Connect Instagram Messaging

Step-by-step guide to get your Meta Graph API credentials for Instagram DMs

📋 Prerequisites

  • Instagram Business or Creator Account (not personal)
  • Facebook Page linked to your Instagram account
  • Meta Business Account (verified)

🚀 Step 1: Create Meta App

  1. Go to Meta for Developers
  2. Click "Create App"
  3. Select "Business" as app type
  4. Fill in app details:
    • App Name: Your company name
    • Contact Email: Your email
    • Business Account: Select your Meta Business Account
  5. Click "Create App"

🔧 Step 2: Configure Instagram API

  1. In your app dashboard, find "Instagram" product
  2. Click "Set Up"
  3. Add the "Instagram Messaging API"
  4. Generate a User Access Token:
    • Go to Tools → Graph API Explorer
    • Select your app
    • Add permissions: instagram_business_basic, instagram_business_manage_messages, instagram_business_manage_comments, pages_show_list, pages_messaging
    • Click "Generate Access Token"
    • Log in and authorize
  5. Copy the Access Token (starts with EAAA...)

🔑 Step 3: Get Your Credentials

Meta App ID:

Go to App Settings → Basic, copy "App ID"

Meta App Secret:

In the same page, copy "App Secret" (click "Show")

Instagram Business Account ID:

  1. Go to Meta Business Suite → Settings
  2. Click "Instagram Accounts"
  3. Find your account and copy the numeric ID

🪝 Step 4: Set Up Webhooks

  1. In your Meta App, go to Instagram → Webhooks
  2. Subscribe to messages webhook field
  3. Add Callback URL: https://yourdomain.com/api/v1/webhooks/360dialog
  4. Add Verify Token: Use the token from your backend env
  5. Click "Verify and Save"

⚠️ Important Notes

  • • Access tokens expire. Use a long-lived token (60 days)
  • • For production, submit your app for App Review
  • • Test with your own account before going live
  • • Rate limits apply: 200 API calls per hour per user

✅ Final Step: Enter in Settings

Once you have all credentials, go to your Settings → Socials page and enter:

  • Meta Access Token
  • Meta App ID
  • Meta App Secret
  • Instagram Business Account ID

Click "Save & Connect" to test the connection!

Official Instagram Messaging API Docs