# Instagram Stories Scraper & Downloader API (`instagram-scrapers/instagram-stories-scraper-downloader`) Actor

Scrape and download active Instagram Stories from public profiles without login or cookies. Get direct image and video URLs, story IDs, timestamps, thumbnails, media types, and mentions.

- **URL**: https://apify.com/instagram-scrapers/instagram-stories-scraper-downloader.md
- **Developed by:** [Instagram Tools](https://apify.com/instagram-scrapers) (community)
- **Categories:** Social media, Videos, Automation
- **Stats:** 1 total users, 1 monthly users, 100.0% runs succeeded, 0 bookmarks
- **User rating**: 5.00 out of 5 stars

## Pricing

from $3.00 / 1,000 profiles processeds

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/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.

In JavaScript/TypeScript projects, use official [JavaScript/TypeScript client](https://docs.apify.com/api/client/js/docs.md):

```bash
npm install apify-client
```

In Python projects, use official [Python client library](https://docs.apify.com/api/client/python/docs.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/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

## Instagram Stories Scraper & Downloader — No Login

Extract active Instagram Stories from public profiles by username. Get direct image and video URLs with story IDs, timestamps, thumbnails, and mentions—no Instagram login, cookies, or session setup required.

Run it in Apify Console or use it as an automated Instagram Stories API. Results are delivered as a structured dataset ready for JSON, CSV, Excel, XML, or HTML export and integrations through the Apify API, schedules, webhooks, Make, Zapier, n8n, and Google Sheets.

> This is an unofficial tool and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Instagram or Meta.

### What You Get

- Direct image and video URLs
- Story IDs and publication timestamps
- Media type for every result
- Thumbnail URLs when available
- Mentioned usernames when available
- JSON, CSV, Excel, XML, HTML, and API-ready dataset output

Only active stories from public profiles can be returned. Private, restricted, expired, or unavailable stories cannot be accessed.

### Quick Start

1. Open the Actor input.
2. Enter the public Instagram usernames you want to process.
3. Keep the default Apify Proxy configuration or provide your own supported proxy settings.
4. Click **Start**.
5. Open the default dataset to preview or download the results.

Example input:

```json
{
  "usernames": [
    "natgeo"
  ],
  "proxy": {
    "useApifyProxy": true
  }
}
````

Enter usernames without `@`. The Actor processes only public profiles.

### Output

Each returned story is stored as a separate item in the default dataset.

```json
{
  "username": "natgeo",
  "storyID": "1234567890123456789",
  "thumbnail": "https://example.com/story-thumbnail.jpg",
  "timestamp": 1728039654,
  "mediaType": "video",
  "link": "https://example.com/story-video.mp4",
  "mentions": [
    "example_user"
  ]
}
```

| Field | Description |
| --- | --- |
| `username` | Public profile that published the story |
| `storyID` | Story identifier |
| `thumbnail` | Preview image URL when available |
| `timestamp` | Publication time as a Unix timestamp |
| `mediaType` | `image` or `video` |
| `link` | Direct media URL |
| `mentions` | Mentioned usernames when available |

The `mentions` field depends on source availability and may be absent or empty. Story media URLs are temporary CDN links and can expire, so download or process the files soon after each run.

### API Usage

Run the Actor through the Apify API and retrieve its default dataset from your application. You can also use Apify schedules and webhooks to collect public stories automatically.

Typical automation flow:

1. Start the Actor with a list of usernames.
2. Wait for the run to finish.
3. Read the default dataset.
4. Download or process each media URL.
5. Store any media you are authorized to retain before its CDN URL expires.

### Common Use Cases

- Archive public stories you are authorized to retain
- Monitor public campaign and creator activity
- Collect public visual content for market research
- Feed image and video URLs into media-processing workflows
- Track when selected public profiles publish new stories
- Build scheduled datasets for internal analysis

### Frequently Asked Questions

#### Can it download private stories?

No. The Actor only accesses active stories from public profiles.

#### Does it require an Instagram account?

No. You do not provide Instagram credentials, cookies, or session tokens.

#### What happens when a profile has no active story?

No story item is added to the dataset, but the username is still counted as one processed profile.

#### How does billing work?

Each successfully checked username counts as one processed profile. Apify platform usage is charged separately; see the Actor's **Pricing** tab for current rates and details.

#### Why did a media URL stop working?

Instagram CDN links can expire. Process or download authorized media shortly after the run finishes.

#### Can I automate recurring runs?

Yes. Use Apify schedules, API clients, webhooks, Make, Zapier, n8n, or another integration.

#### Where can I report a problem?

Open the Actor's **Issues** tab and include the run ID plus a description of the unexpected behavior. Do not post private credentials or tokens.

### Responsible Use

Use this Actor only for lawful purposes and only process data you are authorized to access. Public availability does not remove privacy, copyright, contractual, or data-protection obligations. Follow applicable laws and platform terms.

