Websites using Instafeedjs

Okay, let s break down Instafeed.js, a popular JavaScript library for embedding Instagram feeds on websites.

Instafeed.js Overview

Instafeed.js is a free, client-side JavaScript library designed to fetch and display Instagram content (photos and videos) on a website. It works by accessing Instagram s public API (now largely deprecated, see below) and then rendering the data into a specified HTML container.

Key Features:

• Easy to Use: Relatively simple to implement with basic HTML and JavaScript knowledge.
• Customizable: Offers various options to customize the layout, number of posts, template, and filtering.
• No Server-Side Code: Runs entirely on the client side, simplifying integration.
• Display Options: Can show content from user profiles, hashtags, or locations.
• Basic Templating: Allows for basic customization of how the feed is displayed.
• Lightweight: A relatively small library that shouldn t significantly impact page load times.

Important Note: Instagram API Changes & the Shift to Meta Graph API

• Deprecated API: Instafeed.js originally used Instagram s Public API, which has been largely deprecated by Meta. This means that traditional methods of fetching a full Instagram feed using just the client-side API and a user ID or hashtag are no longer reliable.
• Meta Graph API: The officially supported API now is the Meta Graph API, which requires a server-side component, an access token, and a Facebook Developer app setup.
• Impact on Instafeed.js: This change means that using Instafeed.js alone, without a backend to handle the API connection, is now largely limited in functionality and only allows you to display feeds from a business profile that you own. This requires an access token that must be generated via an application linked to a facebook account.

Revenue

• Free & Open Source: Instafeed.js itself is a free and open-source library. It is licensed under the MIT License.
• No Direct Revenue: The creators of Instafeed.js do not generate revenue directly from the library.

Alternatives (Given the API Changes)

Because Instafeed.js is limited by the changes to Instagram s API, you might need to consider these alternatives. Many of them use their own backend to handle the API access and require paid plans:

1. Social Media Aggregators (Paid):

   • EmbedSocial: Offers a wide range of features including feed aggregation, customization, and analytics.
   • Juicer.io: Easy-to-use platform that pulls in feeds from multiple social platforms.
   • Elfsight: Offers a variety of social media widgets, including highly customizable Instagram feeds.
   • Taggbox: Offers embedding capabilities, as well as moderation and other advanced features.

2. WordPress Plugins (often Paid):

   • Smash Balloon Social Photo Feed: A popular premium plugin for Instagram feeds, with good support and customization.
   • Feed Them Social: Another paid plugin that lets you combine multiple social feeds.

3. Custom Server-Side Solutions (Requires Development):

   • Develop a custom backend using a language like Node.js or Python to interact with the Meta Graph API. You d then fetch the data on the server and expose it via an API that your frontend can consume.

Pricing

• Instafeed.js: As mentioned, Instafeed.js itself is free.
• Alternatives: Pricing varies widely depending on the chosen platform or plugin.
  • Social Media Aggregators: Usually have monthly or yearly subscription plans. Prices depend on usage, features, and the number of feeds. Could be anywhere from free plans (with very limited functionality) to $100+ per month.
  • WordPress Plugins: Typically have one-time or yearly licensing fees. Might be from $20-$100+ annually.
  • Custom Development: The cost depends entirely on the complexity of your solution and the developer s rates. This will have a higher upfront cost, but possibly a lower long term cost and greater customization options.

Customer Care

• Instafeed.js: Because it s free and open-source, there is no dedicated customer support. Support is primarily limited to:
  • GitHub Issues: For reporting bugs or requesting features.
  • Community Forums: You may find help from other developers on forums like Stack Overflow.
• Alternatives: Paid platforms and plugins usually have their own support channels:
  • Social Media Aggregators: Typically offer email support, live chat, and comprehensive documentation.
  • WordPress Plugins: Often provide support through the plugin author s website or WordPress forums.

Summary

Instafeed.js is a simple and lightweight solution for displaying Instagram feeds on your website, but its functionality is now severely limited due to Instagram API changes.

Recommendation:

• For Basic Functionality (limited): If you need very basic Instagram feed display from an Instagram Business Account you own, you might be able to use Instafeed.js if you have the knowledge to set up the Meta Graph API and obtain a long-lived access token.
• For Robust Features, Reliability, and Customization:
  • You will likely need to use a paid social media aggregator or a premium WordPress plugin or use a custom developed backend to reliably display Instagram feeds.
  • Be sure to research the features, pricing, and support options of each alternative to determine the best fit for your needs.

Remember that the landscape of Instagram API integration is constantly changing, so it s important to stay up-to-date with the latest developments.