](https://apify.com/fetch_cat/website-contact-finder)
- [Reddit Scraper](https://apify.com/fetch_cat/reddit-scraper)
- [Google Search Results Scraper](https://apify.com/fetch_cat/google-search-results-scraper)

### FAQ

#### Does it require a Quora login?

No. It processes public pages available to a logged-out visitor.

#### Why are some author, date, or metric fields empty?

Quora does not show every field on every answer. The Actor preserves missing values instead of inventing them.

#### What happens if Quora blocks every source?

With `failOnBlocked: true`, the run fails with a clear message and stores a run summary. When some sources succeed, their rows are preserved and failures are reported as warnings.

#### What data can I export with a Quora answers scraper?

Public question and answer text, source URLs, author details, dates, and visible metrics can be exported as JSON, CSV, Excel, XML, RSS, or through the API.

#### Can I use this Quora questions scraper through an API or MCP client?

Yes. Use the API and MCP examples above to run searches or direct question URLs from your application or agent.

#### How much does Quora Scraper cost?

It uses pay-per-event pricing. Check the live Pricing tab for the current start and per-item rates.

### Support

Open an issue from the Actor page if a run fails or output looks wrong. Include the run URL or ID, input JSON, expected behavior, actual behavior, and one reproducible public URL.

# Actor input Schema

## `startUrls` (type: `array`):

Public Quora question URLs to extract.

## `queries` (type: `array`):

Discover public Quora question pages matching each keyword.

## `maxItemsPerQuery` (type: `integer`):

Maximum question and answer rows saved for each direct or discovered question.

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

Fail instead of reporting a misleading successful zero-row run.

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

Optional Apify Proxy fallback. Leave disabled for the proven anonymous route.

## Actor input object example

```json
{
  "startUrls": [
    {
      "url": "https://www.quora.com/What-is-artificial-intelligence"
    }
  ],
  "queries": [
    "market research"
  ],
  "maxItemsPerQuery": 10,
  "failOnBlocked": true,
  "proxyConfiguration": {
    "useApifyProxy": false
  }
}
```

# Actor output Schema

## `overview` (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 = {
    "startUrls": [
        {
            "url": "https://www.quora.com/What-is-artificial-intelligence"
        }
    ],
    "queries": [
        "market research"
    ]
};

// Run the Actor and wait for it to finish
const run = await client.actor("fetch_cat/quora-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 = {
    "startUrls": [{ "url": "https://www.quora.com/What-is-artificial-intelligence" }],
    "queries": ["market research"],
}

# Run the Actor and wait for it to finish
run = client.actor("fetch_cat/quora-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 '{
  "startUrls": [
    {
      "url": "https://www.quora.com/What-is-artificial-intelligence"
    }
  ],
  "queries": [
    "market research"
  ]
}' |
apify call fetch_cat/quora-scraper --silent --output-dataset

```

## MCP server setup

```json
{
    "mcpServers": {
        "apify": {
            "type": "http",
            "url": "https://mcp.apify.com/?tools=fetch-actor-details,fetch_cat/quora-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/xDvjSQP7YsL8EHMkn/builds/lhbHvZmKF14Gwma7C/openapi.json