# Instagram Explore Feed API

> Returns curated sectional items from the Instagram explore feed, including layout formats and feed types. Supports cursor-based pagination.

Source: https://www.sandbase.ai/apis/instagram/v3/explore
API reference: https://www.sandbase.ai/apis/instagram/v3/explore/docs

## Facts

- Provider: Instagram
- Type: Data API
- Endpoint: `POST https://api.sandbase.ai/v1/api/instagram/v3/explore`
- Price: $0.01 per call
- Free allowance: 100 calls per organization per UTC day, shared across eligible APIs
- Capabilities: api, instagram
- Billing: pay per use from one SandBase balance; no provider account or subscription needed

## Call it

`POST https://api.sandbase.ai/v1/api/instagram/v3/explore` with `Authorization: Bearer $SANDBASE_API_KEY` and the parameters as a JSON body.

| Parameter | Type | Required | Allowed values |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| `max_id` | string | no |  |

## FAQ

### How do I use the Instagram Explore Feed API?

Send a POST request to https://api.sandbase.ai/v1/api/instagram/v3/explore with your SandBase API key in the Authorization header (Bearer) and the parameters as a JSON body. You can also try it in the Playground on this page without writing code.

### How much does the Instagram Explore Feed API cost?

$0.01 per call. Every organization gets 100 free calls per UTC day, shared across eligible SandBase APIs including this one; after that each call is billed at this price from your SandBase balance. There is no subscription.

### What parameters does the Instagram Explore Feed API accept?

No parameters are required. Optional: max_id (string). The Parameters table and the Playground on this page list every field.

### What does the Instagram Explore Feed API return?

A JSON response returned in the same HTTP request (synchronous). The README on this page includes a sample response.

### Do I need a Instagram developer account or API key?

No. Instagram Explore Feed runs through SandBase, so one SandBase API key covers this endpoint and every other API and model in the catalog. You do not need to apply for Instagram API access separately.

## README

### Instagram Explore Feed API

Retrieve content items from the Instagram explore feed. Provide `max_id` to page through subsequent feed batches.

#### Use cases

- Monitor trending content and clip formats on the explore grid.
- Analyze sectional layouts across recommended media.
- Inspect discovery feed items for market research.

#### Request

```bash
curl -X POST "https://api.sandbase.ai/v1/api/instagram/v3/explore" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $SANDBASE_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{}'
```

#### Parameters

| Name | Type | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| `max_id` | string | No | Pagination cursor, omit for first request, get from previous response `data.next_max_id` |

#### Example response

Real response for the request above, trimmed to the main fields. User names and long IDs are masked.

```json
{
  "sectional_items": [
    {
      "feed_type": "clips",
      "layout_type": "one_by_two_right"
    }
  ]
}
```

#### Notes

- Omit `max_id` on the first request and use `data.next_max_id` from previous responses for pagination.

#### Related APIs

- [Instagram Comment Bulk Translation](/model/instagram/v3/bulk-translate-comments): Returns bulk translations for multiple Instagram comments using a list of comment identifiers.
- [Instagram Comment Replies (V3)](/model/instagram/v3/comment-replies): Returns child comment replies for a specific Instagram comment using the post media ID and parent comment ID.
- [Instagram Shortcode Extractor](/model/instagram/v3/extract-shortcode): Extracts and returns the unique shortcode identifier from an Instagram post, reel, or TV URL.