insta-mcp is a professional Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that provides large language models (such as Claude or Gemini) with comprehensive Instagram interaction tools, enabling them to directly manage accounts, analyze social graphs, discover content, and engage with the Instagram community from within the interface.
Purpose
This server is designed to let AI assistants invoke various Instagram features through the standardized MCP protocol, enabling operations such as account management, data analysis, content publishing, and social interaction, and is suitable for personal analysis, social management, and content discovery scenarios.
Main Capabilities
- Complete account control: Edit profiles, manage privacy settings, track activity.
- Advanced messaging features: Read message history, send text/media, react to messages.
- Content creation: Support photo, video, Reels, and carousel/album publishing.
- Deep insights: Analyze post performance, followers, and engagement.
- Social graph: Provide smart comparison tools to discover unfollowers and fans.
- Discovery features: Search by user, hashtag, or location.
Tool Catalog
Account & Activity:
get_account_overview: Get profile statistics (followers, following, bio).get_activity: View notifications (likes, follows, etc.).edit_profile: Update name, bio, website, and email.block_user: Block a specific user.set_privacy: Toggle between private or public account.get_followers: List a user's followers.get_following: List the users someone follows.compare_follow_lists: Detect "unfollowers" or "fans."follow_user/unfollow_user: Manage follow relationships.
Media & Engagement:
get_recent_posts: View any user's latest posts.get_post_insights: Detailed statistics (likes, comments, views).upload_photo/upload_video/upload_reel: Publish content.upload_album: Publish a multi-item carousel.search_locations: Find locations for tagging.like_post/add_comment/reply_to_comment: Engage with posts.
Direct Messages (DM):
get_inbox: View recent message threads.get_direct_messages: Get the history of a specific thread.send_direct_message: Send text to a user or group.react_to_message: Add a heart reaction to a message.get_pending_requests: Manage DM requests.mute_thread/leave_thread: Thread management.
Feed & Discovery:
search_instagram: Search users, tags, or locations.get_timeline: Your home feed.get_discover: Explore page feed.get_saved_posts: Your saved collections.get_liked_posts: Your like history.get_tag_feed: Recent posts for a hashtag.get_stories: View your tray or a user's active stories.get_highlights: Access a user's story highlights.
Usage
Prerequisites
- Node.js: v18 or higher.
- Instagram account: Standard account credentials.
Configuration
The server supports flexible configuration via environment variables or a local JSON file.
Method 1: .env file (local development)
Create the .env file in the root directory.
Method 2: credentials.json Copy the example and fill in your details.
Using with an MCP Client
Add the following to your claude_desktop_config.json in.
To run in development mode with automatic reload:
Use cases
Suitable for individual users or social media managers who need to automate Instagram account management, analyze social data, publish content, or interact with the community through an AI assistant.
Limitations
- This project uses
instagram-private-api. - Built-in rate limiting mechanism to avoid aggressive automated requests.
- Must comply with Instagram's Terms of Service, and is only for personal analysis and legitimate social management.
