How to download your Instagram data
You need your followers and following lists in JSON format. It’s free, takes about a minute to request, and arrives by email.
- 1Open Download your information. Open Instagram and go to Settings → Accounts Center → Your information and permissions → Download your information.
- 2Select followers and following. Choose “Some of your information”, then select “Followers and following”. You don't need photos or messages — a smaller request arrives faster.
- 3Set the format to JSON. Set the format to JSON (this is important — HTML exports aren't supported) and the date range to All time.
- 4Request the download. Request the download. Instagram emails you a ZIP, usually within an hour or two.
- 5Upload it to Glimpsr. Come back to Glimpsr and drop the ZIP into the uploader. It's parsed entirely in your browser — nothing is uploaded.
Common questions
- How long does the Instagram data download take?
- Usually under an hour for a followers-and-following request, though Instagram can take a few hours. You'll get an email with a download link when it's ready.
- Should I choose JSON or HTML?
- Choose JSON. It's the structured format Glimpsr reads; HTML exports are formatted for viewing and can't be parsed.
- The email hasn't arrived — what now?
- Check spam, and confirm the email on your Instagram account is correct. Large requests (with photos/messages) take longer — request only followers and following for the fastest result.
Once it arrives, upload it to see who doesn’t follow you back. Curious what Glimpsr reads? See what we can see.