Instagram MCP Server
A professional Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that provides a comprehensive toolkit for interacting with Instagram. This server enables LLMs (like Claude or Gemini) to manage accounts, analyze social graphs, discover content, and engage with the Instagram community directly from their interface.
🚀 Features
- Full Account Control: Edit profile, manage privacy, and track activity.
- Advanced Messaging: Read history, send text/media, and react to messages.
- Content Creation: Support for Photos, Videos, Reels, and Carousel/Albums.
- Deep Insights: Analyze post performance, followers, and engagement.
- Social Graph: Smart comparison tools to find unfollowers and fans.
- Discovery: Search by user, hashtag, or location.
📋 Prerequisites
- Node.js: v18 or higher.
- Instagram Account: Standard account credentials.
🛠 Installation
git clone https://github.com/your-repo/insta-mcp.git
cd insta-mcp
npm install
npm run build
⚙️ Configuration
The server supports flexible configuration via environment variables or a local JSON file.
Environment Variables
Method 1: .env File (Local Dev)
Create a .env in the root:
INSTAGRAM_USERNAME=your_user
INSTAGRAM_PASSWORD=your_pass
Method 2: credentials.json
Copy the example and fill in your details:
cp config/credentials.example.json data/credentials.json
🔧 Tools Catalog
Account & Activity
get_account_overview: Get profile stats (followers, following, bio).get_activity: See notifications (likes, follows, etc.).edit_profile: Update name, bio, website, and email.block_user: Block a specific user.set_privacy: Toggle between Private and Public account.
Social Graph
get_followers: List a user's followers.get_following: List who a user follows.compare_follow_lists: Detect "Unfollowers" or "Fans".follow_user/unfollow_user: Manage friendships.
Media & Interaction
get_recent_posts: View latest posts for any user.get_post_insights: Detailed stats (likes, comments, viewers).upload_photo/upload_video/upload_reel: Post content.upload_album: Post carousels with multiple items.search_locations: Find locations for tagging.like_post/add_comment/reply_to_comment: Engage with posts.
Direct Messaging (DM)
get_inbox: View recent message threads.get_direct_messages: Fetch history for a specific thread.send_direct_message: Send text to users or groups.react_to_message: Add heart reactions to messages.get_pending_requests: Manage DM requests.mute_thread/leave_thread: Thread management.
Feeds & Discovery
search_instagram: Search for users, tags, or places.get_timeline: Your main home feed.get_discover: The explore page feed.get_saved_posts: Your bookmarked collections.get_liked_posts: History of your likes.get_tag_feed: Recent posts for a hashtag.
Stories
get_stories: View active stories from your tray or a user.get_highlights: Access a user's story highlights.
🖥 Usage with MCP Clients
Claude Desktop
Add the following to your claude_desktop_config.json:
{
"mcpServers": {
"instagram": {
"command": "node",
"args": ["/ABSOLUTE/PATH/TO/insta-mcp/dist/index.js"],
"env": {
"INSTAGRAM_USERNAME": "your_username",
"INSTAGRAM_PASSWORD": "your_password"
}
}
}
}
Development
To run in development mode with auto-reload:
npm run format # Format code
npm run dev # Build and start
⚠️ Security & Ethics
This project uses the instagram-private-api.
- Rate Limiting: The server includes built-in throttling. Avoid aggressive automated requests.
- Compliance: Adhere to Instagram's Terms of Service. Use for personal analytics and legitimate social management only.
📄 License
MIT
