Instagram connection methods

There are two ways to connect an Instagram account to Julexis. Each one uses a different API provided by Meta, so they offer different features and different levels of reliability. Choose the method that suits you — but we strongly recommend connecting via Facebook for the best experience.

:::tip Recommended Connect via Facebook. Your connection then refreshes automatically and never expires. :::

Connect via Facebook (recommended)

This method uses the Instagram Graph API through your Facebook Page connection. It is the most stable and feature-rich option, giving you access to all analytics, publishing and management features. It uses your Facebook Page token, which Julexis refreshes automatically, so the connection stays active indefinitely.

Prerequisites

  • An Instagram Business or Creator account (not a Personal account)
  • A Facebook Page linked to your Instagram account — you can create one for free on Facebook
  • Facebook already connected in Julexis for the same client

Benefits

  • Full analytics and insights: reach, impressions, demographics, follower growth
  • Automatic token refresh — your connection never expires
  • No Instagram login required, since it uses your existing Facebook connection
  • Access to Story and Reel insights
  • The most stable and reliable connection method
  • Easier management when you handle multiple Instagram accounts

How to connect

  1. First, connect Facebook for the client, if you haven't already.
  2. Click Connect on Instagram — the Connect via Facebook option appears.
  3. Choose the Facebook Page that is linked to your Instagram account.
  4. That's it. Julexis handles everything else automatically from here.

Connect with Instagram Login

This method uses the Instagram API with Instagram Login (Business Login for Instagram). You authenticate directly with your Instagram credentials. It works without a Facebook Page, but the token expires every 60 days and you have to reconnect manually.

Prerequisites

  • An Instagram Business or Creator account (not a Personal account)
  • Your Instagram username and password

Limitations

  • The token expires every 60 days and you must reconnect manually
  • If the token expires without reconnection, analytics and publishing stop working
  • The connection may break if you change your Instagram password
  • Two-factor authentication on Instagram can complicate the login flow
  • Slightly less stable than the Facebook method

How to connect

  1. Click Connect on Instagram and choose Connect with Instagram Login.
  2. A popup opens with Instagram's login page.
  3. Enter your Instagram username and password, and authorise Julexis.
  4. Remember to reconnect before 60 days pass, to keep the connection active.

Side-by-side comparison

Feature Via Facebook Instagram Login
Full analytics & insights Yes Yes
Post & Reel publishing Yes Yes
Comment management Yes Yes
Story & Reel insights Yes Yes
Audience demographics Yes Yes
Automatic token refresh Yes (forever) No (every 60 days)
Requires Facebook Page Yes No
Requires Instagram login No Yes
Connection stability High Medium
Risk of disconnection Very low Medium (password changes, 2FA)

Why do we recommend the Facebook method?

The main advantage is automatic token management. When you connect via Facebook, Julexis uses a long-lived Page token that is refreshed automatically in the background, so your Instagram connection stays active indefinitely with no action from you.

With the direct Instagram Login, the access token expires after 60 days. If you forget to reconnect, your analytics and scheduled posts stop working until you log in again.

What type of Instagram account do I need?

Both connection methods require an Instagram Business or Creator account. Personal accounts are not supported by Meta's APIs.

To switch your account type: open the Instagram app, go to Settings → Account → Switch to Professional Account, and choose Business or Creator. It's free and takes about 30 seconds.

What happens if I switch connection methods?

If you switch from one connection method to the other, the previous connection is replaced. Your cached analytics data is preserved, but a fresh data sync is triggered automatically, and the new connection starts collecting data from the moment it is established.

Whenever it's possible, use the Facebook method.