Instagram API FAQ — Common Questions
HikerAPI FAQ: pricing, rate limits, API versions, pagination, supported languages. How to get followers, scrape without blocks, and more.
Frequently asked questions
Do you have a plan to make over a million requests?
Yes, contact us via email or Telegram for custom high-volume plans.
Will my funds expire at the end of the month?
No, we only charge for successful requests. If you stop making requests your balance will remain unchanged.
What requests do you charge for?
We charge for any successful response (such as 200, 403, 404). For 50x errors we do not charge.
Do you have a referral program?
Yes, we have a referral program. Visit our Help Center for more information.
What are the differences between API versions?
Version v1 provides validated data ensuring compliance with standards. Version v2 delivers raw data as originally provided. Version gql allows you to select and query specific data fields.
What is the best endpoint to use to get followers/followings?
For v1: /v1/user/following/chunk and /v1/user/followers/chunk (25-100 records). For v2: /v2/user/following and /v2/user/followers (25-100 records). For gql: /gql/user/followers/chunk and /gql/user/following/chunk (50 records).
How to get Instagram followers via API?
Use our REST API endpoints to retrieve follower lists for any public Instagram account. Send a GET request to /v1/user/followers/chunk with the user ID.
How to scrape Instagram without getting blocked?
Instead of direct scraping, use HikerAPI — we handle proxy rotation, session management, and rate limiting on our infrastructure.
What are the alternatives to Instagram Private API?
The main options are: Instagram Graph API (official, limited to your own data), direct scraping (risky, requires proxy infrastructure), and third-party APIs like HikerAPI.
What is the best way to get Instagram user data programmatically?
The most reliable way is using a dedicated API service. With HikerAPI, you can get any public user's profile with a single API call to /v1/user/by/username.
Is HikerAPI a subscription?
No. HikerAPI is pure pay-as-you-go on a prepaid balance. There are no monthly or annual fees, no recurring charges, and no forced spending. You top up any amount and spend it only as you make requests.
Do I keep my per-request rate forever?
Yes. Once you unlock a rate by reaching its balance threshold, that rate stays on your account permanently. It never downgrades, even if your balance later drops to a few cents.
What happens to my plan if my balance runs low?
Nothing. Your rate is locked in for life. You can spend your balance all the way down and your per-request price stays the same. Top up again later, any amount, and you keep your rate. You never have to re-deposit the full unlock amount.
Will my rate change automatically when I add funds?
No, you choose your tier yourself on the Pricing page. Adding funds never switches your rate on its own. To move to a cheaper tier, reach its balance once and select it. Everything you deposit is spent at your current rate, so nothing is lost.