Downloading Your Instagram Follower/Following List

A Step-by-Step Guide

You can download a copy of your Instagram data, including your list of followers, directly from the Instagram Account Center. This process allows you to receive your information in a machine-readable JSON format, which is useful for data analysis or for use in other applications.

Here is a comprehensive guide on how to request and download your follower list:

1. Navigate to the Account Center

You can access the Account Center through either the Instagram app or the Instagram website.

On the Instagram App:

  • Open the Instagram app and go to your profile.
  • Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top-right corner.
  • Select "Settings and Privacy."
  • Tap on "Account Center."

On the Instagram Website:

  • Go to instagram.com and log in to your account.
  • Click on your profile picture in the bottom-left corner to go to your profile.
  • Click the gear icon (Settings) next to your username.
  • Select "Account Center."

2. Access Your Information and Permissions

Once in the Account Center, follow these steps:

  • Scroll down and click on "Your information and permissions."
  • Select "Download your information."

3. Request a Download

This section will guide you through creating a file of your data.

  • Click on "Request a download."
  • Choose the Instagram account from which you want to download the data. If you have multiple accounts linked in the Account Center, they will all appear here.
  • Select the type of information you want to download. To get only your follower list, choose "Select types of information."
  • From the list of information types, find and select "Followers and following." Then, click "Next."

4. Finalize and Submit Your Request

In the final step, you will configure the format and quality of your data download.

  • Format: Select "JSON" from the dropdown menu.
  • Media Quality: You can leave this as is, as it primarily affects photos and videos, not your follower list.
  • Date Range: You can choose a specific date range, but for a complete list of your current followers, it is best to select "All time."
  • Click "Submit request."

5. Download Your Data

Instagram will then begin to process your request. This can take some time, depending on the amount of information you have requested. You will receive an email notification and an in-app notification when your file is ready to be downloaded.

Once you receive the notification, follow the link provided to download a ZIP file containing your data. Inside the ZIP file, you will find a file named followers.json, which contains the list of your followers. You will need a JSON viewer or a text editor to open and view the contents of this file.

It's important to note that the link to download your data will expire after a few days for security reasons, so be sure to download it promptly.