# Instagram Search API (https://www.socialcrawl.dev/platforms/instagram/search)

> Returns mixed Instagram search matches for a query: accounts, hashtags, and places in one payload, the same mix Instagram's own search box shows. It matches account, hashtag and place names, not the text of posts, so a multi-word topic sentence usually matches nothing and answers 404. For posts about a topic or keyword, use `GET /v1/instagram/search/reels?query=`.

TL;DR: `GET /v1/instagram/search` costs 1 credit per call and returns SocialCrawl's unified JSON schema. Single x-api-key auth, 100 free credits on signup.

## Parameters

| Parameter | Required | Description |
| --- | --- | --- |
| `query` | yes | An account, hashtag or place name as typed in Instagram's search box (a name, not a topic sentence). For posts about a topic use instagram/search/reels. |

## Code example

```bash
curl -G "https://www.socialcrawl.dev/v1/instagram/search" \
  --data-urlencode "query=nike" \
  -H "x-api-key: sc_YOUR_API_KEY"
```

## FAQ

### How do I use the Instagram search API?

Send a GET request to /v1/instagram/search with the query parameter set to a name, for example query=nike. SocialCrawl returns users, hashtags and places in one payload, and each row carries its position in Instagram's own result order.

### What does the Instagram search endpoint return?

Accounts come back with username, full name, id, verification flag and profile picture URL. Hashtags carry their name and media_count, the number of posts using the tag, and places carry a name, title, subtitle and facebook_places_id.

### Can I search Instagram posts by keyword with this endpoint?

No. It matches account, hashtag and place names, not the text of posts, so a multi-word topic sentence usually matches nothing and returns a 404. For posts about a topic use /v1/instagram/search/reels, and for one result type use search/profiles, search/hashtag or search/location.

### How much does the Instagram search API cost?

Each search costs 1 credit on the standard tier. New accounts get 100 free credits with no card, enough for about 100 searches, and credits for failed or empty calls are refunded automatically.

### Do I need an Instagram login or a Meta app to search Instagram?

No. You call the endpoint with your SocialCrawl API key, and you do not need an Instagram login or a Meta app review.

See the full Instagram API: https://www.socialcrawl.dev/platforms/instagram

## Pricing

- Standard endpoints: 1 credit per call
- Advanced endpoints: 5 credits per call
- Premium endpoints: 10 credits per call
- 100 free credits on signup, no credit card required. Cached responses cost 0 credits. Credit packs never expire.
- Full pricing: https://www.socialcrawl.dev/pricing

## Explore with AI

Questions this API answers, phrased for an AI assistant:

- What does the SocialCrawl Instagram search API return for a query?
- How do I search Instagram accounts, hashtags and places with SocialCrawl?