How to request and download your Instagram data
Why you should consider requesting your Instagram data - and how to do it.

If you use Instagram – which is owned by Meta, the same company that owns Facebook – the app is always gathering data about you.
What data does Instagram collect?
Instagram collects data on just about everything you do on the app – posts you view, like, and comment on, and how you interact with its targeted ads.
If you want to see exactly the data the company has on you, you can request a file containing the data attached to your account. This data can be very insightful and help you understand the way your Instagram feed operates based on all the data it’s collected about you.

How to stop Instagram from harvesting so much of your data
Should you request your Instagram data?
Instagram uses your data to show you content it thinks will keep you scrolling on the app and ads that will tempt you to spend money. When you download your data, you can see all the data Instagram collects (it’s a lot) and become more aware of how the algorithm uses your data to get you to engage with it more.
Instagram allows you to access your data in either a JSON or HTML format. Both types are generally user-friendly and will show you the same data. I requested the HTML version and found the file to be very straightforward.
To request the downloadable file, you will need to know your Instagram username and password.
How to request your Instagram data:
- Click the icon with three horizontal lines in the corner of your screen.
- Click Your Activity.
Photo by Maya Zhan | TPIN

Photo by Maya Zhan | TPIN

Photo by Maya Zhan | TPIN

Photo by Maya Zhan | TPIN

Photo by Maya Zhan | TPIN