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Instagram Auth

Handle Instagram authentication
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Overview

The Instagram Auth node's "Load Session" operation is designed to restore a previously saved Instagram session using session data. This allows users to authenticate with Instagram without re-entering credentials or repeating the login process, which is especially useful for automating workflows that require persistent authentication across multiple executions.

Common scenarios:

  • Reusing an authenticated Instagram session in subsequent n8n workflows.
  • Avoiding repeated logins and two-factor authentication prompts by restoring a valid session.
  • Automating Instagram actions (e.g., posting, fetching data) that require a logged-in state.

Practical example:
A user logs in to Instagram once, saves the session data, and then uses the "Load Session" operation in future workflows to maintain authentication seamlessly.

Properties

Display Name Type Meaning
Session Data String Previously saved session data. This should be the serialized session object obtained from a prior successful login.

Output

The output is a JSON object with the following structure:

{
  "success": true,
  "authenticated": true,
  "userId": "<Instagram User ID>",
  "sessionData": "<Session Data String>",
  "message": "Session loaded successfully"
}
  • success: Indicates if the session was loaded successfully (true on success).
  • authenticated: Always true if the session is valid and loaded.
  • userId: The Instagram user ID associated with the session.
  • sessionData: The same session data string provided as input (for reference or further use).
  • message: A status message confirming the session was loaded.

If there is an error (e.g., missing or invalid session data), the output will include:

{
  "success": false,
  "error": "<Error Message>"
}

Dependencies

  • External Service: Instagram account (session data must be valid for the account).
  • API Key/Credentials: Requires n8n credentials of type instagramPrivateApi (username and password are not used in this operation but are required for the node setup).
  • n8n Configuration: No special environment variables needed for this operation.

Troubleshooting

Common Issues:

  • Missing Session Data:

    • Error: "Session data is required"
    • Resolution: Ensure you provide valid session data obtained from a previous login.

  • Invalid/Expired Session Data:

    • Error: May result in failed authentication or errors from the Instagram API.
    • Resolution: If the session data is no longer valid (e.g., expired or revoked), perform a fresh login to obtain new session data.

  • General Errors:

    • Error: Output includes "success": false and an "error" field with details.
    • Resolution: Review the error message for hints; ensure the session data is correct and matches the Instagram account.

Links and References

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