# Instagram Shortcode Extractor API

> Extracts and returns the unique shortcode identifier from an Instagram post, reel, or TV URL. Requires the full target post URL as input.

Source: https://www.sandbase.ai/apis/instagram/v3/extract-shortcode
API reference: https://www.sandbase.ai/apis/instagram/v3/extract-shortcode/docs

## Facts

- Provider: Instagram
- Type: Data API
- Endpoint: `POST https://api.sandbase.ai/v1/api/instagram/v3/extract-shortcode`
- Price: $0.003 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/extract-shortcode` with `Authorization: Bearer $SANDBASE_API_KEY` and the parameters as a JSON body.

| Parameter | Type | Required | Allowed values |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| `url` | string | yes |  |

## FAQ

### How do I use the Instagram Shortcode Extractor API?

Send a POST request to https://api.sandbase.ai/v1/api/instagram/v3/extract-shortcode 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 Shortcode Extractor API cost?

$0.003 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 Shortcode Extractor API accept?

Required: url (string). The Parameters table and the Playground on this page list every field.

### What does the Instagram Shortcode Extractor API return?

A JSON response returned in the same HTTP request (synchronous).

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

No. Instagram Shortcode Extractor 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 Shortcode Extractor API

This endpoint resolves the unique shortcode identifier from an Instagram link provided in `url`. It accepts links from standard posts, reels, and TV items.

#### Use cases

- Parse a shortcode identifier from an Instagram reel or post link.
- Prepare Instagram post identifiers for downstream media lookups.
- Normalize diverse Instagram content URLs into standardized post keys.

#### Request

```bash
curl -X POST "https://api.sandbase.ai/v1/api/instagram/v3/extract-shortcode" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $SANDBASE_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"url": "https://www.instagram.com/p/DUajw4YkorV/"}'
```

#### Parameters

| Name | Type | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| `url` | string | Yes | Full Instagram post URL |

#### Notes

- Provide a full Instagram post link in the `url` parameter.

#### 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 Explore Feed](/model/instagram/v3/explore): Returns curated sectional items from the Instagram explore feed, including layout formats and feed types.