### Search Keywords

Instagram story downloader, Instagram stories API, public story scraper, IG story video downloader, Instagram story image downloader, bulk story downloader, Instagram story dataset, automate Instagram story downloads.

# Actor input Schema

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

Instagram usernames to check. Paid Apify accounts can process up to 20 usernames per run. Free Apify accounts can process one username per run and start up to 10 runs per UTC calendar month. Each valid username successfully processed is one chargeable profile event, even when it has no active stories.

## `proxy` (type: `object`):

Configuration for Apify Proxy

## Actor input object example

```json
{
  "usernames": [
    "natgeo"
  ],
  "proxy": {
    "useApifyProxy": true
  }
}
```

# Actor output Schema

## `stories` (type: `string`):

Story media and metadata collected from the requested public Instagram profiles.

# 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": [
        "natgeo"
    ],
    "proxy": {
        "useApifyProxy": true
    }
};

// Run the Actor and wait for it to finish
const run = await client.actor("instagram-scrapers/instagram-stories-scraper-downloader").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": ["natgeo"],
    "proxy": { "useApifyProxy": True },
}

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

# Fetch and print Actor results from the run's dataset (if there are any)
print("💾 Check your data here: https://console.apify.com/storage/datasets/" + run["defaultDatasetId"])
for item in client.dataset(run["defaultDatasetId"]).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": [
    "natgeo"
  ],
  "proxy": {
    "useApifyProxy": true
  }
}' |
apify call instagram-scrapers/instagram-stories-scraper-downloader --silent --output-dataset

```

## MCP server setup

```json
{
    "mcpServers": {
        "apify": {
            "command": "npx",
            "args": [
                "mcp-remote",
                "https://mcp.apify.com/?tools=instagram-scrapers/instagram-stories-scraper-downloader",
                "--header",
                "Authorization: Bearer <YOUR_API_TOKEN>"
            ]
        }
    }
}

```

## OpenAPI specification

```json
{
    "openapi": "3.0.1",
    "info": {
        "title": "Instagram Stories Scraper & Downloader API",
        "description": "Scrape and download active Instagram Stories from public profiles without login or cookies. Get direct image and video URLs, story IDs, timestamps, thumbnails, media types, and mentions.",
        "version": "0.0",
        "x-build-id": "DRMiYx8ocSmkySQFk"
    },
    "servers": [
        {
            "url": "https://api.apify.com/v2"
        }
    ],
    "paths": {
        "/acts/instagram-scrapers~instagram-stories-scraper-downloader/run-sync-get-dataset-items": {
            "post": {
                "operationId": "run-sync-get-dataset-items-instagram-scrapers-instagram-stories-scraper-downloader",
                "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": {
                                "$ref": "#/components/schemas/inputSchema"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                "parameters": [
                    {
                        "name": "token",
                        "in": "query",
                        "required": true,
                        "schema": {
                            "type": "string"
                        },
                        "description": "Enter your Apify token here"
                    }
                ],
                "responses": {
                    "200": {
                        "description": "OK"
                    }
                }
            }
        },
        "/acts/instagram-scrapers~instagram-stories-scraper-downloader/runs": {
            "post": {
                "operationId": "runs-sync-instagram-scrapers-instagram-stories-scraper-downloader",
                "x-openai-isConsequential": false,
                "summary": "Executes an Actor and returns information about the initiated run in response.",
                "tags": [
                    "Run Actor"
                ],
                "requestBody": {
                    "required": true,
                    "content": {
                        "application/json": {
                            "schema": {
                                "$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": {
                                    "$ref": "#/components/schemas/runsResponseSchema"
                                }
                            }
                        }
                    }
                }
            }
        },
        "/acts/instagram-scrapers~instagram-stories-scraper-downloader/run-sync": {
            "post": {
                "operationId": "run-sync-instagram-scrapers-instagram-stories-scraper-downloader",
                "x-openai-isConsequential": false,
                "summary": "Executes an Actor, waits for completion, and returns the OUTPUT from Key-value store in response.",
                "tags": [
                    "Run Actor"
                ],
                "requestBody": {
                    "required": true,
                    "content": {
                        "application/json": {
                            "schema": {
                                "$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": [
                    "usernames"
                ],
                "properties": {
                    "usernames": {
                        "title": "usernames",
                        "minItems": 1,
                        "maxItems": 20,
                        "uniqueItems": true,
                        "type": "array",
                        "description": "Instagram usernames to check. Paid Apify accounts can process up to 20 usernames per run. Free Apify accounts can process one username per run and start up to 10 runs per UTC calendar month. Each valid username successfully processed is one chargeable profile event, even when it has no active stories.",
                        "items": {
                            "type": "string"
                        }
                    },
                    "proxy": {
                        "title": "Proxy Configuration",
                        "type": "object",
                        "description": "Configuration for Apify Proxy"
                    }
                }
            },
            "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
                                    }
                                }
                            }
                        }
                    }
                }
            }
        }
    }
}
```