Instagram data download: time and files

1. Open the download page

Direct link (you’ll need to be logged in): accountscenter.instagram.com/info_and_permissions/dyi/

• App: Profile → menu → Accounts Center → Your information and permissions → Download your information.
• Web: Settings → Accounts Center → same Download your information path.
• If labels look different, search Accounts Center for “Download your information.”

2. Pick a small, useful export

1. Choose Download or transfer information.
2. Select Some of your information.
3. Tick Followers and following.
4. Set format to JSON (easiest to upload here).
5. If you’re checking who unfollowed you later, you’ll need a second download on another day—keep the ZIPs labeled by date.

3. How long will it take?

• It depends on account size and Instagram’s queue—there’s no fixed minute count.
• Asking only for Followers and following (not your whole archive) usually finishes sooner.
• If nothing arrives, check email and the download status page again later.

4. Unzip and find the right files

1. Download the ZIP when Instagram says it’s ready.
2. Extract it, then open connections/followers_and_following/.

• following.json — people you follow.
• followers_1.json (name may vary) — people who follow you.
• If you only see following, request again and make sure Followers and following is selected.
• Zero followers can mean an empty or missing followers file—that’s normal for brand-new accounts.

5. Upload into ListDiff

1. Open the compare tool.
2. Upload following.json to List A and the followers file to List B (for a follow-back check).
3. Usernames are pulled out automatically—then click Compare lists.

Next steps depending on your goal: compare Instagram lists overview · who doesn’t follow back · who unfollowed you.

FAQ