Meta's API Change Impacts Third-Party App Integrations
Meta's recent API update has disrupted several third-party apps that previously integrated with Instagram. This change primarily affects the Instagram Basic Display API, which allowed apps to connect to users' personal Instagram accounts and access their content.
Dating apps like Tinder and Hinge, owned by Match Group, are among those affected. These apps previously allowed users to link their Instagram profiles to display posts to potential matches. This feature will no longer be available due to the API change. For more on tech industry news, see Meta Questions Musk's Political Role.
Day One, a journaling app acquired by Automattic, is also significantly impacted. The app's key feature of importing Instagram photos and posts into journals will be discontinued. This change affects Day One Premium subscribers who previously benefited from this integration. Check out 9to5Mac Daily: iOS 18.2 Updates and Apple News for more on tech updates.
Impact and Alternatives
The new Instagram API only supports business accounts, not personal accounts, limiting its functionality for apps like Day One. While existing journal entries with Instagram photos will remain accessible, automatic imports are no longer possible. This change highlights the challenges developers face when relying on third-party APIs. For insights on AI and its impact, see Snyk Delays IPO, Betting on Strategic Timing and AI-Driven Security.
Other services previously using the deprecated API include Discord, which removed its Instagram connection earlier. Website embed services like Spotlight and SnapWidget are also affected, suggesting users switch to business accounts as a workaround.