Instagram Story API
UGC API publishes Instagram Stories to professional accounts. Add a Story to an image post, turn a slideshow into a sequence of Story frames, or share a Reel's video to Stories in the same call.
Updated
Three ways to post a Story
| You send | Options | Result | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
format: 'image' | instagram.story: true | The feed image plus the same image as a Story | 2 |
format: 'video' | instagram.story: true | The Reel plus the same video as a Story | 2 |
format: 'slideshow' | story: true, story_slides: 'all' | Carousel plus one Story frame per slide, in order | 1 + slides |
format: 'slideshow' | story: true, story_slides: 'first' | Carousel plus a Story of the first slide | 2 |
How Story sequences work
Instagram's API has no 'sequence' object. Each frame is published as its own Story media. We publish the frames in slide order, so they play as a sequence in the viewer's tray. That is also why each frame counts as one post credit.
Story specs
- Design at 9:16, 1080x1920. Keep text away from the top and bottom 250px where Instagram draws the profile bar and reply field.
- Images as JPEG. Videos as MP4 H.264.
- Stories disappear after 24 hours, as they do in the app.
- Interactive stickers (polls, links, questions) are not available through Meta's publishing API. Add a call to action in the image itself.
Example: slideshow to carousel plus Story sequence
{
"accounts": ["acc_ig_01"],
"format": "slideshow",
"media": [
"https://cdn.example.com/s/1.jpg",
"https://cdn.example.com/s/2.jpg",
"https://cdn.example.com/s/3.jpg"
],
"caption": "3 outfits, 1 jacket",
"options": { "instagram": { "story": true, "story_slides": "all" } }
}This publishes a 3-slide carousel and 3 Story frames: 4 credits. The full walkthrough is in posting an Instagram carousel and Story, and the API details are in formats and options.
Requirements
The account must be an Instagram Business or Creator account, connected through a UGC API connect link. See Instagram posting API for the full list of placements.
FAQ
Can I add link stickers or polls to Stories via the API?
No. Meta's content publishing API doesn't support interactive stickers. Put the call to action in the image or video.
Why does a Story sequence cost one credit per frame?
Instagram creates a separate Story for every frame, and each one counts toward the account's daily limit. We price it the same way.
Can I post only a Story without a feed post?
Story options add Stories to a feed placement in the same request. Story-only posts are not a separate format today, so pair the Story with a carousel, image or Reel.
Do Stories work on personal accounts?
No. Meta's API only publishes to Business and Creator accounts.