Common Instagram API Errors and How to Fix Them
Troubleshoot the most common Instagram API issues when automating posts from Google Sheets. Get your automation back on track with our comprehensive error fixing guide.
Understanding Instagram API Errors
Why API Errors Happen
Instagram's API has strict rules to prevent spam and protect user data. When these rules are violated or when technical issues occur, the API returns error codes to explain what went wrong.
Authentication Issues
Problems with access tokens, permissions, or account connectivity.
Content Violations
Issues with media format, size, or content policy violations.
Rate Limiting
Too many requests sent too quickly, triggering API limits.
Most Common Instagram API Errors
Error 190: Access Token Error
Invalid or expired access token
Common Causes
- •Token expired after 60 days
- •Token manually revoked
- •Password changed
- •App permissions removed
Solutions
- Reconnect Instagram account
- Refresh access token
- Check app permissions
- Verify account status
Error 100: Invalid Parameter
One or more required parameters missing or invalid
Common Causes
- •Missing media URL
- •Invalid image format
- •Caption too long
- •Unsupported aspect ratio
Solutions
- Check media URL accessibility
- Verify image dimensions
- Shorten caption text
- Use supported formats
Error 200: Permissions Error
Insufficient permissions to perform action
Common Causes
- •Missing publish permissions
- •Account not Business/Creator
- •Page not connected
- •Admin privileges revoked
Solutions
- Switch to Business account
- Connect Facebook Page
- Request admin access
- Re-authenticate account
Error 613: Rate Limit Exceeded
Too many API calls in a short period
Common Causes
- •Bulk posting attempts
- •Multiple simultaneous requests
- •App limit reached
- •User limit exceeded
Solutions
- Reduce posting frequency
- Implement request queuing
- Wait before retrying
- Spread posts over time
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Identify the Error
First, locate the error message in your Sheets to Social status column or error notifications.
Where to Find Error Messages
- • Status column in your Google Sheet (will show "failed" with error details)
- • Email notifications from Sheets to Social
- • Add-on sidebar error display
- • Instagram notification center (for severe violations)
Check Account Connection
Most errors are related to authentication issues. Verify your account connection status.
- Open your Google Sheet with Sheets to Social
- Click Extensions → Sheets to Social → Account Status
- Check if your Instagram account shows as "Connected"
- If disconnected, click "Reconnect Account"
- Follow the authentication flow completely
💡 Pro Tip: Instagram tokens expire every 60 days. Set a calendar reminder to reconnect your account monthly to prevent interruptions.
Verify Content Requirements
Ensure your content meets Instagram's technical and policy requirements.
✅ Content Checklist
- • Image: 1080x1080px minimum
- • Video: Under 100MB, MP4 format
- • Caption: Under 2,200 characters
- • Media URL: Publicly accessible
- • Format: JPG, PNG, MP4, MOV
❌ Common Violations
- • Copyright protected music
- • Low quality/pixelated images
- • Inappropriate or violent content
- • Excessive promotional language
- • Broken or private media URLs
Test Media URLs
Verify that your media URLs are accessible and properly formatted.
Google Drive URL Format
Correct: https://drive.google.com/uc?id=FILE_ID
Incorrect: https://drive.google.com/file/d/FILE_ID/view
- Copy your media URL from the spreadsheet
- Paste it in a new browser tab
- Verify the image/video loads correctly
- Check that the file is publicly accessible (not requiring login)
- Ensure the URL returns the actual media file, not a preview page
Retry Failed Posts
After fixing the underlying issue, retry your failed posts.
- Locate the row with the failed post (status = "failed")
- Fix any issues identified in previous steps
- Change the status cell to "scheduled" or clear it completely
- Use Extensions → Sheets to Social → Publish Selected to retry immediately
- Or wait for the next automatic check cycle (every 15 minutes)
Preventing Future Errors
Best Practices
- • Test media URLs before scheduling
- • Keep captions under 2,000 characters
- • Use high-quality, original images
- • Avoid excessive hashtags (stick to 5-10)
- • Schedule posts during optimal times
- • Monitor Instagram policy updates
Regular Maintenance
- • Reconnect account monthly
- • Review failed posts weekly
- • Update media URLs if files move
- • Check Instagram notifications
- • Backup your content spreadsheet
- • Stay updated on API changes
📋 Monthly Maintenance Checklist
Account Health
- ☐ Reconnect Instagram account
- ☐ Check Facebook Page connection
- ☐ Verify Business account status
- ☐ Review account permissions
Content Review
- ☐ Test random media URLs
- ☐ Review failed posts
- ☐ Update broken links
- ☐ Check content compliance
Getting Additional Help
When to Contact Support
- • Errors persist after following all troubleshooting steps
- • You receive unusual or undocumented error codes
- • Account connection fails repeatedly
- • Media uploads work manually but fail through automation
- • You suspect an Instagram API or policy change
Information to Include
- • Exact error message or code
- • Screenshot of the error
- • Content that failed (caption, media URL)
- • Your Instagram account type
- • When the error first occurred
- • Steps you've already tried
Support Channels
Still Having Issues?
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